Popeye the Sailor

by Elzie Crisler Segar

Several early Popeye cartoons had plots that might only be explained by time travel, such as meeting Sindbad (played by Bluto) in a sixteen minute 1936 cartoon. However, for me, the real time travelin’ began in the 1960s television cartoon when the Professor had a time machine. Here’s a list of episodes which I know of that might be explained by time travel. Send me others that you spot!

Huck-huck-huck-huck. There ain’t no such thing as pirates, Olive. They’re only a fragamentation of the imagamentation.

Popeye the Sailor by Elzie Crisler Segar (27 November 1936).

Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies

by Mel Blanc

I hope I’ll find more time travel in the Warner Brothers cartoons, but for starters, there’s “The Old Grey Hare” where Elmer Fudd is taken far into the future—past 1990!—where he chases bugs with the Buck Rogers Lightning Quick Rabbit Killer, and Daffy Duck with Speedy Gonzalez in “See Ya Later, Gladiator” (1968).

When you hear the sound of the gong, it will be exactly twoooooo thowwwwwsand Ayyyyy Deee!

Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies by Mel Blanc (28 October 1944).

Brick Bradford

by George Plympton, Arthur Hoerl, and Lewis Clay, directed by Spencer Gordon Bennett and Thomas Carr

In fifteen episodes, Brick travels to the moon to protect a rocket interceptor while his pals take the time top to the 18th century to find a critical hidden formula.

— Michael Main

Maybe tomorrow you’ll be visiting your great, great grandmother.

Brick Bradford by George Plympton, Arthur Hoerl, and Lewis Clay, directed by Spencer Gordon Bennett and Thomas Carr (at movie theaters, USA, 18 December 1947).

Studio One

created by Fletcher Markle

Almost every week for a period of nearly eleven years (7 Nov 1948 to 29 Sep 1958), Studio One presented a black-and-white drama to CBS’s television audience. We can claim some of the TV plays as our own in the sf genre, and at least two included time travel (a “Berkeley Square” remake on 20 March 1949, and “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” on 19 May 1952). One other sf connection comes from Studio One clips of William Shatner (in “The Defender,” 1957) which were used to portray a young Denny Crane in an episode of Boston Legal (“Son of the Defender,” 2007).

You’ve heard of the transmigration of soul; have you ever heard of the transposition of a man’s body in time and place?

Studio One created by Fletcher Markle.

Lights Out

by Fred Coe

I wonder whether Lights Out was the earliest sf anthology TV show. The first four episodes were live broadcasts on New York’s WNBT-TV (NBC) starting on 3 Jun 1946. It was renewed by NBC for three seasons of national broadcast starting 26 Jul 1949, and I spotted at least two time-travel episodes. Some episodes have found their way to Youtube, although I watched “And Adam Beget” on Disk 5 of the Netflix offering. I haven’t yet listened to any of the earlier radio broadcasts.

The episode “And Adam Beget” came from a 1939 radio episode of Arch Oboler’s Plays, and it formed the basis for a 1953 Steve Ditko story, “A Hole in His Head,” in the Black Magic comic book.

You don’t understand. Look at the short, hairy, twisted body—the neck bent, the head thrust forward, those enormous brows, the short flat nose. . .

Lights Out by Fred Coe.

Mighty Mouse

by Izzy Klein and Paul Terry

Mighty Mouse saved the day many a time, so doubtlessly he has saved the day in many other times, too, but so far I’ve seen only one such episode (“Prehistoric Perils,” 1952) in which our mouse goes in our villain’s machine back to the dinosaurs to save Pearl Pureheart.

And now, my little papoose, I shall take you off in my time machine.

Mighty Mouse by Izzy Klein and Paul Terry (28 December 1951).

Lux Video Theatre (s02e19)

The Jest of Hahalaba

by David Shaw, directed by Richard Goode

Lux Video Theatre (s02e19), “The Jest of Hahalaba” by David Shaw, directed by Richard Goode (CBS-TV, USA, 31 December 1951).

Tales of Tomorrow

by Theodore Sturgeon and Mort Abrahamson

When Sturgeon and Abrahamson sold the idea of this anthology show to ABC, they had the backing of the Science Fiction League of America, giving ABC first shot at any stories written by league members. They took good advantage of the deal, including stories by Fredric Brown, Arthur C. Clarke, C.M. Kornbluth, and others including Henry Kuttner and C.M. Moore’s “What You Need.” That excellent 1945 story involves future prediction without time travel, but I included it in my time-travel list just because I liked it so much (and it was later made into a Twilight Zone episode, too). Hence, I’ll count the Feb 1952 airing of the story as the first time travel in Tales of Tomorrow. There were at least four other see-into-the-future-or-past episodes, but I won’t include them in the list below. After all, one must have standards!

In general, I’d place the stories on the more horrific end of the science fiction scale, but certainly worth watching.

After my treatment, you’l awake. You’ll find yourself in a room a thousand miles from here and back seven years in time. You’ll have absolutely no remembrance of these past seven years. The slate will be clean.

Tales of Tomorrow by Theodore Sturgeon and Mort Abrahamson.

Science Fiction Theater

by Ivan Tors

I’ve seen only the second episode, “Time Is Just a Place” (in color!), in which a happy 1950s couple (one of whom is Mr. B from Hazel—did she ever time travel?) get new neighbors who have escaped from the future. The episode was based on the 1951 Jack Finney story, “Such Interesting Neighbors.”

Nothing to get excited about. Any housewife could use one.

Science Fiction Theater by Ivan Tors (15 April 1955).

Adventures of Superman

by Whitney Ellsworth and Robert J. Maxwell

In the first episode of season 3, “Through the Time Barrier” (23 Mar 1955), Professor Twiddle’s time machine takes the staff of the Daily Planet back to prehistoric times. I don’t know whether there was any other time travel.

Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! Look—up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!

Yes, it’s Superman, strange visitor from another planet who came to Earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. Superman, who can change the course of mighty rivers, bend steel in his bare hands, and who—disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannored reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper—fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way!

Adventures of Superman by Whitney Ellsworth and Robert J. Maxwell (23 April 1955).

Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (s01e6)

The Time Element

by Rod Serling

Serling wrote this one-hour time-travel episode as a pilot for a one-hour anthology show, but after it was filmed, William Dozier at CBS requested a change to a half-hour format. So, “The Time Element” was shelved while Serling worked on a new pilot (which also had a stormy history). Meanwhile, Bert Granet, producer of the Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, caught wind of the original Serling pilot and quickly snapped up the production for which he had to then fight hard with the Westinghouse bigwigs in order to air.

The story involves a time traveler, Pete Jensen, who couldn’t stop the attack on Pearl Harbor, but he certainly made his mark as the Twilight Zone precursor.

I have information that the Japanese are gonna bomb Pearl Harbor tomorrow morning at approximately 8am Honolulu time.

Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (s01e06), “The Time Element” by Rod Serling (CBS-TV, USA, 24 November 1958).

Hallmark Hall of Fame

|pending byline|

Over the years, I’ve seen dozens of the Hallmark Hall of Fame specials. More recently, I went through the list of episodes back to 1951 when they started as a weekly anthology show on NBC. I spotted only one episode with time travel, the venerable Berkeley Square, broadcast in color on a special day in 1959, but I haven't yet tracked down a copy to watch.

Hallmark Hall of Fame |pending byline| (5 February 1959).

BBC Sunday-Night Theater

|pending byline|

For nearly all of 14 years, the BBC staged and broadcast weekly live plays, at least one which included time travel: a production of the 1926 play, Berkeley Square. According to lostshows.com, no copy of Berkeley Square survived, but I did enjoy a telerecording of their 1954 staging of Nineteen-Eighty-Four (with no time travel!) that caused a stir in cold-war era Britain.

Attention, comrades, attention! Here is a complementary production bulletin issued by the Ministry of Plenty giving further glorious news of the success of the seventh three-year plan! In clear demonstration of the rising standards of our new, happy life, the latest calculated increases are as follows. . .

BBC Sunday-Night Theater |pending byline| (31 May 1959).

Hector Heathcote

by Eli Bauer

Hector first appeared in a movie theater short feature (I miss short features) called “The Minute and ½ Man” in 1959 where he goes back to the American Revolution and fouls things up until the end when he scares away the Redcoats (reminiscent of the 1955 Casper cartoon). I haven’t seen that first cartoon in which Hector travels by time machine, but Hector later had TV escapades (his own show, starting 5 Oct 1963) visiting the likes of Daniel Boone and inventing the telephone in 1876, all without a time machine in the ones I saw. There was also a children’s book (which had no time travel), a Dell spin-off comic book (Mar 1964), and a Colorforms’ play set (which provided the image to the top-left).

You’re wanted on the telephone—a young lady.

Hector Heathcote by Eli Bauer (4 July 1959).

The Twilight Zone

by Rod Serling

Five seasons with many time-travel episodes. Four (marked with ¤) were written by Richard Matheson, one was by E. Jack Neuman (“Templeton”), one by Reginold Rose (“Horace Ford”), and the rest were by Serling (including “What You Need” based on a Lewis Padgett story with prescience only and no real time travel, “Execution” from a story of George Clayton Johnson, “A Quality of Mercy” from a Sam Rolfe story featuring a young Dean Stockwell, and “Of Late I Think of Cliffordville” from Malcolm Jameson’s “Blind Alley”).

There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man’s fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone.

The Twilight Zone by Rod Serling (30 October 1959).

The Twilight Zone (r1s01e05)

Walking Distance

by Rod Serling, directed by Robert Stevens

Stopped at a gas station outside of his boyhood hometown, burnt-out executive Martin Sloan decides to explore the town, which surprisingly has not changed at all in twenty-some years.

— Michael Main

I know you’ve come from a long way from here. . . a long way and a long time.

The Twilight Zone (v1s01e05), “Walking Distance” by Rod Serling, directed by Robert Stevens (CBS-TV, USA, 30 October 1959).

Peabody’s Improbable History

by Ted Key

The genius dog, Mr. Peabody, and his boy Sherman travel back in the Wayback Machine to see what truly happened at key points of history.

Peabody here.

Peabody’s Improbable History by Ted Key (29 November 1959).

The Twilight Zone (r1s01e10)

Judgment Night

by Rod Serling, directed by John Brahm

Carl Lanser finds himself on a transatlantic voyage of the cargo liner S.S. Queen of Glasgow, in 1942, not knowing much about himself or how he got there, but knowing volumes about submarine warfare.

— Michael Main

There’d be no wolf packs converging on a single ship, Major Devereaux. The principle of the submarine pack is based on the convoy attack.

The Twilight Zone (v1s01e10), “Judgment Night” by Rod Serling, directed by John Brahm (CBS-TV, USA, 4 December 1959).

The Twilight Zone (r1s01e18)

The Last Flight

by Rod Serling, directed by William F. Claxton

World War I pilot Terry Decker flies through a white cloud and emerges 42 years later, landing at an American Air Force Base in France, at which point he proves that a Nieuport 28 biplane is capable of doing a causal loop just as well as he can do an Immelmann Turn.

— Michael Main

The Twilight Zone (v1s01e18), “The Last Flight” by Rod Serling, directed by William F. Claxton (CBS-TV, USA, 5 February 1960).

The Twilight Zone (r1s01e26)

Execution

by Rod Serling, directed by David Orrick McDearmon

Back in the 1880s, just after a man without conscience is dropped from a lone tree with a rope around his neck, a scientist pulls him into 20th-century New York City.

Serling wrote this script based on a George Clayton Johnson’s bare bones, present-tense treatment for a TV script, complete with an indication of where the commercial break should go. For this episode, Serling filled in the flesh and cut the fat from a bare bones, present-tense treatment by George Clayton Johnson. The treatment appeared in Johnson’s 1977 retrospective collection of scripts and stories, and in Volume 9 of Serling’s collected Twilight Zone scripts, Johnson commented that “Rod took my idea and went off to the races with it. He had a remarkable knowledge of what would and wouldn’t work on television, and he took everything that wouldn’t work out of ‘Execution’. He worked like a surgeon; a little snip here, a complete amputation over there, move this bone into place, graft over that one. When he was done, my little story had grown into a television script that lived and breathed on its own.” Serling also added a nice twist at the end that, for us, warranted the TV episode an Eloi Honorable Mention.
Rod Serling wrote this script based on a 1960 Twilight Zone episode of the same name, but I’m uncertain whether the story was published before Johnson’s 1977 retrospective collection.

— Michael Main

Caswell: I wanna see if there are things out there like you described to me. Carriages without horses and the buildings that rise to—

Professor Manion: They’re out there, Caswell.. . . Things you can’t imagine.

The Twilight Zone (v1s01e26), “Execution” by Rod Serling, directed by David Orrick McDearmon (CBS-TV, USA, 1 April 1960).

The Twilight Zone (r1s01e30)

A Stop at Willoughby

by Rod Serling, directed by Robert Parrish

On a snowy November evening during his train commute home from New York City, John Daly falls asleep and, perhaps in a dream, sees a simpler life with bands playing in the bandstand, people riding penny farthings through the park, and kids fishin’ at their fishin’ holes the 1888 summertime of idyllic Willoughby.

— Michael Main

Willoughby, sir? That’s Willoughby right outside. Willoughby, July, summer. It’s 1888—really a lovely little village. You ought to try it sometime. Peaceful, restful, where a man can slow down to a walk and live his live full-measure.

The Twilight Zone (v1s01e30), “A Stop at Willoughby” by Rod Serling, directed by Robert Parrish (CBS-TV, USA, 6 May 1960).

Tooter Turtle

|pending byline|

In each of the 39 short episodes (aired as part of King Leonardo and His Short Subjects), young Tooter would visit Mr. Wizard with the latest passionate idea of what he wanted to be. Mr. Wizard would magically make him into his wish (often back in time), but it would always end up with Tooter learning a lesson.

Be just vhat you is, not vhat you is not. Folks vhat do zis are ze happiest lot.

Tooter Turtle |pending byline| (15 October 1960).

The Twilight Zone (r1s02e09)

The Trouble with Templeton

by E. Jack Neuman, directed by Buzz Kulik

The trouble with aging actor Booth Templeton is that he sees life as useless even decades after his young wife died. The answer to his trouble may lie in the people he meets—including his dead wife, Laura!—in what appears to be his hangouts from some thirty years ago. Actual time travel or something more fantastical? You be the judge.

— Michael Main

Laura! The freshest, most radiant creature God ever created. Eighteen when I married her, Marty, . . . twenty-five when she died.

The Twilight Zone (v1s02e09), “The Trouble with Templeton” by E. Jack Neuman, directed by Buzz Kulik (CBS-TV, USA, 9 December 1960).

The Twilight Zone (r1s02e10)

A Most Unusual Camera

by Rod Serling, directed by John Rich

Petty thieves Chet and Paula Diedrich are frustrated, angry, and in a bickering mood when they find nothing but cheap junk in the 400-lbs. of stuff they lifted from a curios store in the middle of the night, . . . until that boxy looking camera with the indecipherable label—dix à la propriétaire—produces a photo of the immediate future.

— Michael Main

Yeah, it takes dopey pictures—dopey pictures like things that haven’t happened yet, but they do happen.

The Twilight Zone (v1s02e10), “A Most Unusual Camera” by Rod Serling, directed by John Rich (CBS-TV, 16 December 1960).

The Twilight Zone (r1s02e13)

Back There

by Rod Serling, directed by David Orrick McDearmon

An engineer in the 1960s slips back to the night of Lincoln’s assassination.

— Michael Main

I’ve got a devil of a lot more than a premonition. Lincole will be assassinated unless somebody tries to prevent it!

The Twilight Zone (v1s02e13), “Back There” by Rod Serling, directed by David Orrick McDearmon (CBS-TV, 13 January 1961).

Walt Disney’s Classic Cartoons

|pending byline|

Even before the modern Duck Tales that my kids watched, I’ll bet Mickey and his friends went romping through time numerous times. The only one that I remember seeing as a kid myself was a trek by a singing father and son to see the invention of the wheel by a prehistoric Donald Duck (“Donald and the Wheel”).

This cat is really nowhere; in some circles, we’d call him square.

Walt Disney’s Classic Cartoons |pending byline| (21 June 1961).

The Twilight Zone (r1s03e15)

A Quality of Mercy

by Rod Serling, directed by Buzz Kulik

The Twilight Zone (v1s03e15), “A Quality of Mercy” by Rod Serling, directed by Buzz Kulik (CBS-TV, 29 December 1961).

Clyde Crashcup

by Ross Bagdasarian

As a separate feature in The Alvin Show, Quirky Clyde Crashcup (with his assistant Leonardo) invented everything from babies to a time machine that reverses all time.

I should like to remind you that all of you who witnessed this demonstration are five minutes younger than you were when we started.

Clyde Crashcup by Ross Bagdasarian (31 January 1962).

鉄腕アトム

Tetsuwan Atomu English release: Astro Boy Literal: Mighty Atom

|pending byline|

Astro Boy began as a Japanese comic (manga) in 1952 and then became an anime cartoon before anybody knew what anime was. The cartoons of the 21st century Pinocchioish robot boy were dubbed in English and syndicated in the U.S. starting in 1963. I do remember one time-travel episode in which Astro Boy stopped a time-traveling collector from the future who was after ancient animals and people for his zoo; and I suspect there was more time travel in the manga and later U.S. cartoons.

Dad’s taking animals and plants and even people back with him to display in the 23rd century.

[ex=bare]鉄腕アトム | Mighty Atom | Tetsuwan Atomu[/ex] |pending byline| (1963).

The Twilight Zone (r1s04e14)

Of Late I Think of Cliffordsville

by Rod Serling, directed by David Lowell Rich

The Twilight Zone (v1s04e14), “Of Late I Think of Cliffordsville” by Rod Serling, directed by David Lowell Rich (CBS-TV, 11 April 1963).

The Outer Limits

by Leslie Stevens

The original series ran only a season and a half with 49 episodes on the science fiction end of The Twilight Zone mold, but a full hour long. At least four episodes had some time travel.

There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical. We can change the focus to a soft blur or sharpen it to crystal clarity. For the next hour, sit quietly and we will control all that you see and hear. You are about to participate in a great adventure. You are about the experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to. . . The Outer Limits!

The Outer Limits by Leslie Stevens (14 October 1963).

Dr. Who

by Sydney Newman et al.

Sadly, I’ve never been a vassel of the Time Lord, though I’ve seen his pull on his other subjects such as my student Viktor who gave me a run-down of the TV and movie series and spin-offs. In exchange, I guaranteed him at least a 4-star rating and he promised to never again mention the short story, comic book, audio book, radio, cartoon, novel, t-shirt, stage and coffee mug spin-offs.

Hard to remember. Some time soon now, I think.

Dr. Who by Sydney Newman et al. (23 November 1963).

The Outer Limits (r1s02e01)

Soldier

by Harlan Ellison and Leslie Stevens, directed by Gerd Oswald

Soldier by Harlan Ellison and Leslie Stevens, directed by Gerd Oswald (ABC-TV, USA 19 September 1964).

The Alfred Hitchcock Hour

by Alfred Hitchcock

As a kid, I knew of the iconic theme song and profile of Alfred Hitchcock, but it wasn’t until 2013 that I spotted one episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour with time travel—namely, their adaptation of John Wyndham’s “Consider Her Ways.”

This evening’s tale begins with a nightmare-like experience, but that is only a prelude to the terrifying events which follow. And now, speaking of terrifying events. . .

The Alfred Hitchcock Hour by Alfred Hitchcock (28 September 1964).

The Flintstones

by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera

Everyone gathered around the TV to watch America’s favorite stone-age family on Flintstones night in the 60s. In one episode of their final season (“Time Machine,” the Flintstones and the Rubbles turn the tables on America by visiting the 1964 World’s Fair (among other times in the future).

Oh, it’s marvelous, absolutely marvelous. You just step inside and I throw a lever. And things spin and lights go on and off, and you wind up somewhere in the future.

The Flintstones by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera (15 January 1965).

My Favorite Martian

by John L. Greene

Three seasons with at least 8 time-travel episodes All time travel occurs with Martin’s CCTBS, a cathode-ray, centrifugal, time breakascope.

What a planet for me to get marooned on.

My Favorite Martian by John L. Greene (20 June 1965).

I Dream of Jeannie

by Sidney Sheldon

Five seasons with 3 time-travel episodes, all with Jeannie (who was the primary reason I wanted to be an astronaut).

