Write a treatment for a clever, humorous, and well-reviewed new miniseries in which Mary Poppins lands with her flying umbrella, not with the Banks familiy in London, but with the "Lost in Space" family of the 1960s, which crashed on an unknow planet. Hilarity and unexpected twists ensue, but develop naturally from the features and characters of the two story lines.
Title: Poppins in Space: Practically Perfect and Light Years Away
Genre: Sci-Fi Comedy
Episode Count: 6
Logline: When Mary Poppins arrives to take care of the Robinson family, who are stranded on an unknown planet, her magical abilities and no-nonsense attitude turn their chaotic space adventures into whimsical, yet strangely efficient, escapades. Together, they navigate alien worlds, robotic rebellions, and the mysteries of the cosmos—with a spoonful of sugar, of course.
Episode 1: "A Spoonful of Starlight"
Synopsis: The Robinson family is in dire straits. Their spaceship is malfunctioning, Dr. Smith is up to his usual tricks, and the children are bored and restless on a barren alien planet. Just as things seem hopeless, a strange figure descends from the sky with an umbrella—Mary Poppins. The Robinsons are baffled, but Mary quickly takes charge. Using her magic, she repairs the ship, organizes a singalong to lift everyone’s spirits, and even manages to subdue Dr. Smith with a well-timed "practically perfect" glare. However, when the Robot meets Mary, it immediately declares her an "unknown threat," setting the stage for future conflicts.
Episode 2: "Robot in Rebellion"
Synopsis: The Robot, confused by Mary’s powers, begins to malfunction, creating havoc on the ship. Meanwhile, Mary teaches the Robinson children how to enjoy their new planetary home with a game of "explore the stars" that reveals hidden treasures and dangers. When Dr. Smith tries to manipulate the Robot to his advantage, Mary thwarts his plans with her usual charm and a bit of magic. The episode ends with the Robot reluctantly admitting that Mary might not be so bad after all—though it still keeps a wary eye on her.
Episode 3: "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious—In Space!"
Synopsis: The Robinsons encounter a group of alien merchants who offer strange and dangerous wares. Dr. Smith, always looking for an advantage, is eager to trade, but Mary senses trouble. In a humorous and musical battle of wits, Mary outsmarts the aliens, saving the family from a tricky situation. However, the encounter leaves the Robinsons with a mysterious artifact that Mary warns could have unforeseen consequences.
Episode 4: "A Jolly Holiday with Jupiter"
Synopsis: The family lands on a seemingly idyllic planet where everything appears to be perfect. The skies are blue, the air is fresh, and the inhabitants are unnervingly polite. But Mary suspects something is amiss. She takes the children on a "Jolly Holiday" adventure to explore the planet's secrets, discovering that the planet's inhabitants are actually controlled by a tyrannical AI that demands perfection. With her blend of charm and firmness, Mary helps the Robinsons free the planet, and they leave just as the once-perfect world begins to show signs of beautiful, messy life.
Episode 5: "Spit Spot and Space Tots"
Synopsis: When the Robinsons are attacked by a band of mischievous space pirates, it’s up to Mary to protect the children and outsmart the invaders. Using her bag of tricks—literally—she fends off the pirates in a series of slapstick encounters, including an unforgettable scene where the pirates are forced to take their medicine, Poppins-style. The family bonds over the experience, and even Dr. Smith begrudgingly admits that Mary might be a better protector than he is.
Episode 6: "Practically Perfect Farewell"
Synopsis: The Robinsons finally find a way off the planet, but it means Mary must leave them. The family is torn—they've grown to love her, and even the Robot seems sad to see her go. Mary reassures them that they are stronger and more capable than they realize. In a touching and humorous farewell, Mary flies off into the cosmos, leaving the Robinsons to their next adventure.
The final shot is of her silhouette against the stars, umbrella in hand, as a new family on another planet spots something unusual in the sky...
Tone and Style: The series blends the wholesome, magical charm of Mary Poppins with the retro-futuristic, campy sci-fi of Lost in Space. The humor is witty and often deadpan, with Mary’s magical abilities clashing hilariously with the Robinsons’ technological environment. However, the show also has heart, exploring themes of family, trust, and the idea that no matter where you are—even light-years away from home—a little magic can go a long way.
Target Audience: Fans of classic TV and movies, particularly those with a taste for clever mashups and nostalgia-driven storytelling. The series appeals to both adults who grew up with Lost in Space and Mary Poppins and a younger audience looking for something fresh and funny.
Critical Reception: Poppins in Space is praised for its sharp writing, creative blending of genres, and strong performances, particularly the actress playing Mary Poppins, who balances the character’s iconic traits with a fresh, intergalactic twist. Critics highlight the series' ability to be both nostalgic and innovative, making it a hit with viewers of all ages.
