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Interestingly, when Lost in Space first premiered, Dr. Zachary Smith was intended to be a minor character. However, it quickly became clear that Harris's charismatic portrayal was a game-changer. From the very first episodes, he infused the role with a delightful mix of villainy and cowardice which resonated with viewers, transforming Dr. Smith into one of the show's focal points. This shift led producers to revise scripts and create additional scenes to capitalize on Harris's undeniable talent, similar to how the character of Barney Fife was re-envisioned in The Andy Griffith Show.