Naturally, I never had any refined taste (as indicated by the Bronze Eloi Medal awarded tp Jeannie), but I was a product of my 60s childhood, and, besides, Jeannie (occassionly and briefly) had a belly button (including season 5’s “Mrs. Djinn-Djinn”).

We’re at the marketplace, master. Oh, and there is Ali, the man who hit me.

I Dream of Jeannie by Sidney Sheldon (25 September 1965).

Bewitched

by Sidney Sheldon

Eight seasons with at least 19 time-travel episodes, all with the enchanting Samantha. (I had a scheme to become the third Darrin.)

Oh, my stars!

Bewitched by Sidney Sheldon (26 May 1966).

The Time Tunnel

by Irwin Allen

When the senate threatens to cut off funding for Project Tic-Toc, Tony Newman and Doug Phillips set out to prove that the project is viable, but instead they are trapped moving from one past time (perhaps the Titanic!) to another (could be the first manned mission to Mars) each week.

He could be living in yesterday or next week or a million years from now.

The Time Tunnel by Irwin Allen (9 September 1966).

It’s About Time

by Sherwood Schwartz

Astronauts ~~Gilligan and the Skipper~~ Mac and Hector get thrown from the space age to the stone age, complete with Tyrannosaurus Rex, English-speaking cavemen, a beautiful cavewoman (Imogene Coca) and the requisite hijinx. Partway through the first season, the cavepeople came to modern-day New York.

During my 2012 visit to Bellevue, my college roommate Paul Eisenbrey reminded me of this show from our childhood.

It’s about time, it’s about space, about two men in the strangest place.

It’s About Time by Sherwood Schwartz (11 September 1966).

Star Trek (s01e04)

The Naked Time

by John D. F. Black, directed by Marc Daniels

After an alien spore infects the entire Enterprise crew with madness, it seems that the only available action to save the ship from a rapdidly decaying orbit is a cold restart of the engines.

— Michael Main

You know, Dr. McCoy said the same thing.

Star Trek (s01e04), “The Naked Time” by John D. F. Black, directed by Marc Daniels (NBC-TV, USA, 29 September 1966).

Marvel

|pending byline|

Admittedly, I watched Marvel cartoons on ABC Saturday morning as early as 1966, but I was never enamored by them as I was with the comic books. I can list the first time travel in many series—including what I think is the first actual time travel of Spider-Man in any medium—but I have watched only a few.

Hey, listen to this! ‘This is my last entry. I have set the machine to three million B.C. The door will remain open for any who wish to follow.’

Marvel |pending byline| (10 November 1966).

Space Ghost

by Lewis Marshall et al.

Back in 1966, there was a certain excitement about the each fall’s new lineup of cartoons. Maybe it was because the networks (CBS in the case of Space Ghost) made a big deal about it, even advertising in Marvel Comics; or maybe it was because kids had relatively few choices compared with today’s cable extravaganza. Whatever the reason, I do remember anxiously anticipating the new cartoons in 1966, including Space Ghost and Dino Boy. Space Ghost traveled through time at least once, back to the time of the Vikings in “The Time Machine.”

Spaaaaaaaaaace Ghoooooooooost!

Space Ghost by Lewis Marshall et al. (26 November 1966).

The Monkees

by Bob Rafelson and Burt Schneider

I knew that if I rewatched these reruns long enough, the space-time continuum would bend. In the episode “Dance, Monkee, Dance” (12 Dec 1966), Martin Van Buren himself comes for a free dance lesson.

♫ I’m in love, I’m a believer, I couldn’t leave her if I tried. ♫

The Monkees by Bob Rafelson and Burt Schneider (12 December 1966).

The Wild Wild West

by Michael Garrison

Agents James T. West and Artemus Gordon (in hindsight, quite likely agents of Warehouse 12) traveled in time at least one time when they met none other than Ricardo Montalbán (aka Kahn) who plays Colonel Noel Barley Vautrain with a scheme to travel back to kill Ulysses S. Grant in “The Night of the Lord of Limbo.”

The concept of a warp in the fabric of space, a break that could permit an object—or a group of Marco Polos if you please—to enter and go voyaging through space’s unlimited fourth dimension: time.

The Wild Wild West by Michael Garrison (30 December 1966).

Star Trek (s01e19)

Tomorrow Is Yesterday

by D. C. Fontana, directed by Michael O’Herlihy

Darn those high-gravity black stars! Always accidentally throwing starships hither and yon through time. Although in this case, the crew of the Enterprise manages to correct all the problems they caused by beaming 1960s Air Force pilot Captain John Christopher on board.

— Michael Main

Spock: Fifty years to go. Forty. Thirty.
Kirk: Never mind, Mr. Spock.
Spock: [silence]

Star Trek (s01e19), “Tomorrow Is Yesterday” by D. C. Fontana, directed by Michael O’Herlihy (NBC-TV, USA, 26 January 1967).

I Dream of Jeannie (s02e28)

My Master, Napoléon’s Buddy

by Sidney Sheldon, directed by Claudio Guzman

When Tony says he’d love to spend an hour with Napoleon, Jeannie makes it so.

— Michael Main

Napoléon: (scratching his belly inside his uniform) These wool uniforms!

I Dream of Jeannie (s02e28), “My Master, Napoleon’s Buddy” by Sidney Sheldon, directed by Claudio Guzman (NBC-TV, USA, 3 April 1967).

Star Trek (s01e28)

The City on the Edge of Forever

by Harlan Ellison, directed by Joseph Pevney

After a delirious Bones hurtles through a time portal to the 1930s, Kirk and Spock follow to save him and stop dangerous changes to the timeline, no matter the cost.

— Michael Main

Star Trek (s01e28), “The City on the Edge of Forever” by Harlan Ellison, directed by Joseph Pevney (NBC-TV, USA, 6 April 1967).

Lost in Space

by Irwin Allen

Three seasons with 2 time-travel episodes.

Danger Will Robinson, danger!

Lost in Space by Irwin Allen (13 September 1967).

Dark Shadows

by Dan Curtis

If you were a cool kid in the 60s, you ran home from school to watch Dark Shadows, a vampiresque soap opera that presaged Twilight by about four decades. I wasn’t that cool myself, but my sister Lynda was, and from time to time I overheard her and the cool kids talking about the inhabitants of Collinwood trekking to the late 1700s (in episodes from late 1967 through early 1969) and the late 1800s (in the March 1969 episodes). There may well be other time-travel escapades that have escaped me.

I’m afraid you must forgive me, miss. If we have met before, I’m sorry to say that I don’t remember it.

Dark Shadows by Dan Curtis (17 November 1967).

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea

by Irwin Allen

In the fourth season, the futuristic submarine Seaview and its crew had four time-traveling escapades, including the finale.

Suppose we had a working time device. Would we be able to get back aboard Seaview before the explosion, find out what caused it, and prevent it from happening?

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea by Irwin Allen (3 December 1967).

Star Trek (s02e26)

Assignment: Earth

by Art Wallace, directed by Marc Daniels

The Enterprise and her crew make their first intentional trip back in time to study historical aspects of 1968 and the Cold War, but unexpectedly, they intercept a transporter beam that brings the mysterious Gary Seven and his feline from a faraway advanced planet.

— Michael Main

Humans of the 20th century do not go beaming around the Galaxy, Mr. Seven.

Star Trek (s02e26), “Assignment: Earth” by Art Wallace, directed by Marc Daniels (NBC-TV, USA, 29 March 1968).

Star Trek (s03e23)

All Our Yesterdays

by Jean Lisette Aroeste, directed by Marvin J. Chomsky

The three principal Trekkers find themselves on a planet where everyone is being evacuated to the past to escape an impending supernova.

— Michael Main

Spock! You’re reverting into your ancestors, five thousand years before you were born!

Star Trek (s03e23), “All Our Yesterdays” by Jean Lisette Aroeste, directed by Marvin J. Chomsky (NBC-TV, USA, 14 March 1969).

Woody Woodpecker

by Bugs Hardaway et al.

I found one cartoon where the screwball woodpecker travels back in time: “Prehistoric Super Salesman” from 1969 where Professor Grossenfibber needs a subject for his time tunnel.

Now my time machine is all ready for the experiment. All I need is somebody. . . is somebody. . . ah, the woodpecker, ya!

Woody Woodpecker by Bugs Hardaway et al. (1 September 1969).

Land of the Giants

by Irwin Allen

When a suborbital ship gets caught in a space storm, it ends up on a planet where everything and everyone is twelve times bigger than normal, providing fodder for adventure and at least two treks through time (“Home Sweet Home” on 12 Dec 1969, and “Wild Journey” on 8 Mar 1970).

The writing, acting and sets had little appeal to me, though I did enjoy Batgirl (Yvonne Craig) in “Wild Journey,” aka Marta, the green Orion dancer from the third season of Star Trek.

But don’t you see: If we never take that flight out, there would have never been a crash, and the others would have never been stranded on this planet.

Land of the Giants by Irwin Allen (21 December 1969).

Timeslip

by Ruth Boswell and James Boswell

Serious Simon and Emotional Elizabeth use the Time Barrier to travel to different doctorwhoish pasts and presents, never meeting the Time Lord himself, of course, but sometimes meeting versions of themselves and their families.

Old Beth: Sometimes in life you have to make decisions and hope they come out for the best. You’ll know about that soon enough.
Young Liz: But I’ll never make your decisions, will I?
Old Beth: Then how did I come to make them? We’re the same, Liz. But I’m like a person You’ll never be, and you’re like a person I never was, never.

Timeslip by Ruth Boswell and James Boswell (28 September 1970).

The Partridge Family

by Tony Romeo

I first noticed a Partridge Family time traveler in the song “Point Me in the Direction of Albuquerque” in which the young girl is obviously lost in time (although oddly, the key lyric line was omitted from the TV episode “Road Song”). If you listen closely, there are many other science fictional themes in the songs of Shirley Jones’s TV family, for example, the clones in One Night Stand (♫ I wish that I could be two people ♫) and, of course, the ubiquitous references to immortality (♫ Could it be forever? ♫).

♫Showed me a ticket for a Greyhound bus
Her head was lost in time
She didn't know who or where she was
And anyone that helps me is a real good friend of mi––i––ine♫

The Partridge Family by Tony Romeo (26 February 1971).

The Brady Kids

by Hal Sutherland

The kids, sans Alice and parents, starred in their own cartoon show with magical adventures including at least one time-travel incident where Marlon the wizard bird changes places with Merlin—all directed by Hal Sutherland, the soon-to-be director of the animated Star Trek.

Boys: ♫Meet three sisters,
Girls: ♫Now meet their brothers,
Marcia: ♫Greg’s the leader and a good man for the job.
Jan: ♫There’s another boy, by the name of Peter,
Cindy: ♫The youngest one is Bob.
Boys: ♫See our sisters: They’re all quite pretty.
Greg: ♫First there’s Marcia, with her eyes a sparklin’ blue.
Peter: ♫Then there’s Jan, the middle one, who’s really groovy,
Bobby: ♫And sister Cindy, too.
Boys: ♫Let’s get set now, for action and adventure, as we see things we never saw before.
Girls: ♫We’ll meet Mop Top and Ping and Pong, the pandas, and Marlon who has voices by the score.
All: ♫The Brady kids, the Brady kids, it’s the world of your friends the Brady kids!♫♫♫

The Brady Kids by Hal Sutherland (16 December 1972).

ドラえもん

Doraemon English release: Doraemon Literal: Stray pancake boy

|pending byline|

Doraemon, an imperfect, talking, cat-shaped robot from the future, imperfectly helps young Nobita through coming-of-age problems. Neither the short-lived 1973 anime series nor the 26-year-long 1979 series made it to English-language TV, but English dubs of the third revival (665 episodes and counting) began airing on the Disney channel in 2014 as Doraemon: Gadget Cat from the Future.

The original manga comic was created by Fujiko F. Fujio.

I wouldn’t get bogged down in the details right now. The thing to focus on is that ’ve come here to save you from a horrible fate.

[ex=bare]ドラえもん | Stray pancake boy | Doraemon[/ex] |pending byline| (1 April 1973).

Star Trek

by Hal Sutherland and Bill Reed

This series has a special place in my heart because of the day in 1974 when Dan Dorman and I visited Hal Sutherland north of Seattle to interview him for our fanzine, Free Fall. He treated the two teenagers like royalty and made two lifelong fans.

I think the series had only one time-travel story, “Yesteryear” (written by D.C. Fontana), which was the second in Sutherland’s tenure. In that episode, Spock returns from a time-traveling mission to find that he’s now in a reality where he died at age 7, and hence he returns to his own childhood to save himself.

Captain’s Log, Supplemental: When we were in the time vortex, something appears to have changed the present as we know it. No one aboard recognizes Mr. Spock. The only answer is that the past was—somehow—altered.

Star Trek by Hal Sutherland and Bill Reed (15 September 1973).

Love, American Style

|pending byline|

Even today, these vignettes hold a certain charm, although they’re also full of plot holes, and the one time travel episode has logic holes sufficient to drive a Delorean through. Even so, the episode “Love and the Time Machine” is the earliest presentation that I remember where a time machine provides multiple opportunities for a spurned suitor to court the object of his desire.

Just think, Doctor, the time barrier broken at last. This puts you up there with Albert Einstein! Isaac Newton! Leonard Nimoy!!

Love, American Style |pending byline| (23 October 1973).

Sesame Street

by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett

From his early days, Kermit brought news reports to Sesame Street. I don't know when he first reported from back in history, so I’ll arbitrarily say that the first one was his interview of Christopher Columbus in Episode 700 shortly before Christmas in 1974.

In the 35th anniversary special, “The Street We Live On,” Grover takes Elmo on a trip through time to see how the street was in the past. Also, in a PBS special, “Elmo Saves Christmas,” the red guy visits a future Christmas.

[actorColumbus:[/actor] But, say, what time is it?
Kermit:Oh, it’s about, ah, 1492.

Sesame Street by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett (20 December 1974).

Classics Dark and Dangerous (s01e05)

The Ugly Little Boy

by Dennis Hutcheon, directed by Barry Moore and Don Thompson

Classics Dark and Dangerous (s01e05), “The Ugly Little Boy” by Dennis Hutcheon, directed by Barry Moore and Don Thompson (CBC TV, Canada, 17 February 1977).

DC

|pending byline|

As you know, I was forced to ban all post-1969 comic books from The List because comic books pretty much fell to pieces after that date. If I discover many more superhero cartoons like these ones, I will be forced to expand the ban.

It is the fifth century, A.D., the place is Britain, and I am Merlin Ambrosius.

DC |pending byline| (10 December 1977).

A Traveller in Time

by Diane DeVere Cole

The BBC adapted Alison Uttley’s children’s book in a miniseries of five half-hour episodes, faithfully taking young Penelope Taberner Cameron back to Elizabethan England and the time of Mary, Queen of Scots. If you can find the British DVD, you'll even hear Simon Gipps-Kent regale Penelope with “Greensleeves.”

♫Alas, my love, you do me wrong
To cast me off, discourteously♫

A Traveller in Time by Diane DeVere Cole (4 January 1978).

Mork and Mindy

by Anthony W. Marshall and Garry Marshall

There’s a scene in the first episode where Mork explains that he’s traveling from the 1950s Happy Days to 1978—but that scene did not air until subsequent reruns. The other time travel that I know of is in the penultimate episode where the couple travel via Mork’s ruby red, size eight, time-travel shoes.

Wait! I have one last request! I would like to die with dignity, with honor,. . . and with my penny-loafers on.

Mork and Mindy by Anthony W. Marshall and Garry Marshall (14 September 1978).

Happy Days

by Garry Marshall

Some time after this show jumped the shark, Mork (who made his first appearance in a 1978 Happy Days episode) returns from the 70s to visit Richie and the gang, where they want to know about cars and girls of the future.

In 1979,. . . both are faster.

Happy Days by Garry Marshall (6 March 1979).

Fangface

by Jerry Eisenberg

Sherman Fangsworth, a cross between Looney Tunes’ Tasmanian Devil and a teen werewolf, had at least one adventure in time when he and his buddies were accidentally transported back to the 18th century by a modern-day pirate (“A Time-Machine Trip to the Pirate’s Ship”).

After my time machine warms up, we’ll be transported to the deck of the Silver Swan, the Spanish fleet’s most prized treasure ship. And after we pirate her valuable cargo, I’ll be the riches man in the world—ha ha ha ha ha!

Fangface by Jerry Eisenberg (3 November 1979).

Barney Miller

by Danny Arnold and Theodore J. Flicker

In the sixth season, one episode of the show had a man named Mr. Boyer who claimed to be a time traveler from the future. The show never settled whether he was an actual time traveler or merely a candidate for Bellevue Hospital’s psych ward, but consider this: Just how else did he get on top of the Washington Arch> And wasn’t he dead on about the price of gold which crashed from an all-time high of over $2000 per troy ounce on the day of the show’s airing to about $350 over the next two decades. So even if Mr. Boyer was not a time traveler, he saved Sgt. Harris a bundle of money. The precinct also got Boyer`'s thoughts on the price of Zinc, the future of gay rights, and the Denver Broncos.

I had no intentionof jumping, you know. The only reason I was up there is my coordinates were off.

Barney Miller by Danny Arnold and Theodore J. Flicker (24 January 1980).

Galatica 1980

by Glen A. Larson

I eagerly awaited the reboot of Battlestar Galactica in 1980, shortly before I left to join my soon-to-be wife in England. Sadly, the reboot was a disappointment: poor plots, poor characters, the same few seconds of special effects and explosions endlessly repeated—and not even Cassiopeia (Laurette Spang, whom I was in love with in 1978) or Serina (Jane Seymour, whom I am in love with now).

However, I later discovered one redeeming feature: Time travel in Part Three of the 1980 Galactica pilot show, when the warriors follow an evil scientist back to 1944 and foil his plot to give modern technology to the Nazis. I think this was the only hint of time travel in the Galactica franchise, although the same future wife whom I went to meet in 1980 now tells me that this bit of time travel may have planted a seed in writer Donald P. Bellisario for his later series, Quantum Leap.

The great ship Galactica, majestic and loving, strong and protecting, our home for these many years we endured the wilderness of space. And now we near the end of our journey. Scouts and electronic surveillance confirm that we have reached our haven, that planet which is home to our ancestor brothers. Too many of our sons and daughters did not survive to share the fulfillment of our dream. We can only take comfort and find strength in that they did not die in vain. We have at last found Earth.

Galatica 1980 by Glen A. Larson (10 February 1980).

The Muppet Show

by Jim Henson

The most excellent Muppet Show, its successor Muppets Tonight, the short Muppet Movie Mania episodes, and the online From the Balcony couldn't totally ignore time travel.

Aparatus travel time a it’s. Moment the at on working I’m what is this. Hello!

The Muppet Show by Jim Henson (5 August 1980).

Superbook

|pending byline|

Young Chris Peeper finds a magic Bible that transports him, his friend Joy, and his robot Gizmo back to Old Testament happenings. The first run was anime, followed by a second run of 3-D CGI animation.

♫ Chris and Joy and everyone were having lots of fun. Superbook fell off the shelf: look what they’ve done. When it hit the computer, oh, they were surprised. Superbook got programmed in; now it’s computerized.♫

Superbook |pending byline| (1 October 1981).

Ulysses 31

by Jean Chalopin and Nina Wolmark

When a future Ulysses angers the gods, he and his children are exiled to travel space forever. Time travel occurs in the ninth episode, when they enter the domain of Chronos, and in a later episode where they head back to meet the original Ulysses.

Time! I must turn it back! This must work!

Ulysses 31 by Jean Chalopin and Nina Wolmark (31 October 1981).

The Flying House

by Masakazu Higuchi and Mineo Fuji

While playing in the woods, Justin Casey and his pals Angie and Corkey stumble upon a house owned by Professor Humphrey Bumble and his robot Solar Ion, whereupon the professor reveals that the house is a time machine and the entire gang visits various Biblical happenings from the New Testament.

♫ We were having fun, playing hide-and-seek, then a summer storm appeared. Corkey got afraid, when it started to rain, then we came upon a house—should we go insiiiiide? ♫

The Flying House by Masakazu Higuchi and Mineo Fuji (5 April 1982).

Voyagers!

by James D. Parriott

Bright, young orphan Jeffrey and ladies’ man Phineas Bogg leap from one moment in history to another, righting those moments that have gone wrong in this Quantum Leap progenitor.

