"Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" never garnered the critical success of other sci-fi shows like "The Twilight Zone," "The Outer Limits," or even the later classic "Star Trek." This was due in part to network constraints and producer/creator Irwin Allen's cost-consciousness and lack of direction for the show. Thus, the show was thought of, by many, as being a "kid's show," especially due to its airing opposite such fare as "The Wonderful World of Disney" and "Lassie." "Voyage's" first year was undeniably its best, blending Cold War espionage with occasional forays into fantasy/science fiction. "Submarine Sank Here," however, was a tightly-knit tale of crewman under pressure with their lives at stake.
As the story begins, the Seaview comes upon a submerged minefield, exploding several mines, sending the ship to the ocean floor. With dwindling air and the likelihood that rescue may be too late, the crew balances hope with despair, resulting in tense confrontations and emotional outbursts from all. This is one of the few "Voyage" installments wherein every member of the cast gets some important screen time and dialog, from the seldom heard "O'Brien" (Derrick Lewis) to the stalwart "Chip" (Bob Dowdell). Guests include George Lindsey ("Goober" of "The Andy Griffith Show") and Robert Doyle, who had appeared in a couple of earlier installments and would return as another character in the second-season episode "And Five of Us are Left".
Kudos also must be given to writer William Tunberg and superb direction from Leonard Horn. Both should have been at the helm of the show's duration. If they had, the show may have attained a greater place in television history.
As the story begins, the Seaview comes upon a submerged minefield, exploding several mines, sending the ship to the ocean floor. With dwindling air and the likelihood that rescue may be too late, the crew balances hope with despair, resulting in tense confrontations and emotional outbursts from all. This is one of the few "Voyage" installments wherein every member of the cast gets some important screen time and dialog, from the seldom heard "O'Brien" (Derrick Lewis) to the stalwart "Chip" (Bob Dowdell). Guests include George Lindsey ("Goober" of "The Andy Griffith Show") and Robert Doyle, who had appeared in a couple of earlier installments and would return as another character in the second-season episode "And Five of Us are Left".
Kudos also must be given to writer William Tunberg and superb direction from Leonard Horn. Both should have been at the helm of the show's duration. If they had, the show may have attained a greater place in television history.