This isn’t 1942. Where’s Columbus, kid?

Voyagers! by James D. Parriott (3 October 1982).

The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang

by Wolfman Jack

Before Marty McFly went to the 50s, this 50s gang traveled through time using a time machine brought to them by a future chick name o’ Cupcake, all in 24 episodes where they desperately try to get back to 1957 Milwaukee.

Oh, now the gang got zapped into that time machine, and they’re, like, travelin’ through time. My, my, they do not dig where that machine is goin’, but they sure hope to get back to 1957 Milwaukee!

The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang by Wolfman Jack (8 November 1982).

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

by Roger Sweet

He-Man and his mighty battle cat possess fabulous super-powers in order to defend Castle Greyskull against the sometimes time-traveling Skeletor (and also to sell Mattel action figures).

Time is delicate, He-Man; do your job swiFTLy.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe by Roger Sweet (12 September 1983).

Saturday Night Live

by Lorne Michaels

We all know that early in her career Teri Garr hung out with a time-traveling Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, but who knew that she’d be time traveling again in a 1985 SNL time travel skit? I tried hard to pick my favorite from the bunch that I know of, but that’s an impossible task given that each one is bizarre is a completely orthogonal direction from the others.

Please let me know if you know of other episodes!

Saturday Night Live by Lorne Michaels (1 December 1984).

The Twilight Zone

by Rod Serling

Three seasons with 7 time-travel episodes. Harlan Ellison was a consultant on the series that included an adaptation of his “One Life, Furnished in Early Poverty.” The series also adapted Sturgeon’s “Yesterday Was Monday’, altering the plot and renaming it to “A Matter of Minutes,” and George R.R. Martin did the script for the time-travel episode “The Once and Future King” based on an idea submitted by Bryce Maritano.

Let the record show that in any age—good or bad—there are men of high ideals: men of courage, men who do more than that for which they are called upon. You will not always know their names. But let their deeds stand as monuments, so that when the human race is called to judgment, we may say, ‘This too was humanity!’

The Twilight Zone by Rod Serling (6 January 1985).

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s01e02)

The Playground

by Ray Bradbury, directed by William Fruet

Charles visits his boyhood playground, at first on his own and then with his own son. There, he sees Ralph, the bully who tormented him, who’s still a boy and who still seems to be tormenting Charlie.

Perhaps Ralph was meant to be a ghost bully, perhaps the curly haired boy is young Charlie, perhaps Charlie switches bodies with his own son, or perhaps there’s time travel invovled. We doubt that even Captain Kirk could sort out all those perhapses in this TV version of Ray Bradbury’s story starring William Shatner. But clarity can be had if you read the original story, which takes about the same amount of time as watching the TV episode but shows the rich inner life of Charles Underwood and leaves no ambiguity about what’s up with “Ralph.”

— Michael Main

Ralph? The bully. When I was a kid, he used to wait for me on the corner every day.

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s01e02), “The Playground” by Ray Bradbury, directed by William Fruet (HBO, USA, 4 June 1985).

Transformers

by Takara Tomy

Two groups of robots who crashed to Earth in the distant past have returned to life and are making Earth—past and present—their battleground. These are the time-travel cartoon episodes that I spotted in the four original seasons (1984-1987) and in the Beast Wars episodes (1996-1999) in which time travel was commonplace. I haven’t seen the later series [Robots in Disguise (2000-2002), the Unicron Trilogy (2001-2006), the more recent animated series (2007-2010), and the webisodes (2010)].

They were called Autobots and Decepticons. But the brutal Decepticons were driven by a single goal: total domination. They set out to destroy the peace-loving Autobots, and a war between the forces of good and evil raged across Cybertron.

Transformers by Takara Tomy (24 October 1985).

Lazer Tag Academy

by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears

Young Jamie Jaren, the Lazer Tag champion of 3010, travels back to 1980 to protect her distant teenaged ancestors from the evil Draxon Drear who was unwittingly released into that earlier era.

As Drear races through time in his quest to conquer the future, he is pursued by Jamie Jaren. Jamie must team with her ancestors Tom, Beth and Nicky Jaren. Join us now in their adventure through time to preserve the past, save the future, and keep the peace established by. . . the Lazer Tag Academy!

Lazer Tag Academy by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears (13 September 1986).

Muppet Babies

by Jim Henson

As babies, all the Muppets are occasionally looked after by Nannie. They first time traveled by taking Gonzo’s supersonic snowmobile trike back to rescue Nanny’s ruined yearbook in “Back to the Nursery.”

But how can we replace a picture taken a zillion years ago?

Muppet Babies by Jim Henson (27 December 1986).

Fraggle Rock

by Jim Henson

The symbolic and colorful world of Jim Henson’s Fraggle Muppets included at least one moment of time travel when Mokey, Boober, and Wembly are mysteriously transported back to a time of Fraggles who cannot laugh.

Wouldn’t it be fun to travel in time? O’ course, you wouldn’t really go anywhere. No, Sprocket, because the past and the future are happening now, here in the present. It’s all a question of perception. I thought dogs knew things like that.

Fraggle Rock by Jim Henson (23 February 1987).

Amazing Stories

by Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg brought Amazing Stories to TV in two seasons of an anthology format. At least one time-travel story—Jack Finney’s venerable “Such Interesting Neighbors”—appeared in the second season (20 Mar 1987).

Janet and I bought our first color TV for these episodes, a Sony of course.

Oh, Randy, neighbors are always strange; those are the rules.

Amazing Stories by Steven Spielberg (20 March 1987).

The Twilight Zone (r2s02e10a)

Time And Teresa Golowitz

by Alan Brennert, directed by Shelley Levinson

“Time And Teresa Golowitz” by Alan Brennert, directed by Shelley Levinson (CBS-TV, USA, 10 July 1987).

One Life to Live

by Agnes Nixon

In a 1988 plot line (“Buchanan City”), Clint ends up back in 1888 where he falls in love and is betrothed to Viki’s look-alike ancestor Ginny!

Apart from Dark Shadows (which, as we all know, was more than a soap opera), this is the first time travel that I’ve spotted in a soap.

Ginny: I was staring up at the night sky trying to find that extra planet that you claimed was there when I was giving the children their astronomy lesson today.
Clint: Why can’t you just take my word for it?
Ginny: Because brilliant scientists have studied the heavens and deduced that there are only a certain number of planets in our solar system—eight, just eight. And then you come along and throw the whole system out of question!

One Life to Live by Agnes Nixon (1988).

Red Dwarf (s01e01)

The End

by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, directed by Ed Bye

In this pilot episode, menial worker Dave Lister on the spaceship Red Dwarf finds himself three million years in the future after accidentally overstaying his time in a stasis room where time does not exist. In contrast to a long sleep or cryogenics, traveling via stasis is actual time travel.

— Michael Main

The stasis room creates a static field of time. Just as x-rays can’t pass through lead, time cannot penetrate a stasis field. So although you exist, you no longer exist in time, and for you, time itself does not exist.

Red Dwarf (s01e01), “The End” by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, directed by Ed Bye (BBC Two, UK, 15 Febrary 1988).

Gumby Adventures

by Art Clokey

In the 1988 episode “Lost in Chinatown,” Gumby’s claymation sister Minga travels through a magic tapestry to ancient China, and Gumby must rescue her!

Wow: a picture on silk! It looks real old. I wonder what life in China was like in those days. While waiting for Grandma, I’ll go and find out.

Gumby Adventures by Art Clokey (25 June 1988).

Quantum Leap (s01e01–02)

Genesis

by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by David Hemmings

Physicist and all-around good guy Sam Beckett rushes his time machine into production—funding is about to be cut!—and as a consequence, he leaps into the life of a USAF test pilot, where Sam and his holographic cohort Al have a moral mission. And after setting things right in that pilot’s life, Sam—“oh, boy”—takes a few moments to win the big baseball game in 1968.

— Inmate Jan

One end of this string represents your birth, the other end your death. You tie the ends together, and your life is a loop. Ball the loop, and the days of your life touch each other out of sequence, therefore leaping to one point in the string to another. . .

Quantum Leap (s01e01–02), “Genesis” by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by David Hemmings (26 March 1989) [double-length broadcast].

Quantum Leap (s01e03)

Star-Crossed

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Mark Sobel

Why would anybody leap into English Professor Gerald Bryant during June 1972? Sam is certain that his mission is to he can reconcile his own future quantum physicist girlfriend with her father so that her fear of commitment won’t cause her to leave Sam at the alter in another twelve years.

— Michael Main

Don’t ya see, Al? I’m here to give Donna and I a second chance.

Quantum Leap (s01e03), “Star-Crossed” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Mark Sobel (NBC-TV, USA, 31 March 1989).

Quantum Leap (s01e04)

The Right Hand of God

by John Hill, directed by Gilbert Shilton

Sam leaps into professional boxer Clarence “Kid”Cody in 1974, where he must win his first legitimate fight in a year to save the sisters of St. Mary’s, start a new life with Dixie, and also—if things work out as expected in the Rumble in the Jungle—escape the mob.

— Michael Main

That surprise punch in the last inning . . . it was inspired.

Quantum Leap (s01e04), “The Right Hand of God” by John Hill, directed by Gilbert Shilton (NBC-TV, USA, 7 April 1989).

Quantum Leap (s01e05)

How the Tess Was Won

by Deborah Arakelian, directed by Ivan Dixon

Sam leaps into Doc Young, DVM, back in 1956 Lubbock, Texas, where it seems his purpose is to out-rope, out-ride, and out-posthole-dig cowgirl Tess McGill in an effort to win her heart.

— Michael Main

You can’t expect me to do this and not get involved. So if Tess falls in love with Doc, I’d appreciate it if you just leap me outta here as soon as possible.

Quantum Leap (s01e05), “How the Tess Was Won” by Deborah Arakelian, directed by Ivan Dixon (NBC-TV, USA, 14 April 1989).

Quantum Leap (s01e06)

Double Identity

by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Aaron Lipstadt

Sam does a double leap at one location: First into hitman Frankie LaPalma at the moment when he and Don Geno’s former girlfriend are in the sack together, and then as Don Geno himself.

— Michael Main

Who ever heard of one lousy hairdryer blacking out all of the East Coast?

Quantum Leap (s01e06), “Double Identity” by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Aaron Lipstadt (NBC-TV, USA, 21 April 1989).

Quantum Leap (s01e07)

The Color of Truth

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Michael Vejar

Upon arriving in an Alabama diner in 1955, Sam sits at the counter and sees an elderly Black man looking back at him from the mirror.

— Michael Main

You’re hear to save her tomorrow, not to initiate the civil rights activity in the South.

Quantum Leap (s01e07), “The Color of Truth” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Michael Vejar (NBC-TV, USA, 3 May 1989).

Quantum Leap (s01e08)

Camikazi Kid

by Paul Brown, directed by Alan J. Levi

It seeems that the only way Sam can fulfill his mission of stopping 17-year-old Cam Wilson’s older sister from marrying shithead Bob is to race Bob “for pinks” in hopes that Bob will lose his cool and show his true self, but that’ll only work if Sam (as Cam) and his buddy Jill can soup up Cam’s pink mommobile with a blast of nitrous oxide at exactly the right moment of the race.

— Michael Main

Older Brother: Come on, Mikey, we gotta rehearse.

Mikey: [waving] Bye-bye!

Quantum Leap (s01e08), “Camikazi Kid” by Paul Brown, directed by Alan J. Levi (NBC-TV, USA, 10 May 1989).

Quantum Leap (s01e09)

Play It Again, Seymour

by Donald P. Bellisario and Scott Shepard , directed by Aaron Lipstadt

Sam arrives in 1953 as a private eye who looks like Humphrey Bogart and has to solve the mystery of his partner’s murder while trying to figure out his relationship with his partner’s wife and the eager kid at the newsstand.

— Michael Main

Kid, if I’m lucky I’m gonna spend the rest of my life leaping around from one place to another instead of face down in a pool of blood.

Quantum Leap (s01e09), “Play It Again, Seymour” by Donald P. Bellisario and Scott Shepard , directed by Aaron Lipstadt (NBC-TV, USA, 17 May 1989).

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s03e03)

The Lake

by Ray Bradbury, directed by Pat Robins

The TV adaptation of Bradbury’s “The Lake” focuses more on the adult man, who’s now thirty-something Doug, but the story structure and pathos of his lost childhood love remain intact.

— Michael Main

If I finish it, will you come?

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s03e03), “The Lake” by Ray Bradbury, directed by Pat Robins (USA Network, 21 July 1989).

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s03e06)

A Sound of Thunder

by Ray Bradbury, directed by Pat Robins

Bradbury himself wrote the teleplay for this first on-screen adaptation of his famous story, and somehow he managed to do it without the word “butterfly” appearing in the script (though we do see the critter at the end).

— Michael Main

Travis: We might destroy a roach—or a flower, even—and destroy an important link in the species.

Eckles: So?

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s03e06), “A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury, directed by Pat Robins (USA Network, 11 August 1989).

Smurfs

by Peyo

While trying to return a dinosaur to its proper time at the start of season 9, a time whirlwind whips the annoying little mushroom blueters into time—a condition that’s carried on through the rest of the season.

Well, Papa Smurf, there is one way to get this critter back home, but it’s awfully dangerous.

Smurfs by Peyo (9 September 1989).

Ring Raiders

by Phil Harnage

Matchbox produced and aired five cartoon episodes in 1989 to promote their Ring Raider line of toys including the time-traveling planes of the evil Skull Squadron and the right-stuff Ring Raider pilots.

Lieutenant, I’ve got three strange bogeys about a mile north-northwest. They’re like nothing I’ve ever seen before. They don’t even have props.

Ring Raiders by Phil Harnage (16 September 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e01)

Honeymoon Express

by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Aaron Lipstadt

Sam pops into newly married Tom McBride (a New York policeman), who is headed to Niagara Falls with his new bride (a budding lawyer and the daughter of a senator). The two of them engage in the usual honeymoon activities—fighting off ex-boyfriend thugs, rolling underneath moving trains, studying for the bar exam—while unbeknownst to Sam, Al is at a Senate committee meeting in Washington, D.C., fighting for the life of Project Quantum Leap. Oh, yes, and it’s now official: Sam and Al believe that God has taken control of the project, although Al refuses to be pinned down as to which god she is.

— Michael Main

This committee has decided that your 2.4 billion dollar funding request for Project Quantum Leap . . .

Quantum Leap (s02e01), “Honeymoon Express” by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Aaron Lipstadt (NBC-TV, USA, 20 September 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e02)

Disco Inferno

by Paul Brown, directed by Gilbert Shilton

Sam finds out what it’s like to be a stuntman in a family with broken dynamics and (to him but not Al) in an era with broken music.

— Michael Main

Disco’s not gonna last forever. I got a feeling it’s probably gonna die in a couple of years.

Quantum Leap (s02e02), “Disco Inferno” by Paul Brown, directed by Gilbert Shilton (NBC-TV, USA, 27 September 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e03)

The Americanization of Machiko

by Charlie Coffey, directed by Gilbert Shilton

In 1953, Sam steps off a bus as a sailor returning home from Japan with—surprise! to Sam and everyone else—a new bride named Machiko.

— Michael Main

“I try to find a husband . . . to find my husband”

Quantum Leap (s02e03), “The Americanization of Machiko” by Charlie Coffey, directed by Gilbert Shilton (NBC-TV, USA, 11 October 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e04)

What Price Gloria?

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Alan J. Levi

Sam leaps into the body of executive secretary Samantha Stormer during a time rife with sexual harrassment that hadn’t yet been challenged or even given a name.

— Michael Main

You know, this is degrading. First he chases me around the office, then he says I gotta wear lipstick

Quantum Leap (s02e04), “What Price Gloria?” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Alan J. Levi (NBC-TV, USA, 25 October 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e05)

Blind Faith

by Scott Shepard, directed by David G. Phinney

Who knew that if Sam leaped into a blind pianist’s body that he’d be able to see with his own eyes and stop a Central Park killer?

— Michael Main

He says he wants to play.

Quantum Leap (s02e05), “Blind Faith” by Scott Shepard, directed by David G. Phinney (NBC-TV, USA, 1 November 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e06)

Good Morning, Peoria

by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Michael Zinberg

Somewhat disoriented Sam—as Howlin’ Chic Howell at a 50’s radio station—must help station owner Rachel Powell defend rock’n’roll from the town elders and mobs of pitchfork-carrying, record-burning hayseeds.

— Michael Main

Fred, I appreciate your opinion, but no matter how many editorials you publish, I am not gonna stop playing rock’n’roll.

Quantum Leap (s02e06), “Good Morning, Peoria” by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Michael Zinberg (NBC-TV, USA, 8 November 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e07)

Thou Shalt Not . . .

by Tammy Ader, directed by Randy Roberts

Quantum Leap (s02e07), “Thou Shalt Not. . .” by Tammy Ader, directed by Randy Roberts (NBC-TV, USA, 15 November 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e08)

Jimmy

by Paul M. Belous and Robert Wolterstorff, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s02e08), “Jimmy” by Paul M. Belous and Robert Wolterstorff, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 22 November 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e09)

So Help Me God

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Andy Cadiff

Quantum Leap (s02e09), “So Help Me God” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Andy Cadiff (NBC-TV, USA, 29 November 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e10)

Catch a Falling Star

by Paul Brown, directed by Donald P. Bellisario

Quantum Leap (s02e10), “Catch a Falling Star” by Paul Brown, directed by Donald P. Bellisario (NBC-TV, USA, 6 December 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e11)

A Portrait for Troian

by Scott Shepard and Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Michael Zinberg

Quantum Leap (s02e11), “A Portrait for Troian” by Scott Shepard and Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Michael Zinberg (NBC-TV, USA, 13 December 1989).

Quantum Leap (s02e12)

Animal Frat

by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Gilbert Shilton

Quantum Leap (s02e12), “Animal Frat” by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Gilbert Shilton (NBC-TV, USA, 3 January 1990).

Quantum Leap (s02e13)

Another Mother

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Joseph L. Scanlan

Quantum Leap (s02e13), “Another Mother” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Joseph L. Scanlan (NBC-TV, USA, 10 January 1990).

Quantum Leap (s02e14)

All-Americans

by Paul Brown and Donald P. Bellisario, directed by John Cullum

Quantum Leap (s02e14), “All-Americans” by Paul Brown and Donald P. Bellisario, directed by John Cullum (NBC-TV, USA, 17 January 1990).

Kappatoo

by Ben Steed

In an amusing twist on The Prince and the Pauper, Kappatoo 70934 swaps places with his twentieth century lookalike, Simon, in this one-season series and its follow-up, Kappatoo II, in 1992. I like that Simon in the future had a computer as his foil, whereas back in our time, Kappatoo has a cat. The vintage 1990 PCs are also fun.

Not where, when. When did I come from? Which happens to be the year 2270.

Kappatoo by Ben Steed (20 January 1990).

Quantum Leap (s02e15)

Her Charm

by Deborah Pratt and Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Christopher T. Welch

Quantum Leap (s02e15), “Her Charm” by Deborah Pratt and Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Christopher T. Welch (NBC-TV, USA, 7 February 1990).

Quantum Leap (s02e16)

Freedom

by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Alan J. Levi

Quantum Leap (s02e16), “Freedom” by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Alan J. Levi (NBC-TV, USA, 14 February 1990).

Star Trek: The Next Generation (s01e01-02)

Encounter at Farpoint

by D. C. Fontana

As the new captain of the Enterprise and other new members of his crew become acquainted with their galaxy class starship and its capabilities, they travel to a curious city on Deneb IV and also encounter a powerful being from the Q who, among other things, exhibits a possible power over time itself.

— Michael Main

Troi: Captain, sir, this is not an illusion of a dream.
Picard: But these courts belong in the past.
Troi:I don’t understand either, but this is real.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (s01e01-02), “Encounter at Farpoint” by D. C. Fontana (Paramount Domestic Television, USA, 28 September 1987) [syndicated].

Star Trek: The Next Generation (s03e15)

Yesterday’s Enterprise

by Ira Steven Behr et al., directed by David Carson

Star Trek: The Next Generation (s03e15), “Yesterday’s Enterprise” by Ira Steven Behr et al., directed by David Carson (Paramount Domestic Television, USA, 19 February 1993) [syndicated].

Quantum Leap (s02e17)

Good Night, Dear Heart

by Paul Brown, directed by Christopher T. Welch

Quantum Leap (s02e17), “Good Night, Dear Heart” by Paul Brown, directed by Christopher T. Welch (NBC-TV, USA, 7 March 1990).

Quantum Leap (s02e18)

Pool Hall Blues

by Randy Holland, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s02e18), “Pool Hall Blues” by Randy Holland, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 14 March 1990).

Quantum Leap (s02e19)

Leaping in Without a Net

by Tommy Thompson, directed by Christopher T. Welch

Quantum Leap (s02e19), “Leaping in Without a Net” by Tommy Thompson, directed by Christopher T. Welch (NBC-TV, USA, 21 March 1990).

Quantum Leap (s02e20)

Maybe Baby

by Julie Brown and Paul Brown, directed by Michael Zinberg

Quantum Leap (s02e20), “Maybe Baby” by Julie Brown and Paul Brown, directed by Michael Zinberg (NBC-TV, USA, 4 April 1990).

Quantum Leap (s02e21)

Sea Bride

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s02e21), “Sea Bride” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 2 May 1990).

Quantum Leap (s02e22)

M.I.A.

by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Michael Zinberg

Quantum Leap (s02e22), “M.I.A.” by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Michael Zinberg (NBC-TV, USA, 9 May 1990).

Alvin and the Chipmonks

by Dianne Dixon

It was not until the final season of the Alvin revival (nearly two decades after creator Bagdasarian’s death) that Theodore, Simon and Alvin had a series of movie take-offs including Dianne Dixon’s episode, “Back to Our Future,” in which the quirky inventor Clyde Crashcup (filling in for Doc Brown) brings the 90s trio back to the 50s to stop the original trio from giving up their singing careers.

Now remember boys, you must convince the old Alvin to stick with his musical career, so you can all be stars in the future!

Alvin and the Chipmonks by Dianne Dixon (8 September 1990).

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures

by David Kirschner et al.

. . . featuring the most outstanding voices of the original Two Great Ones, but bogus plots and dialog.

♫ Whenever time stands still and trouble moves too fast, to save the future, we must learn about the past. ♫

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures by David Kirschner et al. (15 September 1990).

Quantum Leap (s03e01)

The Leap Home: 1969

by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s03e01), “The Leap Home: 1969” by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 28 September 1990).

The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3

by Reed Shelly and Bruce Shelly

The animation and sound effects are a good reflection of the video game. In one episode (“Toddler Terrors of Time Travel”), the son of King Bowser invents a time machine to go back in time and stop Mario, Luigi and Toad from ever coming to their kingdom. The heroes stow away, and everyone ends up as toddlers in Brooklyn.

Maybe we can go back and change history, King Dad. All we need is a little time travel.

The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 by Reed Shelly and Bruce Shelly (29 September 1990).

Quantum Leap (s03e02)

The Leap Home: 1970

by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Michael Zinberg

Quantum Leap (s03e02), “The Leap Home: 1970” by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Michael Zinberg (NBC-TV, USA, 5 October 1990).

Quantum Leap (s03e03)

Leap of Faith

by Tommy Thompson, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s03e03), “Leap of Faith” by Tommy Thompson, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 12 October 1990).

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s04e06)

Touch of Petulance

by Ray Bradbury, directed by John Laing

A faithful adaptation of Bradbury’s 1980 story of a man who returns to his warn his younger self about the future course of his marriage.

— Michael Main

We are one, the same person: Jonathan Hughes.

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s04e06), “Touch of Petulance” by Ray Bradbury, directed by John Laing (USA Network, USA, 12 October 1990).

Quantum Leap (s03e04)

One Strobe Over the Line

by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Michael Zinberg

Quantum Leap (s03e04), “One Strobe Over the Line” by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Michael Zinberg (NBC-TV, USA, 19 October 1990).

Quantum Leap (s03e05)

The Boogieman

by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s03e05), “The Boogieman” by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 26 October 1990).

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s04e08)

The Toynbee Convector

by Ray Bradbury, directed by John Laing

At the end of Bradbury’s adaptation of his own earlier story, he adds a holo-twist that viewers of The Ray Bradbury Theater may have enjoyed.

— Michael Main

Stiles: For years I brooded on it. I was in complete despair, and then one night, I was rereading H. G. Wells and his wonderful time machine, and then it struck me. “Eureka!” I cried, “I’ve found it. This [pounds book in hand] is my blueprint.”

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s04e08), “The Toynbee Convector” by Ray Bradbury, directed by John Laing (USA Network, USA, 26 October 1990).

Quantum Leap (s03e06)

Miss Deep South

by Tommy Thompson, directed by Christopher T. Welch

Quantum Leap (s03e06), “Miss Deep South” by Tommy Thompson, directed by Christopher T. Welch (NBC-TV, USA, 2 November 1990).

Quantum Leap (s03e07)

Black on White on Fire

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s03e07), “Black on White on Fire” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 9 November 1990).

Quantum Leap (s03e08)

The Great Spontini

by Cristy Dawson and Beverly Bridges, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s03e08), “The Great Spontini” by Cristy Dawson and Beverly Bridges, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 16 November 1990).

Quantum Leap (s03e09)

Rebel without a Clue

by Randy Holland and Paul Brown, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s03e09), “Rebel without a Clue” by Randy Holland and Paul Brown, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 30 November 1990).

Quantum Leap (s03e10)

A Little Miracle

by Sandy Fries and Robert Wolterstorff, directed by Michael Watkins

Quantum Leap (s03e10), “A Little Miracle” by Sandy Fries and Robert Wolterstorff, directed by Michael Watkins (NBC-TV, USA, 33228).

Quantum Leap (s03e11)

Runaway

by Paul Brown, directed by Michael Katleman

Quantum Leap (s03e11), “Runaway” by Paul Brown, directed by Michael Katleman (NBC-TV, USA, 4 January 1991).

Quantum Leap (s03e12)

8½ Months

by Deborah Pratt, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s03e12), “8½ Months” by Deborah Pratt, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 6 March 1991).

Quantum Leap (s03e13)

Future Boy

by Tommy Thompson, directed by Michael Switzer

Quantum Leap (s03e13), “Future Boy” by Tommy Thompson, directed by Michael Switzer (NBC-TV, USA, 13 March 1991).

Quantum Leap (s03e14)

Private Dancer

by Paul Brown, directed by Debbie Allen

Quantum Leap (s03e14), “Private Dancer” by Paul Brown, directed by Debbie Allen (NBC-TV, USA, 20 March 1991).

Quantum Leap (s03e15)

Piano Man

by Ed Scharlach, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s03e15), “Piano Man” by Ed Scharlach, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 27 March 1991).

Quantum Leap (s03e16)

Southern Comforts

by Tommy Thompson, directed by Chris Ruppenthal

Quantum Leap (s03e16), “Southern Comforts” by Tommy Thompson, directed by Chris Ruppenthal (NBC-TV, USA, 3 April 1991).

Quantum Leap (s03e17)

Glitter Rock

by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Andy Cadiff

Quantum Leap (s03e17), “Glitter Rock” by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Andy Cadiff (NBC-TV, USA, 10 April 1991).

Quantum Leap (s03e18)

A Hunting We Will Go

by Beverly Bridges, directed by Andy Cadiff

Quantum Leap (s03e18), “A Hunting We Will Go” by Beverly Bridges, directed by Andy Cadiff (NBC-TV, USA, 18 April 1991).

Quantum Leap (s03e19)

Last Dance before an Execution

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Michael Watkins

Quantum Leap (s03e19), “Last Dance before an Execution” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Michael Watkins (NBC-TV, USA, 1 May 1991).

Quantum Leap (s03e20)

Heart of a Champion

by Tommy Thompson, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s03e20), “Heart of a Champion” by Tommy Thompson, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 8 May 1991).

Quantum Leap (s03e21)

Nuclear Family

by Paul Brown, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s03e21), “Nuclear Family” by Paul Brown, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 15 May 1991).

Quantum Leap (s03e22)

Shock Theater

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s03e22), “Shock Theater” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 22 May 1991).

Back to the Future

by Bob Gale

After III, Doc Brown and Clara settle and raise a family in Hill Valley, though “settle” might be the wrong word when you once again have a working DeLorean.

You do sorta look like that J. Michael Fox guy.

Back to the Future by Bob Gale (14 September 1991).

Quantum Leap (s04e01)

The Leap Back

by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Michael Zinberg

Quantum Leap (s04e01), “The Leap Back” by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by Michael Zinberg (NBC-TV, USA, 18 September 1991).

Quantum Leap (s04e02)

Play Ball

by Tommy Thompson, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s04e02), “Play Ball” by Tommy Thompson, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 25 September 1991).

Quantum Leap (s04e03)

Hurricane

by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Michael Watkins

Quantum Leap (s04e03), “Hurricane” by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Michael Watkins (NBC-TV, USA, 2 October 1991).

Quantum Leap (s04e04)

Justice

by Toni Graphia, directed by Rob Bowman

Quantum Leap (s04e04), “Justice” by Toni Graphia, directed by Rob Bowman (NBC-TV, USA, 9 October 1991).

Quantum Leap (s04e05)

Permanent Wave

by Beverly Bridges, directed by Scott Bakula

Quantum Leap (s04e05), “Permanent Wave” by Beverly Bridges, directed by Scott Bakula (NBC-TV, USA, 16 October 1991).

Quantum Leap (s04e06)

Raped

by Beverly Bridges, directed by Michael Zinberg

Quantum Leap (s04e06), “Raped” by Beverly Bridges, directed by Michael Zinberg (NBC-TV, USA, 30 October 1991).

Quantum Leap (s04e07)

The Wrong Stuff

by Paul Brown, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s04e07), “The Wrong Stuff” by Paul Brown, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 6 November 1991).

Quantum Leap (s04e08)

Dreams

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Anita W. Addison

Quantum Leap (s04e08), “Dreams” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Anita W. Addison (NBC-TV, USA, 13 November 1991).

Quantum Leap (s04e09)

A Single Drop of Rain

by Richard C. Okie, directed by Virgil W. Vogel

Quantum Leap (s04e09), “A Single Drop of Rain” by Richard C. Okie, directed by Virgil W. Vogel (NBC-TV, USA, 20 November 1991).

Quantum Leap (s04e10)

Unchained

by Paris Qualles, directed by Michael Watkins

Quantum Leap (s04e10), “Unchained” by Paris Qualles, directed by Michael Watkins (NBC-TV, USA, 27 November 1991).

Murder Most Horrid

by Dawn French

In this anthology series, Dawn French finds herself in one murder story after another, including a tale of a “Determined Woman” physicist who uses her time machine to attempt to change the happenings of one particular murder.

If you don’t get out of this house, I’m going to murder you!

Murder Most Horrid by Dawn French (5 December 1991).

ドラゴンボール

English release: Dragon Ball Literal: Dragon ball

by Takao Koyama

Sent to Earth as a mere baby to lay preparations for an alien invasion, Goku suffers a clonk on the head, losing all memory of his mission and subsequently becoming a champion defender of our planet. I haven’t watched enough episodes to know for sure when the first time travel occurred, but it may have been in Episode 122 of the second Dragon Ball series (Dragon Ball Z, “My Dad is Vegeta”) in which time traveler Trunks arrives with a warning. Trunk and time traveling continued into the reboot series, Dragon Ball Z Kai, which I’ve seen on the Toon network.

Thirdly, please tell me the grown-up version of my mysterious son from the future is with you.

[ex=bare]ドラゴンボール | Dragon ball[/ex] by Takao Koyama (8 January 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e11)

The Play’s the Thing

by Beverly Bridges, directed by Eric Laneuville

Quantum Leap (s04e11), “The Play’s the Thing” by Beverly Bridges, directed by Eric Laneuville (NBC-TV, USA, 8 January 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e12)

Running for Honor

by Bobby Duncan, directed by Bob Hulme

Quantum Leap (s04e12), “Running for Honor” by Bobby Duncan, directed by Bob Hulme (NBC-TV, USA, 15 January 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e13)

Temptation Eyes

by Paul Brown, directed by Christopher Hibler

Quantum Leap (s04e13), “Temptation Eyes” by Paul Brown, directed by Christopher Hibler (NBC-TV, USA, 22 January 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e14)

The Last Gunfighter

by Sam Rolfe and Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s04e14), “The Last Gunfighter” by Sam Rolfe and Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 29 January 1992).

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s05e06)

The Utterly Perfect Murder

by Ray Bradbury, directed by Stuart Margolin

I felt that Bradbury’s adaptation of his own 1971 story lost its impact by turning young Doug’s childhood tortures into clichéd scenes—and still leaving it up to the viewer to decide whether there’s a moment of time travel.

— Michael Main

Old Doug: Doug, Doug.. . . Come on out and play.

The Ray Bradbury Theater (s05e06), “The Utterly Perfect Murder” by Ray Bradbury, directed by Stuart Margolin (USA Network, USA, 7 February 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e15)

A Song for the Soul

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Michael Watkins

Quantum Leap (s04e15), “A Song for the Soul” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Michael Watkins (NBC-TV, USA, 26 February 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e16)

Ghost Ship

by Donald P. Bellisario and Paris Qualles, directed by Anita W. Addison

Quantum Leap (s04e16), “Ghost Ship” by Donald P. Bellisario and Paris Qualles, directed by Anita W. Addison (NBC-TV, USA, 4 March 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e18)

It’s a Wonderful Leap

by Danielle Alexandra and Paul Brown, directed by Paul Brown

Quantum Leap (s04e18), “It’s a Wonderful Leap” by Danielle Alexandra and Paul Brown, directed by Paul Brown (NBC-TV, USA, 1 April 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e17)

Roberto!

by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Scott Bakula

Quantum Leap (s04e17), “Roberto!” by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Scott Bakula (NBC-TV, USA, 11 March 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e19)

Moments to Live

by Tommy Thompson, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s04e19), “Moments to Live” by Tommy Thompson, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 8 April 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e20)

The Curse of Ptah-Hotep

by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Joe Napolitano

Quantum Leap (s04e20), “The Curse of Ptah-Hotep” by Chris Ruppenthal, directed by Joe Napolitano (NBC-TV, USA, 22 April 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e21)

Stand Up

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Michael Zinberg

Quantum Leap (s04e21), “Stand Up” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Michael Zinberg (NBC-TV, USA, 13 May 1992).

Quantum Leap (s04e22)

A Leap for Lisa

by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s04e22), “A Leap for Lisa” by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 20 May 1992).

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures

by Darren Starr

The Two Great Ones become the two lame ones, although the Elvis episode has some redeeming factors.

It’s a completely creepy feeling to fail before a large group of Elvises.

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventures by Darren Starr (28 June 1992).

Darkwing Duck

by Tad Stones

The crimefighting duck (or his pals) time traveled at least five times, some of which used arch-nemesis Quackerjack’s Time Top (no word on whether it was stolen from Brick Bradford).

Need I remind you about the time with the floor wax, the peanut butter and my VCR?

Darkwing Duck by Tad Stones (18 September 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e01)

Lee Harvey Oswald: 1957–1959

by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s05e01), “Lee Harvey Oswald: 1957–1959” by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 22 September 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e02)

Lee Harvey Oswald: 1959–1963

by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s05e02), “Lee Harvey Oswald: 1959–1963” by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 22 September 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e03)

Leaping of the Shrew

by Robin Hill Bernheim and Richard C. Okie, directed by Alan J. Levi

Quantum Leap (s05e03), “Leaping of the Shrew” by Robin Hill Bernheim and Richard C. Okie, directed by Alan J. Levi (NBC-TV, USA, 29 September 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e04)

Nowhere to Run

by Tommy Thompson, directed by Alan J. Levi

Quantum Leap (s05e04), “Nowhere to Run” by Tommy Thompson, directed by Alan J. Levi (NBC-TV, USA, 6 October 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e05)

Killin’ Time

by Tommy Thompson, directed by Michael Watkins

Quantum Leap (s05e05), “Killin’ Time” by Tommy Thompson, directed by Michael Watkins (NBC-TV, USA, 20 October 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e06)

Star Light, Star Bright

by Richard C. Okie, directed by Christopher Hibler

Quantum Leap (s05e06), “Star Light, Star Bright” by Richard C. Okie, directed by Christopher Hibler (NBC-TV, USA, 27 October 1992).

Captain Planet and the Planeteers

by Ted Turner and Barbara Pyle

Gaia, the spirit of the Earth, sends out five magic rings which are obtained by teenagers who are then tasked with protecting the planet Earth, sometimes individually and sometimes by combining to call forth Captain Planet who (among other things) can even take them into the past (“OK at the Gunfight Corral”).

There she is, boys: my own time machine.

Captain Planet and the Planeteers by Ted Turner and Barbara Pyle (31 October 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e07)

Deliver Us from Evil

by Deborah Pratt, Robin Hill Bernheim, and Tommy Thompson, directed by Bob Hulme

Quantum Leap (s05e07), “Deliver Us from Evil” by Deborah Pratt, Robin Hill Bernheim, and Tommy Thompson, directed by Bob Hulme (NBC-TV, USA, 10 November 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e08)

Trilogy: One Little Heart

by Deborah Pratt, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s05e08), “Trilogy: One Little Heart” by Deborah Pratt, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 17 November 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e09)

Trilogy: For Your Love

by Deborah Pratt, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s05e09), “Trilogy: For Your Love” by Deborah Pratt, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 24 November 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e10)

Trilogy: The Last Door

by Deborah Pratt, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s05e10), “Trilogy: The Last Door” by Deborah Pratt, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 24 November 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e11)

Promised Land

by Gillian Horvath and Tommy Thompson, directed by Scott Bakula

Quantum Leap (s05e11), “Promised Land” by Gillian Horvath and Tommy Thompson, directed by Scott Bakula (NBC-TV, USA, 15 December 1992).

Quantum Leap (s05e12)

A Tale of Two Sweeties

by Robin Hill Bernheim, directed by Christopher Hibler

Quantum Leap (s05e12), “A Tale of Two Sweeties” by Robin Hill Bernheim, directed by Christopher Hibler (NBC-TV, USA, 5 January 1993).

Quantum Leap (s05e13)

Liberation

by Chris Abbott and Deborah Pratt, directed by Bob Hulme

Quantum Leap (s05e13), “Liberation” by Chris Abbott and Deborah Pratt, directed by Bob Hulme (NBC-TV, USA, 12 January 1993).

Quantum Leap (s05e14)

Dr. Ruth

by Robin Jill Bernheim, directed by Stuart Margolin

Quantum Leap (s05e14), “Dr. Ruth” by Robin Jill Bernheim, directed by Stuart Margolin (NBC-TV, USA, 19 January 1993).

Quantum Leap (s05e15)

Blood Moon

by Tommy Thompson, directed by Alan J. Levi

Quantum Leap (s05e15), “Blood Moon” by Tommy Thompson, directed by Alan J. Levi (NBC-TV, USA, 9 February 1993).

Quantum Leap (s05e16)

Return of the Evil Leaper

by Richard C. Okie, directed by Harvey Laidman

Quantum Leap (s05e16), “Return of the Evil Leaper” by Richard C. Okie, directed by Harvey Laidman (NBC-TV, USA, 16 February 1993).

Quantum Leap (s05e17)

Revenge of the Evil Leaper

by Deborah Pratt, directed by Debbie Allen

Quantum Leap (s05e17), “Revenge of the Evil Leaper” by Deborah Pratt, directed by Debbie Allen (NBC-TV, USA, 23 February 1993).

Quantum Leap (s05e18)

Goodbye Norma Jean

by Richard C. Okie, directed by Christopher Hibler

Quantum Leap (s05e18), “Goodbye Norma Jean” by Richard C. Okie, directed by Christopher Hibler (NBC-TV, USA, 2 March 1993).

X-Men

by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Even though the 1992 cartoon had all them new-fangled X-Men and their funky costumes, I still got some enjoyment from the Kirby-designed villains, such as the Sentinels in the two-part time-travel story, “Days of Future Past” (which, not coincidentally, will also be the name of the upcoming X-Men movie). Well, they were sort of Kirby-designed: He penciled the cover and sketched the layouts of X-Men 14.

We rebels have a theory: If the assasination of the 90s never occurred. . .

X-Men by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (13 March 1993).

Quantum Leap (s05e19)

The Beast Within

by John D’Aquino, directed by Gus Trikonis

Quantum Leap (s05e19), “The Beast Within” by John D’Aquino, directed by Gus Trikonis (NBC-TV, USA, 16 March 1993).

Quantum Leap (s05e20)

The Leap between the States

by Richard C. Okie, directed by David Hemmings

Quantum Leap (s05e20), “The Leap between the States” by Richard C. Okie, directed by David Hemmings (NBC-TV, USA, 30 March 1993).

Quantum Leap (s05e21)

Memphis Melody

by Robin Jill Bernheim, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s05e21), “Memphis Melody” by Robin Jill Bernheim, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 20 April 1993).

Quantum Leap (s05e22)

Mirror Image

by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by James Whitmore, Jr.

Quantum Leap (s05e22), “Mirror Image” by Donald P. Bellisario, directed by James Whitmore, Jr. (NBC-TV, USA, 5 May 1993).

The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.

by Jeffrey Boam and Carlton Cuse

In a steampunk Old West, gunfighter Brisco County, Jr., and his sidekick Lord Bowler are hired to track down the maniacal time-traveler John Bly who, among other things, kills the senior Brisco County and seeks a powerful Orb from the future—plenty of excitement for the 27 episodes of its one season.

At least one Brisco time traveler from 5502 appears naked a la the terminator, but (as of 2015) Harlan Ellison hasn’t sue Brisco over the time-travel requirement.

Brisco: Are you an angel? You look like an angel.
Karina: No. I’m from the future. My name is Karina.
Brisco: And, uh, in the future you’ve kinda given up on clothes?

The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. by Jeffrey Boam and Carlton Cuse (27 August 1993).

King Arthur and the Knights of Justice

by Jean Chalopin

When the real King Arthur and his knights are put out of commission by the evil Morgana, Merlin brings a football player, Arthur King, and his teammates, the Knights, back as replacements for two seasons on this syndicated series.

And then, from the field of the future, a new king will come to save the world of the past.

King Arthur and the Knights of Justice by Jean Chalopin (13 September 1993).

Pinky and the Brain

by Tom Ruegger and Steven Spielberg

In their quest for world domination, the pair of gene-spliced lab mice traveled through time multiple times, both in their role as an Animaniacs guest feature and in their own series. Their jaunts include a visit to H.G. Wells and his time machine.

As with the Warners in other Animaniacs episodes, it’s not always clear whether Pinky and the Brain are traveling through time or merely acting out a drama set in a different time period. Such is life within four walls.

Greetings from a post-apocalyptic future. We have traveled back through time to bring you the answer to all of your problems. We are your future selves.

Pinky and the Brain by Tom Ruegger and Steven Spielberg (6 October 1993).

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog

by Reed Shelly et al.

Video game character Sonic and his sidekick Tails repeatedly foil the evil Dr. Robotnik, including a four-part quest to the past where Robotnik seeks the four all-powerful chaos emeralds in the times of Blackbeard, King Arfur, Sonic’s ancestors and prehistory.

I can’t go through with this. My theories of time and space were developed for peace, not for your evil schemes.

Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog by Reed Shelly et al. (26 October 1993).

Goodnight Sweetheart

by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran

Television repairman Gary Sparrow walks into a pub and meets a friendly barmaid in London during World War II, a spot where he repeatedly returns to escape a mundane life and loving but sometimes trying wife in 1993.

Oh, I must say you might be takin’ this 1940s theme a bit too far.

Goodnight Sweetheart by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran (18 November 1993).

Sailor Moon (s02e36)

未来への旅立ち!時空回廊の戦い

Mirai e no tabidachi! Jikū kairō no tatakai English release: Journey to the Future: Battle in the Space-Time Corridor Literal: Departure for the future! Battle of the space-time corridor

by Sumisawa Katsuyuki, directed by Kosaka Harume

Sailor Moon and the gang travel to the Door of Space and Time where they hope to head to the future and rescue Chibiusa’s mommy. Sailor Pluto opens the Space-Time Door for them, which takes them to Planet Crystal Tokyo and a slew of baddies. Their adventure in the future is continued in the next few episodes, but we haven’t yet indexed those.

— Michael Main

So this is the Space-Time Corridor.

[Error: Missing '[/ex]' tag for wikilink]

Babylon 5

by J. Michael Straczynski

We admit it: Nobody up in the ITTDB Citadel knows a thing about this 23rd-century space station except, of course, that the humans and aliens sometimes travel through time. This entry in the ITTDB is just a placeholder to remind us to watch the series!

This is nuts! A station doesn’t just disappear and then reappear four years later like some kind of Flying Dutchman.

Babylon 5 by J. Michael Straczynski (10 August 1994).

The Simpsons

by Matt Groening

Homer’s first time travel was part of the fifth Halloween montage in a segment called “Time and Punishment” (aka “Homer’s Time Travel Nightmare”) where each tiny dinosaur he stomps on alters his own life. The next bit I saw was Professor Frink, who built and used the chronotrike in “Springfield Up,” attempting to tell his young self to choose a different career.

Homer: (to self) Okay, don’t panic! Remember the advice Dad gave you on your wedding day.
Grandpa: (in flashback) If you ever travel back in time, don’t step on anything, because even the slightest change can alter the future in ways you can’t imagine.

The Simpsons by Matt Groening (30 October 1994).

Dog City

by Jim Henson Productions

This combined animation/Muppet show from Jim Hensen Productions gets an extra half star just because the main characters are all dogs, one of who explains how a time machine has completely altered Dog City in the episode “Future Schlock’ (12 Nov 1994).

Due to the use of a time machine, events were changed in Dog City’s past, which naturally affected Dog City’s future, which was Dog City’s present, of course.

Dog City by Jim Henson Productions (12 November 1994).

A.J.’s Time Travelers

by Barry Friedman, directed by Mike Finney

In the four episodes of this Fox Network Saturday morning show, teenaged Commander A.J. Malloy leads a crew through horribly written educational trips through time including visits to Imhotep, Newton, Gutenberg and the Tuskegee Airmen, Salem, Santa, and more.

I wish I knew more about when this aired. The first episode was definitely “Imhotep,” since that is where A.J. meets his crew; it might have aired as early as 3 Dec 1984.

Having a conversation with a dog in a time machine and you think something can be impossible?

A.J.’s Time Travelers by Barry Friedman, directed by Mike Finney (4 December 1994).

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

by Rick Berman and Michael Piller

Seven seasons with nine time-travel episodes including the most troublesome “Trials and Tribble-ations.”

We do not discuss it with outsiders.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine by Rick Berman and Michael Piller (2 January 1995).

Star Trek: Voyager

by Rick Berman et al.

Seven seasons with 12 time-travel episodes, two of which featured Kess’s namesake, Kes.

As they say in the Temporal Mechanics Department: There’s no time like the present.

Star Trek: Voyager by Rick Berman et al. (30 January 1995).

Lois and Clark

by Deborah Joy LeVine

Four seasons with 7 time-travel episodes:

Lois, did you know that in the future you're revered at the same level as Superman? Why, there are books about you, statues, an interactive game—you’re even a breakfast cereal.

Lois and Clark by Deborah Joy LeVine (26 March 1995).

The Outer Limits

by Leslie Stevens

Sadly, this revival (which outlasted the original by more than 100 episodes) was shown mostly on cable, so I didn’t see many of the first airings. But as I was writing up this listing, I realized that between the two runs of The Outer Limits, three runs of The Twilight Zone, one season of Tales of Tomorrow, and a handful of other miscellaneous episodes of weird anthology series, we could easily put together a full season of a new anthology show: The Time Travel Zone Limits. After one season, the network will be ours, and we can continue for many happy seasons into the future.

There is nothing wrong with your television. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are now controlling the transmission. We control the horizontal and the vertical. We can deluge you with a thousand channels or expand one single image to crystal clarity and beyond. We can shape your vision to anything our imagination can conceive. For the next hour, we will control all that you see and hear. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the deepest inner mind to. . . The Outer Limits!

The Outer Limits by Leslie Stevens (5 May 1995).

Star Trek: Gargoyles

by Greg Weisman

What’s that? You didn’t realize that Tim’s favorite childhood cartoon was part of the Star Trek universe? And I suppose you also believe that Doc Brown had nothing to do with Brownian motion?! According to the creator, this universe has a fixed time line in which you may travel but not change things—what he calls “working paradoxes,” though my memory holds only one time-travel episode, “Vows” (14 Sep 1995).

You may have prevented me from altering the past, but you failed too. You see I have clear memories of your little inspirational about keeping my vows of love. I never forgot it. Obviously history is immutable.

Star Trek: Gargoyles by Greg Weisman (14 September 1995).

The Magic School Bus

by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen

Apart from “The Busasaurus,” in which The Magic School Bus in the Time of Dinosaurs comes to the little animated screen (although only with the Cretaceous period), I don’t know whether Miss Frizzle and her charges ever took any other trips through time.

To really understand a dinosaur, you really need to walk in its shoes.

The Magic School Bus by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen (23 September 1995).

Mirror, Mirror

by Poise Graeme-Evans

Troubled 14-year-old Jo Tiegan is given a mirror that lets her visit back-and-forth with another girl who lives in her very bedroom in 1919 New Zealand.

I was just positioning the mirror for your daughter.. . . Jo, you must leave it right there. It’s right for it to be there. By tomorrow morning, you’ll understand.

Mirror, Mirror by Poise Graeme-Evans (30 September 1995).

Goosebumps

by Deborah Forte

R.L. Stine’s creepy kids’ books translated to TV, but for me, the pace on the small screen was always slow. A couple episodes had definite time travel, and some of the episodes were filmed in Bellevue, WA, where I went to junior high school, but I haven’t recognized any landmarks.

So Tara has never been born. I suppose there’s some way to go back in time to get her, right? I guess I probably ought to do that. And I will. . . one of these days.

Goosebumps by Deborah Forte (3 November 1995).

Star Truck: Animaniacs

by Earl Kress, directed by Audi Paden

The Warner kids beam onto the Star Truck ship in the year 2995 where Captain, Mr Spork, Squattie, and the rest of the gang don’t realize that they are a mid-twentieth century TV show.

If you don’t get knocked out by the giant Star Truck hammer, you’ll briefly spot Pinky and the Brain in this satire. That pair had their own chrono-atypical adventures in separate episodes of Animaniacs and their own show.

N.B. the Warners often visited movie or TV sets in different times in which it wasn’t clear whether the other characters knew that they were actors in a dramatical production. In Star Truck the Warners could well be in the future, but in other episodes (e.g., Hercules Unwound, which costars Pinky and the Brain), the fourth wall is shattered.

Yakko: Come on, Cap, let’s go back to New York in the 1930s.
Dot: You can fall in love with Joan Collins—
Yakko: —and then she’ll die.

Star Truck: Animaniacs by Earl Kress, directed by Audi Paden (4 November 1995).

Wishbone

by Peter Orton and Ellia Den

Wishbone, our favorite imaginative dog, is an different literary adventurer during every episode, including one scary 1995 tale (“Bark to the Future”) where he became the Traveller. The kids loved this show, especially Hannah (and me).

This is the problem with time. I’m hungry now, but snack time is later. Why can’t later be now?

Wishbone by Peter Orton and Ellia Den (7 November 1995).

The Busy World of Richard Scarry

by Richard Scarry

In one Busytown episode, two of Richard Scarry’s cheerful characters, Huckle Cat and Lowly Worm, are accidentally taken back to Colonial Busytown by Mr. Fix-It’s Tardis-like time machine. Fortunately, Mr. Fix-It’s ancestor helps them fix the broken lever in the time machine (even before today’s Mr. Fix-It can rescue them in another familiar looking time machine).

This isn’t any old elevator, boys. It’s a time machine! This is for traveling through time.

The Busy World of Richard Scarry by Richard Scarry (1996).

Duckman

by Everett Peck

Seinfeld’s pal, George Costanza, lends his voice to private detective, lousy family man, and general letch Eric Tiberius Duckman, who in one amusing episode was visited by multiple future selves warning him of multiple future mistakes.

Actually, it seems that while trying to set the alarm on my clock radio, I may have ripped a hole in the time-space continuum.

Duckman by Everett Peck (20 April 1996).

Dexter’s Laboratory

by Genndy Tartakovsky

Boy Genius Dexter makes amazing invention after amazing invention including a time machine that his annoying sister Dee Dee first used in the first episode, “DeeDeemensional.” I enjoyed the way it ended.

If there were a message that was so important it required time travel, I certainly would not send my idiot sister.

Dexter’s Laboratory by Genndy Tartakovsky (28 April 1996).

Early Edition

by Bob Brush

A calico cat brings Gary tomorrow’s newspaper every morning—and at least two episodes in the four seasons sent soft-spoken Gary back in time (to the Chicago Fire in “Hot Time in the Old Time” and to the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in “Everybody Goes to Rick’s). Go Gary!

One of the reasons this show appealed to me is the occurrence of a strong, introverted lead character, which is a rarity in all fiction.

What if, by some magic, you found the power to really change things? People, events, maybe even your life. Would you even know where to start? Maybe you can’t know. Until it happens.

Early Edition by Bob Brush (28 September 1996).

Richie Rich

by Gary Conrad et al.

In the 1962 Richie Rich comic book, the poor little rich kid had an actual time machine, but in the 1996 cartoon (“Back in the Saddle”), he and Gloria just find themselves back in the Old West with no machinations needed, where they meet Reggie the Kid.

Richie, look at the date! June 1896!

Richie Rich by Gary Conrad et al. (5 October 1996).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s01e14)

Sabrina through the Looking Glass

by Nell Scovell, directed by Liz Plonka

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s01e14), “Sabrina through the Looking Glass” by Nell Scovell, directed by Liz Plonka (ABC-TV, USA, 17 January 1997).

Crime Traveller

by Anthony Horowitz

Unconventional detective Jeff Slade becomes even more unconventional when nerd Holly Turner reveals the limited time machine left to her by her lost-in-time father.

If something has happened, it will happen.

Crime Traveller by Anthony Horowitz (1 March 1997).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s02e08)

Inna-Gadda-Sabrina

by Sheldon Bull, directed by Gary Halvorson

In a crossover involving all four of ABC’s Friday night family-friendly shows, Salem eats Sabrina’s time ball, sending their world back to the 1960s and sending each of the other shows’ characters to a different decade as well. You could argue that the time ball causes the whole culture to experience the world as if it were back in the 1960s rather than producing actual time travel.

— Inmate Jan

You hold it and your surroundings become whatever decade you think of.

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s02e08), “Inna-Gadda-Sabrina” by Sheldon Bull, directed by Gary Halvorson (ABC-TV, USA, 7 November 1997) \pt. 1 of the 1997 TGIF Crossover].

Boy Meets World (s05e06)

No Guts, No Cory

by Lara Olsen and Patricia Carr, directed by Alan Myerson

As part of ABC’s Friday night crossover, Salem (the cat from tag-4138 Sabrina) transports the Boy Meets World world to 1940s America where Cory, his dad, and Shawn all ship off to war.

— Michael Main

I don’t know how I would handle living back then. You know, I wonder what it was like during World War II.

Boy Meets World (s05e06), “No Guts, No Cory” by Lara Olsen and Patricia Carr, directed by Alan Myerson (ABC-TV, USA, 7 November 1997) \pt. 2 of the 1997 TGIF Crossover].

You Wish (s01e07)

Genie without a Cause

by Jeff Sherman, directed by Jeff McCracken

In the third part of ABC’s Friday night crossover, Sabrina’s cat Salem transports the You Wish gang to the 1950s Travis has a James Dean-ish drag race, Genie inspires a young Bob Dylan, and Salem tries to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Felix the Cat.

— Michael Main

I hope this is the one where she stomps on the grapes.

You Wish (s01e07), “Genie without a Cause” by Jeff Sherman, directed by Jeff McCracken (ABC-TV, USA, 7 November 1997) \pt. 3 of the 1997 TGIF Crossover].

Teen Angel (s01e07)

One Dog Night

by Michael Price, directed by Gary Halvorson

The final part of ABC’s Friday night crossover took Salem the cat to Teen Angel’s house where he transports Teen Angel and the family back to the time of disco and, apparently, altered the course of the 1976 presidential election.

— Michael Main

Oh, honey, you can go any time. Disco’s gonna last forever.

Teen Angel (s01e07), “One Dog Night” by Michael Price, directed by Gary Halvorson (ABC-TV, USA, 7 November 1997) \pt. 4 of the 1997 TGIF Crossover].

Men in Black: The Series

by Duane Capizzi et al.

I’ve yet to see a modern TV cartoon with animation up to my childhood fare, but the stories of this adaptation of the alien-fighters (based on the Malibu comic, which was based on the movie) are sometimes watchable, including some episodes where the Men time traveled even before Men in Black III.

Never put off until tomorrow what you can do yesterday.

Men in Black: The Series by Duane Capizzi et al. (20 December 1997).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s02e24)

Sabrina’s Choice

by Sheldon Bull, directed by Kenneth R. Koch

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s02e24), “Sabrina’s Choice” by Sheldon Bull, directed by Kenneth R. Koch (ABC-TV, USA, 1 May 1998).

You Wish (s01e09)

All in the Family Room

by Linda Mathious and Heather MacGillvray, directed by Jeff McCracken

Slighted by his sister, Travis uses Genie’s time travel portal to run away to a pirate ship.

— based on ShareTV

You Wish (s01e09), “All in the Family Room” by Linda Mathious and Heather MacGillvray, directed by Jeff McCracken (ABC-TV, USA, 29 May 1998).

You Wish (s01e13)

Gift of the Travi

by Daniel Paige and Sue Paige, directed by Jeff McCracken

When Genie gives each of the kids a Christmas wish, Mickey wishes for a white Christmas in LA, and Travis wishes that it would be Christmas every day. Yeah, like that ever works out.

— Michael Main

I wish every day was Christmas.

You Wish (s01e13), “Gift of the Travi” by Daniel Paige and Sue Paige, directed by Jeff McCracken (ABC-TV, USA, 24 July 1998).

Flint, the Time Detective

|pending byline|

Flint, a none-too-bright cave boy, is defossilized in the 25th century and applies his remarkable strength and bravery to protecting the world from the time-changing machinations of the Dark Lord. The 39 Japanese anime episodes were dubbed in English and broadcast in 2000.

Crossing the time barrier to save the world!

Flint,the Time Detective |pending byline| (1 October 1998).

Seven Days

by Christopher Crowe and Zachary Crowe

Navy Lt. Frank Parker is the mentally unstable operative for government missions that can travel back in time exactly one week.

Someday I’m gonna form a chrononauts’ union.

Seven Days by Christopher Crowe and Zachary Crowe (7 October 1998).

Stargate SG-1

by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner

Premise: Ancient visitors to Earth have left a gateway to the stars and to other Egyptian-like civilizations. I watched the movie and the first two seasons on Amazon, but never fully got pulled in to the gate, not even when they traveled back in time to 1969 and made a cool reference to “Tomorrow Is Yesterday.”

Thornbird: I’m Major Robert Thornbird. And you are?
O’Neill: Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise.

Stargate SG-1 by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner (5 March 1999).

Family Guy

by Seth MacFarlane

Nikolaus Correll turned me on to time travel in Family Guy.

It’s called a temporal causality loop. The universe created me, so that I could create it, so it could create me, and so on.

Family Guy by Seth MacFarlane (25 April 1999).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e02)

Dream a Little Dreama Me

by Sheldon Bull, directed by Linda Day

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e02), “Dream a Little Dreama Me” by Sheldon Bull, directed by Linda Day (ABC-TV, USA, 1 October 1999).

Walker, Texas Ranger

by Albert S. Ruddy et al.

Somebody has to say it: Chuck Norris doesn’t travel to the 19th century after a 1999 encounter with a Shaman (“Way of the Warrior”); the 19th century travels to Chuck Norris.

The shaman sent for me. He brought me here to help you.

Walker, Texas Ranger by Albert S. Ruddy et al. (16 October 1999).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e06)

Episode LXXXI: The Phantom Menace

by Charlie Tercek, directed by Kenneth R. Koch

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e06), “Episode LXXXI: The Phantom Menace” by Charlie Tercek, directed by Kenneth R. Koch (ABC-TV, USA, 29 October 1999).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e08)

Aging, Not So Gracefully

by Danita Jones, directed by Linda Day

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e08), “Aging, Not So Gracefully” by Danita Jones, directed by Linda Day (ABC-TV, USA, 12 November 1999).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e12)

Sabrina Nipping at Your Nose

by Frank Conniff, directed by Anson Williams

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e12), “Sabrina Nipping at Your Nose” by Frank Conniff, directed by Anson Williams (ABC-TV, USA, 17 December 1999).

SpongeBob SquarePants [s1:e14A]

SB-129

by Aaron Springer, Erik Wiese, and Mr. Lawrence, directed by Aarpm Springer et al.

The first of SpongeBob’s family to foray into time was Squidward, whose accidental cryofreeze took him two millennia into the future. Of course, even primitive sponges know that that was not actual time travel, but future-SpongeTrons point the six-limbed cephalopod to a time machine that took him on two actual time travel trips before returning him to his own time. No, we don’t know whether one of the future SpongeTrons is SB-129, but we do note that the production code for this episode was 2515-129.

— Inmate Jan

Well, why didn’t ya just ask? The time machine is down the hall and to the left.

“SB-129” by Aaron Springer, Erik Wiese, and Mr. Lawrence, directed by Aarpm Springer et al., from SpongeBob SquarePants [s01e14A], Nickelodeon (USA, 31 December 1999).

Archie

by Hal Sutherland

There were Archie cartoons when I was a kid: The first ones I remember had the Riverdale teens as a pop band (“Sugar, Sugar!”) around the same time as the Monkees, but I don’t recall any time travel then, even if it was directed by Hal Sutherland, soon-to-be director of the animated Star Trek. However, I did spot a later three-part time travel story in Archie’s Weird Mysteries that ran in 2000 (“Archie’s Date with Fate,” “Alternate Riverdales,” and “Teen Out of Time”).

Free will and predestination aside, I vow to completely redesign my time travel invention to make it safer.

Archie by Hal Sutherland (14 February 2000).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e17)

Salem’s Daughter

by Sheldon Bull, directed by Jeff Melman

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e17), “Salem’s Daughter” by Sheldon Bull, directed by Jeff Melman (ABC-TV, USA, 3 March 2000).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e19)

The Wild, Wild Witch

by David Saling and Sheldon Krasner, directed by Sheldon Bull

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s04e19), “The Wild, Wild Witch” by David Saling and Sheldon Krasner, directed by Sheldon Bull (ABC-TV, USA, 31 March 2000).

犬夜叉

Inuyasha Literal: Inuyasha

|pending byline|

Teen Kagome Higurashi is transported from modern Tokyo to the Japanese Age of Warring States (around 1500 A.D.) where she inhabits the body of her earlier self and fights the demon InuYasha.

The manga comic was adapted into 193 anime episodes in two series (InuYasha and InuYasha: The Final Act, both of which were dubbed in English. I do wish that the translation of the quote shown below had been more true to Dorothy’s line from The Wizard of Oz.

We really aren’t in Tokyo any more, are we?

[ex=bare]犬夜叉 | Inuyasha | Inuyasha[/ex] |pending byline| (16 October 2000).

South Park

by Trey Parker and Matt Stone

The first indication of time travel in South Park was in 4th grade when (among other things) Cartman’s Dawson’s Creek Trapper Keeper Futura S2000 has designs on killing Kenny and taking over the world, but fortunately a robot from the future has come back to protect and serve.

I have come to destroy that trapper keeper because it was the Dawson’s Creek Trapper Keeper that belongs to an Eric Cartman in South Park which three years from now manifests itself into an omnipotent super being and destroys all of hu-manity.

South Park by Trey Parker and Matt Stone (8 November 2000).

Courage, the Cowardly Dog

by John R. Dilworth

In one episode (“1000 Years in the Future”) of the misadventures of Courage and his family, an errant meteor knocks them into the future, it’s up to Courage to explore things in the new Banana Republic and get them back to their own time (or maybe chance will have to do that).

I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more, or the present time, or some combination of the two.

Courage, the Cowardly Dog by John R. Dilworth (29 December 2000).

Power Rangers Time Force

by Judd Lynn and Jackie Marchland

In the ninth season of the power rangers, evil mutant Ransik flees from the 30th century back to our time. Rangers pursue. I don’t know whether other years had time travel.

If I can’t rule the present, then I’ll just rule the paaaaaast!

Power Rangers Time Force by Judd Lynn and Jackie Marchland (3 February 2001).

Farscape

by Rockne S. O’Bannon

I enjoyed the interplay of the characters in the first season: Earth astronaut John Crichton who’s sucked through a wormhole in the style of Star Trek Voyager to end up on a living spaceship (Moya) with the Pilot plus four fugitives: Peacekeeper soldier Aeryn, Warrior D’Argo, deposed emperor Rygel XVI, and the priestess Zhaan—all being pursued by the obsessed Bialar Crais. That first season had visions of the future but, alas, no time travel. In later seasons my interest waned, even though there was real time travel in one episode, “Different Destinations” (13 Apr 2001).

Chiana has already told me a few words. Yes. No. Bite me. That’s all I need to know.

Farscape by Rockne S. O’Bannon (13 April 2001).

Futurama

by Matt Groening

Philip J. Fry never caught my interest the way the Simpsons did, but after surviving a millennium in cryogenic suspension, Philip and his 31st century cohorts do have some wacky time travel, including “The Late Philip J. Fry” wherein the professor’s one-way time machine takes them further and further into futures with a strange resemblance to various sf movie futures.

We are travelers from the past, my good one. Since your time, human evolution has diverged. There are we—advanced in intellect and morality—and the dumblocks—stupid, vicious brutes who live underground.

Futurama by Matt Groening (6 May 2001).

Time Squad

by Dave Wasson

In a utopian future, the past starts to unravel and it’s up to Otto, a ten-year-old 21st century orphan, and the rest of the Time Squad to patch things back together.

That’s the History Instability Alarm! It’s time for another mission!

Time Squad by Dave Wasson (8 June 2001).

劇場版ポケットモンスターセレビィ時を越えた遭遇（であい

Gekijoban pokettomonsuta serebyi toki o koeta sogu English release: Pokemon 4Ever: Celebi—Voice of the Forest Literal: Pokemon Celebi encounter over time: The movie

|pending byline|

A tiny Pokémon Celebi and his boy are chased into the future by a Pokémon hunter.

They say there’s a sound you can hear when the spirit that protects the forest is time traveling.

[ex=bare]劇場版ポケットモンスターセレビィ時を越えた遭遇（であい | Pokemon Celebi encounter over time: The movie | Gekijoban pokettomonsuta serebyi toki o koeta sogu[/ex] |pending byline| (7 July 2001).

Samurai Jack

by Genndy Tartakovsky

When the evil Aku returns to threaten the empire, a young prince trains for years to eventually fight and defeat him, but before Aku can be fully vanquished, he sends the prince into the future where he battles through threat after threat (with stories told in pictures more than words) in his quest to return to his own time.

I thought once like you, but the sword is only a tool. What power has it compared to that of the hand that wields it?

Samurai Jack by Genndy Tartakovsky (10 August 2001).

Invader Zim

by Jhonen Vasquez

Tim showed me the one Zim time-travel episode (“Big, Bad Rubber Piggy”) on Christmas Day in 2010. The would-be alien invader Zim plans to send a terminator robot back to kill is nemesis Dib, but the time-travel portal will accept only rubber piggies, which Zim manages to make do with.

You could prevent Walton Chunky from ever inventing Breakfast Chunks by using temporal object replacement technology!

Invader Zim by Jhonen Vasquez (24 August 2001).

Star Trek: Enterprise

by Rick Berman and Brannon Braga

You must watch the whole of Enterprise to grok the full arc of the Temporal Cold War with 13 episodes that were more temporal than others:

Old T’Pol: There’s a human expression: Follow your heart.
Young T’Pol: What if my heart doesn’t know what it wants?
Old T’Pol: It will, in time, it will.

Star Trek: Enterprise by Rick Berman and Brannon Braga (26 September 2001).

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

by Joss Whedon

Time travel was not a staple for the young bloodsucker nemesis, but Buffy did slay time on a few occasions.

Via, concursus, tempus, spatium, audi me ut imperio. Screw it! Mighty forces, I suck at Latin, okay? But that’s not the issue. I’m the one in charge, and I’m telling you open that portal, now!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Joss Whedon (23 October 2001).

The Fairly OddParents

by Butch Hartman

Young Timmy Turner has two fairly odd fairy parents who can grant wishes, but are always creating problems for Timmy to fix, including at least twice when he had to wish himself back in time: to the Old West (“Old, Old West”) and to a pirate ship (“Odd Pirates”).

Safety’s for yellow bellies.

The Fairly OddParents by Butch Hartman (26 January 2002).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s06e15)

Time after Time

by Dan Berendsen, directed by Jeff Melman

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s06e15), “Time after Time” by Dan Berendsen, directed by Jeff Melman (The WB-TV, USA, 15 March 2002).

Felicity

by J. J. Abrams and Matt Reeves

High school senior Felicity Porter follows Ben to college in New York and mopes around him for four years before he cheats on her, so (in the final five episodes of the series) her friend Meghan casts a spell to send her back in time where she can be with Noel who’s always had a crush on her although now he’s not quite so certain since, after all, there is that Hannah girl.

Next time be a more responsible time traveler.

Felicity by J. J. Abrams and Matt Reeves (1 May 2002).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s06e22)

I Fall to Pieces

by Jon Vandergriff, directed by Melissa Joan Hart

On the rebound from a breakup, Aunt Hilda meets her soul mate—the conductor from the Halloween mystery train—and if the wedding is to go on, Rodin to do his thing.

— Inmate Jan

Oh, I can’t believe it: The only time a witch falls to pieces is when she’s separated from her soul mate.

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s06e22), “I Fall to Pieces” by Jon Vandergriff, directed by Melissa Joan Hart (The WB-TV, USA, 10 May 2002).

Odyssey 5

by Manny Coto

Five shuttle astronauts in orbit watch the mysterious destruction of the Earth, after which an alien offers to send their consciousnesses back in time five years to solve the mystery and save the earth. For me, it was the melodramatic music, weak scientific concepts and weaker dialog that fated this show to one season, although they did take on some interesting questions about how the crew’s actions may alter time.

I. . . have it in my power. . . to project you back.

Odyssey 5 by Manny Coto (21 June 2002).

Megas XLR

by Jody Schaeffer and George Krstic

In the pilot show (called “Lowbrow” and aired on a Cartoon Network Weekend Summerfest), two video-game gearheads (Coop and Jamie) find a time-traveling robot in a junkyard and trick him out with a new engine, some new body work, a 671 Jimmy Huffer, and an eight-ball gear shift before realizing that they (along with the redhead, Kiva, from the future) must now protect present-day Earth from the evil aliens who enslaved the planet in the future and are now tracking the Megas back through time.

After the pilot, the Cartoon Network picked up the show for 26 new episodes.

Listen! We need Megas to avert an alien invasion in the far future. He wasn’t meant to be a toy for a prehistoric yahoo and his pet monkey thing!

Megas XLR by Jody Schaeffer and George Krstic (23 August 2002).

¡Mucha Lucha!

by Eddie Mort and Lili Chin

Just one time-travel episode (“Woulda Coulda Hasbeena”) in this forgettable series when the three kids’ teacher heads back to the land-of-disco to right-a-wrong in his past, and the kids follow.

Traveling back in time to change the outcome of a wresting match is so against the code of Mas Wrestling that it will rip our world apart at the seams!

¡Mucha Lucha! by Eddie Mort and Lili Chin (31 August 2002).

Do Over

by Kenny Schwartz and Rick Wiener

Thirty-something Joel Larsen, disappointed in his life, finds himself back in 9th grade with a chance to do things over again.

That, young time traveler, is your first kiss.

Do Over by Kenny Schwartz and Rick Wiener (19 September 2002).

The Twilight Zone

by Rod Serling

One season with 4 time-travel episodes.

I reminded them that Adolph Hitler was responsible for the deaths of 60 million people.

The Twilight Zone by Rod Serling (2 October 2002).

Frasier

by David Angell et al.

Under the influence of sedatives, Niles wonders whether a hospital has memories, a question that's answered as he is wheeled into the operating room. I suppose the scenes could just be flashbacks or even hospital memories, but the final scene in “Rooms with a View” (s10e08) might well be time travel.

All these big dramatic moments, and the hospital just gobbles them up. Do you think a hospital has memories?

Frasier by David Angell et al. (19 November 2002).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s07e08)

Bada Ping!

by Nancy Cohen, directed by Anson Williams

Sabrina takes Salem into the future to find out her fate after gangster Mickey Brentwood finds out that she’s writing an exposé on his shady practices.

— Inmate Jan

You see, this thug nightclub owner threatened our little Lois Lame over there—

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s07e08), “Bada Ping!” by Nancy Cohen, directed by Anson Williams (The WB-TV, USA, 22 November 2002).

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s07e09)

It’s a Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Christmas

by Dan Kael, directed by Melissa Joan Hart

While on a Christmas trip to Florida, Sabrina and Salem travel back in time to see who robbed the condo where everyone is staying

— Inmate Jan

Oh, oh, oh—I think you went back a little too far!

Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (s07e09), “It’s a Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot Christmas” by Dan Kael, directed by Melissa Joan Hart (The WB-TV, USA, 6 December 2002).

Static Shock

by Dwayne McDuffie and Michael Davis

Based on the DC comic book, fourteen-year-old superhero Virgil Hawkins, aka Static, has power over electromagnetism, but it’s his friend Nina, aka Time-Zone, who takes him and another hero through time in their first trek through time, trying to save Virgil’s mother.

She can rewind herself through time like a tape through a VCR!

Static Shock by Dwayne McDuffie and Michael Davis (7 June 2003).

Timeblazers

by Wilson Coneybeare

When Shakira or Alex ask questions about life of yore, Sam and Jen take them back to see for themselves.

And now they take me back in time to find out what life in the past was really like.

Timeblazers by Wilson Coneybeare (5 July 2003).

ぽぽたん

Popotan English release: Popotan Literal: Liondandy

by Jukki Hanada

Three young sisters—Ai, Mai and Mii—and their maid find themselves continually jumping from place to place and time to time.

Why do we have to keep moving, over and over again? It’s so unfair!

[ex=bare]ぽぽたん | Liondandi | Popotan[/ex] by Jukki Hanada (17 July 2003).

Code Lyoko

English release: Code Lyoko Literal: Code Lyoko

by Tania Palumbo and Thomas Romain

As you watch the first few episodes of this French nearly-anime cartoon (dubbed in English), there’s a challenge in working out exactly what’s what in the group of young friends at a boarding school where the resident genius (Jeremy Belpois) interacts with a girl (Aelita) who's trapped in a virtual world which is terrorized by the evil Xana. I suspect I may have missed a few episodes at the start (I started with “Teddygozila”), but it seems that at the end of each successful adventure in the virtual world, the supercomputer take the adventurers back in time to a point of their choosing. It’s kind of cool that things aren’tfully explained, so I hope I don’t later run into the origin episode!

Ready for a trip into the past, Yumi?

[ex=bare]Code Lyoko | Code Lyoko[/ex] by Tania Palumbo and Thomas Romain (3 September 2003).

Tru Calling

by Jon Harmon Feldman

From time to time, a dead guy asks morgue worker Tru Davies for help, which causes her day to rewind and gives her a chance to save the dead person with the help of her shy boss Davis and her ne’er-do-well brother Harry.

Hannah gave me the DVD of the first season for Christmas, and it took a few episodes for the show to grow on me. I was hooked about halfway through the season, with the introduction of Jack Harper and the suggestions of an overarching plot.

Have a little faith in your sister.

Tru Calling by Jon Harmon Feldman (30 October 2003).

Smallville

by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar

Ten seasons with at least 9 time-travel episodes:

Chloe: When you were a baby. Clark, if you really are in trouble on Krypton, you’d better find a way to get there, and soon, or. . .
Clark: I’ll never have existed.

Smallville by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (3 March 2004).

Tripping the Rift

by Chris Moeller and Chuck Austen

What if Star Trek/Wars were an adult cartoon with time travel on demand, including travel back to the start of the universe in the broadcast pilot, “God is Our Pilot”?

Chode: Hey, you know what the best part of being able to go back to the beginning of time means?
Whip: Yeah. Not having to remember what you did yesterday.
Chode: Yeah, that. And we’re gonna know once and for all how the universe was created.

Tripping the Rift by Chris Moeller and Chuck Austen (4 March 2004).

Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law

by Michael Ouweleen and Erik Richter

After failing as part of a 1960s Hanna-Barbera cartoon, Birdman and the Galaxy Trio, Harvey Birdman is revived as an attorney whose clients are typically other hard-done-by Hanna-Barbera characters, including at least one episode where the Jetsons travel from the far future (that’d be 2002) to the present (2004), but my favorite is when Harvey has to defend Quick Draw “Eastwood” McGraw’s 2nd Amendment rights.

Ah, that’s okay, great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-granddad.

Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law by Michael Ouweleen and Erik Richter (16 May 2004).

5ive Days to Midnight

by Robert Zappia et. al., directed by Michael Watkins

In this SciFi Channel miniseries, J.T. Neumeyer (physics professor, widower, and single dad) receives a briefcase from decades in the future containing a police file with the details of his murder five days hence. Once he accepts it as real, he has some success at changing fate by saving a woman from an accident—and then fate starts pushing back by killing her in a different accident, putting J.T. is on a track to meet his own fate.

The future is not immutable—you can print that!

5ive Days to Midnight by Robert Zappia et. al., directed by Michael Watkins (7 June 2004).

Phil of the Future

by Tim Maile and Douglas Tuber

Phil Duffy and his family, on vacation from the 22nd century in a rented time machine, are keeping it together just as best as they can now that they’ve ended up trapped right here in our time zone.

♫Meet a boy named Phil and his family
On vacation from the 22nd century
They got a rented time machine and they’re on their way
To a time way, way, way back in the day♫

Phil of the Future by Tim Maile and Douglas Tuber (18 June 2004).

The 4400

by René Echevarria and Scott Peters

Over the years, people of all ages and walks of life have been abducted. Now, 4400 of them have returned to a glen outside of Seattle, all at the same time and without any aging or memory of where—or when—they’ve been. We get to see how they fit back in or don’t, how they react to hostilities, how they use their powers such as young Maia Skouris who sees the future, 17-year-old bio-phenom Shawn Farrell who now has an eye for Nikki (not so young any more), and Richard who no longer has his life threatened for loving a white woman whom he’s managed to impregnate without sex.

History tells us this is where the path to oblivion began.

The 4400 by René Echevarria and Scott Peters (11 July 2004).

Time Warp Trio

by Kathy Waugh et al.

Ten-year-old Joe and his two mates Fred and Sam travel back and forth in time in these 22-minute Discovery Kids cartoons based on Jon Scieszka’s story series.

Ever wonder how three kids from Brooklyn got their hands on a time-traveling book?

Time Warp Trio by Kathy Waugh et al. (9 July 2005).

Life on Mars

by Matthew Graham et al.

While working on murder case that has drawn in his girlfriend, Manchester Police Detective Sam Tyler is hit by a car and thrown into 1973 where DCI Hunt, WPC Cartwright, and everyone else in the district believes him to be a detective on loan.

I had an accident, and I woke up 33 years in the past. Now that either makes me a time traveler or a lunatic or. . . I’m lying in a hospital bed in 2006 and none of this is real.

Life on Mars by Matthew Graham et al. (9 January 2006).

Lost

by Jeffrey Lieber et al.

Sadly, I never bonded with Lost, the six-season story of plane crash survivors on a supernatural island, but Tim assures me that I must list it with at least four stars.

Sayid: Radio waves at this frequency bounce off the ionosphere. They can travel thousands of miles. It could be coming from anywhere.
Hurley: Or any time . . .

Lost by Jeffrey Lieber et al. (8 February 2006).

Snuffbox

by matt berry and rich fulcher

Rich and Matt wend their way through 28 minutes of dark, f-bombed weirdness in six episodes, each of which includes a trip in time through a door marked 1888. My own preference in British comedy is for Basil Fawlty, but sadly, he never traveled through time.

Not that one! It’s out of order. Use the other door.

Snuffbox by matt berry and rich fulcher (27 February 2006).

American Dragon

by Jeff Goode

Like all American teens, Asian-American Jake Long skateboards—oh, and he’s also the wise-cracking American Dragon, guardian of all magical creatures. In one episode (“Hero of the Hourglass”), Jake travels back to when his dad was a teen in order to get his mom to reveal the truth about magic and dragons.

Or, I can change things for the better. . . ooh, there’s a whole side of my family that my dad doesn’t doesn't know about. I have the chance to change that, the chance to reverse the last twenty years and redo everything without the lies, the secrets, the being grounded every other week.

American Dragon by Jeff Goode (12 August 2006).

Heroes

by Tim Kring

Hiro Nakamura reads comic books, wants to be a hero, and believes that his will power is enough to move him through time and space (and, yes, it is).

I enjoyed talking about this show with my friend John Kennedy before he died of cancer on 18 Mar 2009.

Save the cheerleader, save the world.

Heroes by Tim Kring (25 September 2006).

Day Break

by Paul Zbyszewski

Detective Brett Hopper keeps waking up at the same time on the same day, but each day he learns more about who's trying to frame him.

Maybe. We’ll see how the day goes.

Day Break by Paul Zbyszewski (15 November 2006).

Happy Tree Friends

by Aubrey Ankrum et al.

Cute forest animals mutilate and maim each other with at least one time machine in “Blast from the Past” where Sniffles vainly tries to save his friends from playground death and mayhem.

Cartoon Violence: Not recommended for small children or big babies

Happy Tree Friends by Aubrey Ankrum et al. (20 November 2006).

Wonder Pets

by Josh Selig

When the kindergarteners leave for the day, three kindergarten pets—a hamster, a duck and a turtle, of course—save various different animals from perils, including one episode when the trio traveled into a classroom poster to save a trapped triceratops.

Look! There’s there are dinosaurs in that poster! Let’s go there!

Wonder Pets by Josh Selig (“Save the Dinosaur”, 6 December 2006).

American Dad!

by Seth MacFarlane et al.

Typical patriotic American family fare with Dad, Mom, two kids, an alien, a man trapped in a goldfish body, and the occasional romp through time.

Getting Scorsese off drugs means he never did all the cocaine that fueled him to make Taxi Driver, which means he never cast Jodie Foster, which means John Hinkley never obsessed over her, and he never tried to impress her by shooting President Reagan, which means Reagan was never empowered by surviving an assassination attempt—he must have lost to Mondale in ’84. Bingo! Forty-seven days into his presidency, Mondale handed complete control of the U.S. over to the Soviet Union.

American Dad! by Seth MacFarlane et al. (17 December 2006).

Primeval

by Adrian Hodges and Tim Haines

A time anomaly is allowing beasties from the past and future into present-day England. Oh, and Professor Cutter goes through the anomaly, too, because he’s searching for his lost wifey.

Miss, oh Miss!! There’s a dinosaur on the playground.

Primeval by Adrian Hodges and Tim Haines (10 February 2007).

According to Jim

by Tracy Newman and Jonathan Stark

Jim uses a porta-potty as a time machine to get repeated chances at being a successful dad at his son’s t-ball game (“The At-Bat”). Janet and I watched the time-travel episode on a happy summer evening.

All right, we’ve established that you can play for the Cubs.

According to Jim by Tracy Newman and Jonathan Stark (4 April 2007).

Journeyman

by Kevin Falls

Reporter Dan Vasser’s life is thrown into disarray when he starts jumping backward in time to help others in peril.

Don’t ask me to explain time travel paradoxes. All I do is fix the time gates when something goes wrong. Paradoxes are argued over at a much higher pay grade than mine.

Journeyman by Kevin Falls (24 September 2007).

Chilly Beach: The World Is Hot Enough

by Daniel Hawes and Doug Sinclair, directed by Edin Ibric

When Dale’s attempt to warm up Chilly Beach lead to an environmental disaster, he and his pal Frank go back in time to set things right, hopefully without destroying all the hilarious stereotypes of Canadians and Americans. Bonus points if you can guess what kind of vehicle the time machine is. Hint: Not a Delorean.

Even now, while millions of Amercans are tannin in the warm sunshine of Calfornia and Texas, millions more in the snows of Minnesota and Alaska must pay for artificial tannin machines and synthetic foul-smellin creme to achieve a similar but not entirely convincing effect. I feel your pain.

Chilly Beach: The World Is Hot Enough by Daniel Hawes and Doug Sinclair, directed by Edin Ibric, serialized at an unknown website, Jan 2008.

The Sarah Connor Chronicles

by Josh Friedman

After the events of the second movie, Sarah and teenaged John are trying to lay low when Cameron, a beautiful young terminator, arrives from 2027 and tries to take them away from their problems with a jump to 2007; other terminators follow and violence ensues.

Come with me if you wanna live.

The Sarah Connor Chronicles by Josh Friedman (13 January 2008).

Phineas and Ferb

by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh

Stepbrothers Phineas Flynn and Ferb Fletcher foil their sister Candace and undertake grand projects during their summer vacation, including some travel through time.

Mom, it’s me, Candace from the past. I came here in a time machine that Phineas and Ferb borrowed from a museum. You’ve gotta bust them!

Phineas and Ferb by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (1 March 2008).

Eureka

by Andrew Cosby and Jaime Paglia

Sheriff Jack Carter is not the brainiest person in the top-secret government enclave of Eureka (though his daughter Zoe might be), but even so, he gets his share of solutions to the zany science project problems that arise, including bouts with a time-loop wedding (“I Do Over” on 18 Aug 2008), a trip to 1947 (“Founder's Day”), a series-ending anomaly for Jack and Zoe (“Just Another Day” on 16 Jul 2012), and other time anomalies.

Zoe: Dad, did you just see. . .?
Carter[/rom]: Yeah, I’ll deal with that tomorrow.

Eureka by Andrew Cosby and Jaime Paglia (19 August 2008).

Lost in Austen

by Guy Andrews

Amanda Price, a young 21st-century Englishwoman and devotee of Jane Austen, swaps places with the heroine of Pride and Prejudice.

Unfortunately, the U.S. DVD movie mash-up omitted the bit where Amanda Price serenades Mr. Darcy, Mr. Binley, and Miss Bingley with Petula Clark’s “Downtown.” Damn those cheapskates who won’t pay for music rights! So, head straight for the full miniseries on Hulu!

♫Just listen to the misic of the traffic in the city. La la la la, la la la and the neon lights are pretty. How can you lose?♫

Lost in Austen by Guy Andrews (3 September 2008).

Life on Mars

by Josh Appelbaum et al.

I watched this show when it first came out, but it never engaged me, and somehow the casting seemed off. Not until seven years later did I watch the original U.K. version: Surprise! I was drawn in, partly because the characters appealed to me more, and partly because of a softer sell—still melodramatic, but not often over the top.

It goes like this, Spaceman. We live on a rock, there ain’t no rhyme, there ain’t no reason. We live on a rock, just one of many. Hurling around in some big cosmic jumbalaya. Now you wanna get questiony, that’s your prerogative. My ma took me to a loud church every Sunday. She squeezed her eyes shut, she pressed her rosary beads to her lips and she prayed for good things for those she loved. But, cancer took two of her sisters. Her husband couldn’t make a move without a belly full of gin, her youngest son turned to a life of crime, and her oldest, me, is a nasty son of a bitch who can’t get out of third gear without a snarl. So, who was she talking to every Sunday and why wasn’t he answering? I will tell you why, because we live on a rock, just one of many. There ain’t no answers! There’s just this! And all you can really hope to do is to find a couple of people who make the seventy or eighty odd years we get to live on this sweet swinging sphere remotely tolerable.

I gotta take a leak.

Life on Mars by Josh Appelbaum et al. (9 October 2008).

Fringe

by J. J. Abrams et al.

When smart and beautiful FBI Agent Olivia Dunham is recruited by Homeland Security to investigate strange happenings on the fringe of science, she’s given free rein to choose any colleagues she wishes, which leads her to the slightly mad (but kindly) scientist Walter Bishop and his jaded son Peter.

I didn’t get around to watching this until it appeared on Amazon Prime after the series finale. It’s a little too violent for my taste, but the three main characters have become favorites of mine just as much as Myca, Pete and Artie on that other show; and as I watched into the first half of season 3, it became more and more addictive. By the time it reached the middle of season 4, it became my favorite long love story ever.

The first glimpse of time travel was in Episode 10, when Walter tells of the time travel machine that he built to save Peter as a boy, although that episode didn’t see any actual traveling.

After all, I was the scientist; and my only son was dying and I couldn’t do anything about it. . . I became consumed with saving you, conquering the disease. In my research, I discovered a doctor, Alfred Gross—Swiss, brillant physician, he’s the only man that had ever successfully cured a case of heppia. But there was a problem: he had died in 1936. And so, I designed a device intended to reach back into time, to cross the time-space continuum, and retrieve Alfred Gross.

Fringe by J. J. Abrams et al. (2 December 2008).

Being Erica (s01e01)

Dr. Tom

by Jana Sinyor, directed by Holly Dale

Being Erica (s01e01), “Dr. Tom” by Jana Sinyor, directed by Holly Dale (CBC-TV, Canada, 5 January 2009).

Being Erica (s01e02)

What I Am Is What I Am

by Aaron Martin, directed by Chris Grismer

Being Erica (s01e02), “What I Am Is What I Am” by Aaron Martin, directed by Chris Grismer (CBC-TV, Canada, 12 January 2009).

Being Erica (s01e03)

Plenty of Fish

by Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer

Dr. Tom: Ultimately, Erica, you just have to decide. You have to choose how are you going to be. I mean, you could spend the rest of your life caught up, in that fear. Okay. Or, you could face it. Take the leap. See what comes. Your ice cream’s melting.

Being Erica (s01e03), “Plenty of Fish” by Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer (CBC-TV, Canada, 19 January 2009).

Being Erica (s01e04)

The Secret of Now

by James Hurst, directed by Peter Wellington

Dr. Tom: Do you think that it’s appropriate to address one of your life regrets through plagiarism?

Being Erica (s01e04), “The Secret of Now” by James Hurst, directed by Peter Wellington (CBC-TV, Canada, 26 January 2009).

Being Erica (s01e05)

Adultescence

by Daegan Fryklind, directed by Kelly Makin

Being Erica (s01e05), “Adultescence” by Daegan Fryklind, directed by Kelly Makin (CBC-TV, Canada, 2 February 2009).

Being Erica (s01e06)

Til Death

by Jana Sinyor, directed by Jeff Woolnough

Being Erica (s01e06), “Til Death” by Jana Sinyor, directed by Jeff Woolnough (CBC-TV, Canada, 11 February 2009).

Being Erica (s01e07)

Such a Perfect Day

by Michael MacLennan, directed by Ron Murphy and Mary Murphy

Erica: Leave my brother alone. Don't mess with the babysitter.

Being Erica (s01e07), “Such a Perfect Day” by Michael MacLennan, directed by Ron Murphy and Mary Murphy (CBC-TV, Canada, 18 February 2009).

Being Erica (s01e08)

This Be the Verse

by Daegan Fryklind, directed by David Wharnsby

Dr. Tom: It’s 1974
Erica: ’74? But how can that be? I'm not born until ’76.

Being Erica (s01e08), “This Be the Verse” by Daegan Fryklind, directed by David Wharnsby (CBC-TV, Canada, 25 February 2009).

Being Erica (s01e09)

Everything She Wants

by Aaron Martin, directed by Jeff Woolnough

Erica: I should have gone to her the next day and talked it through.

Being Erica (s01e09), “Everything She Wants” by Aaron Martin, directed by Jeff Woolnough (CBC-TV, Canada, 4 March 2009).

Being Erica (s01e10)

Mi Casa, Su Casa Loma

by Semi Chellas, directed by Chris Grismer

Erica: Our friendship, it’s still there. And I know that I’ll find my way back to it, but I need some time.
Ethan: What do I do?
Erica: Nothing. You just have to wait for me to be ready.

Being Erica (s01e10), “Mi Casa, Su Casa Loma” by Semi Chellas, directed by Chris Grismer (CBC-TV, Canada, 11 March 2009).

Being Erica (s01e11)

She’s Lost Control

by Aaron Martin, directed by Phil Earnshaw

Erica: If I could go back, I would not kiss Ethan.

Being Erica (s01e11), “She’s Lost Control” by Aaron Martin, directed by Phil Earnshaw (CBC-TV, Canada, 18 March 2009).

Being Erica (s01e12)

Erica the Vampire Slayer

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Holly Dale and Susan Dale

I’m giving you one special power: shape-shifting.. . . You know, like Odo on Deep Space Nine.

Being Erica (s01e12), “Erica the Vampire Slayer” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Holly Dale and Susan Dale (CBC-TV, Canada, 25 March 2009).

Being Erica (s01e13)

Leo

by Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer

Dr. Tom: What have you done?
Erica: I . . . I didn’t have a choice.
Dr. Tom: Really?
Erica: Okay, fine. I did have a choice.

Being Erica (s01e13), “Leo” by Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer (CBC-TV, Canada, 1 April 2009).

Dino Dan

by J. J. Johnson

Young Dino Dan is a boy who sees dinosaurs in his world. Sometimes others see the dinosaurs, too, and from time to time, time traveling occurs back to the Triassic, Jurassic, or Cretaceous. It could just be a boy’s overly active imagination, but that’s okay by me.

Unfortunately, the time machine ain’t working right now. We gotta get some new space-time capacitors.

Dino Dan by J. J. Johnson (11 May 2009).

Ctrl

by Robert Kirbyson and Bob Massey, directed by Robert Kirbyson

After the success of Robert Kirbyson’s short, “Ctrl Z,” NBC picked it up for a 10-episode web series, the first ever by a major TV network. The first episode, at about four and half minutes, is a remake of the first half of the original “Ctrl-Z,” and after that, we go on a trek through the rest of the keyboard. But regardless of which key an episode focuses on, the original ctrl-z is (almost) always there to help Stu step back when needed.

Because the episodes are periodically released short episodes that tell one continuous story, we classify the Ctrl web series as a single serial—like the old-time movie serials—rather than a TV series. Including the aforementioned first episode, there were ten episodes.

— Michael Main

Lizzy: Just hit control-z.
Stu: Oh! Thank you, thank you, I know how to undo things. Okay?

Ctrl by Robert Kirbyson and Bob Massey, directed by Robert Kirbyson (NBC-TV Online, 14 July 2009).

Dinosaur Train

by Craig Bartlett

Buddy, a tyrannosaurus rex, is being raised by a pteranodon family who has access to a dinosaur train that can travel through the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

See kids, in the Jurassic period, there’s no grass or flowers.

Dinosaur Train by Craig Bartlett (7 September 2009).

Being Erica (s02e01)

Being Dr. Tom

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Alex Chapple

Being Erica (s02e01), “Being Dr. Tom” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Alex Chapple (CBC-TV, Canada, 22 September 2009).

Being Erica (s02e02)

Battle Royale

by Jana Sinyor, directed by Mary Murphy and Ron Murphy

I don't want to talk to you about time travel or therapy or anything.

Being Erica (s02e02), “Battle Royale” by Jana Sinyor, directed by Mary Murphy and Ron Murphy (CBC-TV, Canada, 29 September 2009).

Being Erica (s02e03)

Mama Mia

by Shelley Scarrow, directed by Michael McGowan and Rosemary McGowan

Jude: [holding baby] You know I can’t stand these things, right?

Being Erica (s02e03), “Mama Mia” by Shelley Scarrow, directed by Michael McGowan and Rosemary McGowan (CBC-TV, Canada, 6 October 2009).

Being Erica (s02e04)

Cultural Revolution

by Karen McClellan, directed by Chris Grismer

Erica: My dream is to write fiction, and that will happen someday. I am not letting that go.

Being Erica (s02e04), “Cultural Revolution” by Karen McClellan, directed by Chris Grismer (CBC-TV, Canada, 13 October 2009).

Being Erica (s02e05)

Yes We Can

by Aaron Martin, directed by Rick Rosenthal

Erica: [with Kai at her side][/actor]

Being Erica (s02e05), “Yes We Can” by Aaron Martin, directed by Rick Rosenthal (CBC-TV, Canada, 20 October 2009).

Being Erica (s02e06)

Shhh . . . Don’t Tell

by Jessie Gabe and Aaron Martin, directed by Jerry Ciccoritti

There is no shame in not knowing; the shame lies in not finding out.

Being Erica (s02e06), “Shhh. . . Don’t Tell” by Jessie Gabe and Aaron Martin, directed by Jerry Ciccoritti (CBC-TV, Canada, 27 October 2009).

Being Erica (s02e07)

The Unkindest Cut

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by David Wharnsby

You were expecting robots, flying cars, everybody in silver jump suits?

Being Erica (s02e07), “The Unkindest Cut” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by David Wharnsby (CBC-TV, Canada, 3 November 2009).

Misfits

by Howard Overman

Five teens, trapped in a freak storm, acquire superpowers, including Curtis who can rewind time. More graphic and less intense than Heroes (season One)—and nobody can fly.

Later, in season 2, another of the misfits travels back from the future.

There's always someone who can fly.

Misfits by Howard Overman (12 November 2009).

Being Erica (s02e09)

A River Runs through It . . . It Being Egypt

by James Hurst and Shelley Scarrow, directed by Phil Earnshaw

It’s amazing, you know? You stand beneath a car: There’s always so much more going on underneath than you’re aware of.

Being Erica (s02e09), “A River Runs through It . . . It Being Egypt” by James Hurst and Shelley Scarrow, directed by Phil Earnshaw (CBC-TV, Canada, 17 November 2009).

Turtles Forever

by Rob David et al., directed by Roy Burdine and Lloyd Goldfine

Some goofier-than-the-real-turtles turtle-bodies seem to be impersonating the real Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and what’s more they seem younger than today’s turtles, young enough to have come from 1987.

The younger shellheads come from an alternate 1987—the original incarnation of the cartoon—but I figure it’s still the past. In addition, perhaps all the turtle universes are splinters from the original Turtle Prime which that bad guy targets.

I’ve already got four turtles to worry about. These are. . . superfluous.

Turtles Forever by Rob David et al., directed by Roy Burdine and Lloyd Goldfine (21 November 2009).

Being Erica (s02e10)

Papa Can You Hear Me?

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Phil Earnshaw

As Erica struggles with her feelings for Kai, the tables are turned on Dr. Tom whose therapist sends him back to his most difficult day.

— Michael Main

Dr. Tom: Why am I having the same fight with Erica that I used to have with my daughter?

Being Erica (s02e10), “Papa Can You Hear Me?” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Phil Earnshaw (CBC-TV, Canada, 24 November 2009).

Being Erica (s02e11)

What Goes Up Must Come Down

by Jessie Gabe and Lindsey Stewart, directed by Gary Harvey

Erica: If I woulda stayed, I woulda been rich in my twenties. I . . . I mean I could have paid off all my student loans, and I never would have needed to work at that stupid call center. I would have had the time and the means to dedicate to my writing, and my life—it would have been completely different.

Being Erica (s02e11), “What Goes Up Must Come Down” by Jessie Gabe and Lindsey Stewart, directed by Gary Harvey (CBC-TV, Canada, 1 December 2009).

How I Met Your Mother

by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas

While Ted once again pursues some girl, Marshall does the more important task of writing a letter to his future self, and future Marshall comes back to anonymously deliver a plate of hot buffalo wings in “The Window” (s05e10).

And in an episode that Janet called me in to watch just before Hannah’s wedding, “The Time Travelers” (s08e20), Ted goes down to the bar where he meets Barney, Twenty-Years-from-Now Barney, Twenty-Years-from-Now Ted, Twenty-Hours-from-Now Ted, and Twenty-Minutes-from-Now Barney—not to mention two versions of Twenty-Months-from-Now Coat-Check Girl.

Okay, guys, I’ve been waiting twenty years for this. Just like we practiced, one, two, ah one-two-three-four: ♫ Whooooa, ooooooh, ooooooh, oooh, for the longest time. . . ♫

How I Met Your Mother by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas (7 December 2009).

Being Erica (s02e12)

The Importance of Being Erica

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer

It’s not complicated. You can’t stay in this hallway forever—you have to choose.

Being Erica (s02e12), “The Importance of Being Erica” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer (CBC-TV, Canada, 8 December 2009).

The Secret Life of Suckers

by Juanma Sanchez-Cervantes

The eponymous suckers of this 13-episode no-dialog Spanish cartoon are the beasties who live on car windows with suckers for hands and feet. Each episode shows snippets of the life of one such beastie (Travis), including a gag in the 12th episode where he visits caveman days and spaceman days, and various Travises keep appearing next to each other.

Travis: drinking milk from the baby bottle from his own baby self) Berurrrrp!

The Secret Life of Suckers by Juanma Sanchez-Cervantes (circa 2009).

SpongeBob SquarePants [s7:e09A]

Back to the Past

by Casey Alexander, Zedus Cervas, and Dani Michaeli, directed by Casey Alexander et al.

SpongeBob, Patrick, and their two superhero friends head back to the days when the old superheroes were young. Can you guess who it was back in that past who ate all of Mermaid Man’s tartar sauce, unintentionally altering the future? Note: The old superheroes were voiced by Ernest Borgnine and Tim Conway; their young counterparts were Adam West and Burt Ward.

— Michael Main

This device allows us to transport into the future or past, at a date or destination of our choosing. Unfortunately, the consequences of altering the order of history are so dangerous [thunder], we’ve chosen to leave it alone. So you mustn’t touch!

“Back to the Past” by Casey Alexander, Zedus Cervas, and Dani Michaeli, directed by Casey Alexander et al. (Nickelodeon (USA, 15 February 2010).

Warehouse 13

by Jane Espenson and D. Brent Mote

The secret service does more than just protect the president: Agents Myka Bering and Peter Lattimer (under the guidance of Artie, not to mention the help of girl genius sidekick Claudia and slightly psychic landlord Leena) also gather and protect remarkable scientific artifacts from throughout history. H.G. Wells shows up at the start of season 2, but time travel didn’t appear until episode 10 of that season, when Myka and Pete head to 1961. Later, in the first episode of season 4, after the deaths of all and sundry (not to mention the demolition of the warehouse), Artie goes back in time again (at great expense to himself). I was expecting more time travel in season 5 and was not disappointed when our favorite agents follow the evil Paracelsus back to 1541 (“Endless Terror”) to prevent the creation of a warehouse of horrible human experimentation; plus there’s a smidgen of 1942 time travel in the mushy (in a good way) series finale.

Pete: I’m not gonna remember. . .
Artie: Remember what?
Pete: Remember dying.
Artie: No. No, Pete, you won’t remember. [Pete dies.] But I will. . ., I will.

Warehouse 13 by Jane Espenson and D. Brent Mote (7 September 2010).

Being Erica (s03e01)

The Rabbit Hole

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Holly Dale

Erica: I feel ready to start phase two.

Being Erica (s03e01), “The Rabbit Hole” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Holly Dale (CBC-TV, Canada, 21 September 2010).

The Time Traveller

by Celestial Elf

Using the Four Winds Sims animation packet and pieces of the Radio Theatre Group’s audio play of The Time Machine (based on the 1948 Escape radio program), Celestial Elf produced an eight-minute animation. Looks like they had fun.

with grateful thanks to H.G. Wells for his Inspiration & to Koshari Mahana for use of Four Winds

The Time Traveller by Celestial Elf (26 September 2010).

Being Erica (s03e02)

Moving On Up

by Kate Miles Melville, directed by Rick Rosenthal

What do you do when a piece of your life is suddenly missing? We know we’re supposed to move on, but how?

Being Erica (s03e02), “Moving On Up” by Kate Miles Melville, directed by Rick Rosenthal (CBC-TV, Canada, 28 September 2010).

Being Erica (s03e03)

Two Wrongs

by Sean Reycraft, directed by Holly Dale

Dr. Tom: And this time?
Erica: I’ll spend every second with Leo. No Trent, no distractions.
Dr. Tom: I wouldn’t count on it.

Being Erica (s03e03), “Two Wrongs” by Sean Reycraft, directed by Holly Dale (CBC-TV, Canada, 5 October 2010).

Being Erica (s03e04)

Wash, Rinse, Repeat

by Esta Spalding, directed by Rick Rosenthal

Kai: In a few weeks, I come back to 2010 on another regret, and while I’m here, we sleep together.

Being Erica (s03e04), “Wash, Rinse, Repeat” by Esta Spalding, directed by Rick Rosenthal (CBC-TV, Canada, 12 October 2010).

Being Erica (s03e05)

Being Adam

by Ian Carpenter, directed by Jeff Woolnough

Adam: I would walk away from Sean instead of hitting him, and that would change everything, Dr. Tom—and I know that’s not how this works.
Dr. Tom: Why don’t you let me worry about how this works.

Being Erica (s03e05), “Being Adam” by Ian Carpenter, directed by Jeff Woolnough (CBC-TV, Canada, 20 October 2010).

Being Erica (s03e06)

Bear Breasts

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Alex Chapple

Being Erica (s03e06), “Bear Breasts” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Alex Chapple (CBC-TV, Canada, 27 October 2010).

Regular Show

by J. G. Quintel

Two park groundskeepers, Mordecai (a blue jay) and Rigby (a raccoon), live out a surreal sit-com life twelve minutes at a time, including some encounters with time travel such as the do-over that Mordecai wishes for after a bad first kiss with a red bird named Margaret.

All I know is guys from the future lie.

Regular Show by J. G. Quintel (2 November 2010).

Being Erica (s03e07)

Jenny from the Block

by Aaron Martin, directed by Phil Earnshaw

Friendship . . . two people choose each other through some mysterious mix of alchemy and circumstance. On the surface, the reason for our choice seems obvious: They share our interests, they make us laugh—but isn’t there more to it than that? And do we ever really stop and wonder why this person and not another?

Being Erica (s03e07), “Jenny from the Block” by Aaron Martin, directed by Phil Earnshaw (CBC-TV, Canada, 3 November 2010).

Being Erica (s03e08)

Physician, Heal Thyself

by Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer

Erica: Can I change this? I mean, can I avoid sleeping with him ’cause Kai said it was gonna happen—which means it’s already happened for him, which means . . .
Darryl: . . . you have to go through with it to avoid creating a paradox.

Being Erica (s03e08), “Physician, Heal Thyself” by Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer (CBC-TV, Canada, 10 November 2010).

Being Erica (s03e09)

Gettin’ Wiggy Wit’ It

by Jessie Gabe, directed by John Fawcett

Because using information that you have gleaned from a trip to the past to try to fix your life in the present contravenes the rules.

Being Erica (s03e09), “Gettin’ Wiggy Wit’ It” by Jessie Gabe, directed by John Fawcett (CBC-TV, Canada, 17 November 2010).

Being Erica (s03e10)

The Tribe Has Spoken

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Kelly Makin

Like twin phoenixes, we rise from the ashes—right?

Being Erica (s03e10), “The Tribe Has Spoken” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Kelly Makin (CBC-TV, Canada, 24 November 2010).

Being Erica (s03e11)

Adam’s Family

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer

Look at me. You went back there and you faced what happened, and now you have to face how it made you feel. And that’s how you break the pattern.

Being Erica (s03e11), “Adam’s Family” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer (CBC-TV, Canada, 1 December 2010).

Being Erica (s03e12)

Erica, Interrupted

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Jeff Woolnough

Sent you back? No, Miss Strange, you don’t understand. You’ve been in a coma for two weeks.

Being Erica (s03e12), “Erica, Interrupted” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Jeff Woolnough (CBC-TV, Canada, 8 December 2010).

Being Erica (s03e13)

Fa La Erica

by James Hurst and Shelley Scarrow, directed by Érik Canuel

When Erica wakes up in Julianne’s 1980s body, I do wish she’d said “Oh boy” instead of “Oh my God!”

— Michael Main

I'm so sorry—I . . . I. . . I didn’t mean to dredge up the Ghosts of Christmas Past.

Being Erica (s03e13), “Fa La Erica” by James Hurst and Shelley Scarrow, directed by Érik Canuel (CBC-TV, Canada, 15 December 2010).

No Ordinary Family

by Greg Berlanti and Jon Harmon Feldman

In this family of superheroes, Mom time travels at the end of Episode 18 (“No Ordinary Animal”) and in Episode 19 (“No Ordinary Future”).

Time travel, Stephanie! We’re talking the big leagues! The Flash! Silver Surfer!! Doc Brown’s DeLorean!!!

No Ordinary Family by Greg Berlanti and Jon Harmon Feldman (22 March 2011).

SpongeBob SquarePants Mini 69

And Krabs Saves the Day

[writer and director unknown]

This episode has implied time travel in that we see a tartar-sauce sated Patrick licking his lips and burping after young Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy discover that their barrel of quick-dry tartar sauce is empty (as also happened in “Back to the Past”).

— Michael Main

Now prepare for a heaping helping of quick-dry tartar sauce!

“And Krabs Saves the Day” [writer and director unknown] (SpongeBob SquarePants Mini 69, Nickelodean (USA, 14 June 2011).

SpongeBob SquarePants Mini 68

Lessons Learned

[writer and director unknown]

SpongeBob and faithful Patrick use the boxy time machine from “SB-129” to travel back and give advice to their younger selves.

— Michael Main

Patrick, with this time machine, we can go back to the past and make our young selves wiser!

“Lessons Learned” [writer and director unknown] (SpongeBob SquarePants Mini 68, Nickelodean (USA, 14 June 2011).

SpongeBob SquarePants Mini 67

Time Machine

[writer and director unknown]

In the first of three time travel mini-episodes—each around one minute long—SpongeBob and Patrick put their hot tub time machine through the works, hoping to find Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy in their prime.

— Michael Main

Will they get it right? Will SpongeBob and Patrick get to see their superheroes in their super-prime?

“Time Machine” [writer and director unknown] (SpongeBob SquarePants Mini 67, Nickelodean (USA, 14 June 2011).

Fool Us

by Penn & Teller

I love Penn and Teller’s friendly and praise-filled personalities as much as the magic of the magicians who are trying to fool the most renowned magicians (Penn and Teller themselves). One episode included the time traveling pair of Reece Morgan and Robert West.

And not only are we magicians, time travelers, and all-around spiffy chaps, we are also tourists—fourth-dimensional tourists.

Fool Us by Penn & Teller (16 July 2011).

Being Erica (s04e01)

Doctor Who?

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Ken Girotti

Erica: So what do I do? Do I just go out there, hand him the card, and ask him how he’s handling the divorce?

Being Erica (s04e01), “Doctor Who?” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Ken Girotti (CBC-TV, Canada, 26 September 2011).

Terra Nova

by Kelly Marcel and Craig Silverstein

I finally had a free Saturday morning, so I Hulued the pilot, but couldn’t get through the melodramatic story of a family from 2149 that goes back to an alternate prehistoric time stream as part of the 10th pilgrimage.

That wasn’t a very nice dinosaur.

Terra Nova by Kelly Marcel and Craig Silverstein (26 September 2011).

Being Erica (s04e02)

Osso Barko

by James Hurst and Shelley Scarrow, directed by Gary Harvey

Erica: It’s not that I’m not happy doing what I’m doing—I mean, I love my work. It’s just sometimes I wonder if I shoulda tried harder to be a writer.

Being Erica (s04e02), “Osso Barko” by James Hurst and Shelley Scarrow, directed by Gary Harvey (CBC-TV, Canada, 3 October 2011).

Being Erica (s04e03)

Baby Mama

by Julia Cohen, directed by Ken Girotti

Erica: My mother is my patient?!

Being Erica (s04e03), “Baby Mama” by Julia Cohen, directed by Ken Girotti (CBC-TV, Canada, 10 October 2011).

Being Erica (s04e04)

Born This Way

by Shelley Scarrow and James Hurst, directed by Gary Harvey

Being Erica (s04e04), “Born This Way” by Shelley Scarrow and James Hurst, directed by Gary Harvey (CBC-TV, Canada, 17 October 2011).

Being Erica (s04e05)

Sins of the Father

by Ian Carpenter, directed by Paul Fox

Being Erica (s04e05), “Sins of the Father” by Ian Carpenter, directed by Paul Fox (CBC-TV, Canada, 24 October 2011).

Being Erica (s04e06)

If I Could Turn Back Time

by Graeme Manson, directed by Phil Earnshaw

Being Erica (s04e06), “If I Could Turn Back Time” by Graeme Manson, directed by Phil Earnshaw (CBC-TV, Canada, 31 October 2011).

Being Erica (s04e07)

Being Ethan

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Kari Skogland

Being Erica (s04e07), “Being Ethan” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Kari Skogland (CBC-TV, Canada, 7 November 2011).

Being Erica (s04e08)

Please, Please Tell Me Now

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by John Fawcett

Being Erica (s04e08), “Please, Please Tell Me Now” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by John Fawcett (CBC-TV, Canada, 14 November 2011).

T.U.F.F. Puppy

by Butch Hartman

Dudley Puppy, a dog and a spy, together with his cat friend keep Petropolis safe from various baddies such as Snaptrap who, in one episode (“Watch Dog”), becomes ruler of Petropolis—now Snaptrapolis—when Dudley and his time watch inadvertently change the past in an attempt to snag the last chocolate donut away from Kitty.

Or, I could set this watch back one minute and risk horribly altering reality to beat Kitty to that donut.

T.U.F.F. Puppy by Butch Hartman (15 November 2011).

Being Erica (s04e09)

Erica’s Adventures in Wonderland

by Amanda Fahey and Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Paul Fox

Being Erica (s04e09), “Erica’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Amanda Fahey and Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Paul Fox (CBC-TV, Canada, 28 November 2011).

Being Erica (s04e10)

Purim

by Amanda Fahey and Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by John Fawcett

Being Erica (s04e10), “Purim” by Amanda Fahey and Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by John Fawcett (CBC-TV, Canada, 5 December 2011).

Being Erica (s04e11)

Dr. Erica

by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer

Being Erica (s04e11), “Dr. Erica” by Aaron Martin and Jana Sinyor, directed by Chris Grismer (CBC-TV, Canada, 12 December 2011).

Alcatraz

|pending byline|

This show has a Ph.D. with a comic book shop, a kindly old uncle, Vince Lombardi as a 1963 jail warden, a crotchety FBI agent who really has a kind heart, residents of 1963 Alcatraz showing up today, and a girl with a gun! What’s not to love?

All the prisoners were transferred off the island, only that’s not what happened—not at all.

Alcatraz |pending byline|.

Dating Rules [.s1]

Dating Rules from My Future Self I: Lucy

by Wendy Weiner and Sallie Patrick, directed by Elizabeth Allen

Nice and nerdy Lucy gets romantic advice from her future self via text messages.

Fellow ITTDB indexer Janet found this one on the web, and we watched a daily installment with tea during my first September up in the ITTDB Citadel.

— Michael Main

Lucy: tell me who this is.
Unknown: I’m u 10 years in the future.

Dating Rules from My Future Self I: Lucy by Wendy Weiner and Sallie Patrick, directed by Elizabeth Allen (Youtube: Alloy Channel, 9 January 2012 to 27 January 2012 [9 parts]).

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic

by Lauren Faust

Not until the fourth reincarnation of the My Little Pony cartoons did Twilight Sparkle dabble in time travel by receiving a dire warning from her future self in “It’s About Time” (s02e20).

Who are you? I mean, you’re me, but I’m me, too. How can there be two me’s? It’s not scientifically possible. You are not scientifically possible!

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic by Lauren Faust (10 March 2012).

Continuum

by Simon Barry

Policewoman Kiera Cameron is sucked into a time transporter when a group of seven terrorists escape from 2077 to 2012. For me, the main drawback is the stereotyped terrorists whom Kiera fights; I felt that they didn’t need to be pure evil, particularly when the governments of the future have all be overtaken by corporations.

Time traveler—hello?

Continuum by Simon Barry (27 May 2012).

Dating Rules [.s2]

Dating Rules from My Future Self II: Chloe

by Leah Rachel, directed by Tripp Reed and Shiri Appleby

In the second season, our heroine switches to lovely and lonely Chloe (Candice Accola). Now, if we can only get writer Sallie Patrick to slip some time travel into the other show she works on, Revenge.

— Michael Main

Chloe, you have to believe me. I’m here to help you help me. . . help us!

Dating Rules from My Future Self II: Chloe by Leah Rachel, directed by Tripp Reed and Shiri Appleby (Youtube: Alloy Channel, 1 August 2012 to 20 August 2012 [6 parts]).

The Garfield Show

by Jim Davis

At least one episode of our favorite cat’s cartoon show (’It’s About Time.” written by Mark Evanier) includes a time machine in which a jealous Nermal goes back in time to replace Garfield at the pet shop when he was first adopted by Jon. After that, Garfield still has his Jon-centric memories, but nobody at Jon’s house recognizes the lasagna-eating cat.

Interviewer: Professor Bonkers, is it true you’ve invented a time machine?
Professor: That is correct.
Interviewer: How long did it take you?
Professor: The rest of my life. I actually finished it 47 years from now, and then when I was done, I jumped into my time machine and came back here to today in it.

The Garfield Show by Jim Davis (18 September 2012).

Spy vs. Spy Animated Segment #63

Black Spy and the DeLorean

[writer and director unknown]

White Spy thinks he can win a drag race against Black Spy and his DeLorean, all in just thirty seconds of stop-motion animation!

— Michael Main

88 MPH

“Black Spy and the DeLorean” [writer and director unknown], short segment of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid / Adjustment Burro,” from Mad [s03e11] (Cartoon Network, USA, 27 September 2012).

NCIS (s01e02)

Recovery

by Scott Williams, directed by Dennis Smith

Abby speculates about the origin of a bullet covered in sixty-year-old mold. P.S. If you are an N.C.I.S. fan, be sure to also check out the short Brian Dietzen film One Minute Time Machine.

— Michael Main

Well, my first thought is this assassin, from the past. He stumbles through a tear in the space-time continuum . . .

NCIS (s10e02), “Recovery” by Scott Williams, directed by Dennis Smith (CBS-TV, USA, 2 October 2012).

Bravest Warriors

by Pendleton Ward and Breehn Burns

In the year 3085, the four children of the Courageous Battlers (who died) form a new team to right wrongs (such as that time loop in the first regular episode, “Time Slime”) across the universe using the power of their emotions and other moop.

Repair the time loop! Save Glendale!

Bravest Warriors by Pendleton Ward and Breehn Burns (8 November 2012).

Robot Chicken

by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich

Claymation Doc Brown and his somewhat faulty time machine comes to Robot Chicken in “Eaten by Cats” (s06e16). Unlike Claymation Marty, I kinda like the Weinermobile version. Bonuses in this episode: Thor’s hammer and Cap’s shield, Hawkeye’s bow, and Hulk’s catheter, and possibly Nick Fury’s gun.

If I’m gonna build a time machine, it’s got to be iconic. I’m not gonna use a Honda f-bleep-ing Civic!

Robot Chicken by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich (20 January 2013).

The Penguins of Madagascar

by Tom McGrath and Eric Darnell

In one episode (“It’s About Time”), Kowalski invents the chronotron (“So why not just call it a time machine?,” asks Skipper.)

So while we’re at it, why not just call the Great Wall a “fence,” Mona Lisa a “doodle,” and Albert Einstein “Mr. Smarty-Pants”?

The Penguins of Madagascar by Tom McGrath and Eric Darnell (13 March 2013).

1001 Nights

by Aly Jetha and Shabnam Rezaei

In the one time travel episode (“The Man Who Went Back in Time”) of this Canadian cartoon, Shahrazad tells of a ne’er do well man who complains that he could been a contender had he only had the same breaks as his neighbor.

That coulda been me. I coulda been rich and successful. But no. . .

1001 Nights by Aly Jetha and Shabnam Rezaei (26 March 2013).

Rewind

by Justin Marks

For this rejected-series pilot, mega-hand-waving went into creating a setting where a government team could send people back to change the past in a way that the team and the travelers can remember the original timeline and observe the effect of any changes—somewhat like Seven Days but without the charm of Lt. Frank Parker. My thought is that one particular plot device totally missed the boat: The team has a technology that allows them to confidently predict the outcome of any proposed change before enacting it. Imagine how boring The Butterfly Effect would have been had Evan had such a technology in his pocket. Even so, I would have watched this series if it had ever made it into full production.

Basically, Charlie can show us how an action in the past creates ripples in the present.

Rewind by Justin Marks (26 August 2013).

Get a Horse!

|pending byline|

Out on a 2-D black-and-white hayride, Mickey and the gang run afoul of Peg-Leg Pete, who knocks Mickey into a 3-D color future.

I’m gonna knock you right inta next week!

Get a Horse! |pending byline| (27 November 2013).

Uncle Grandpa

by Peter Browngardt

When the main character of a TV show is the uncle/grandpa/brother/dad of every person in the world (including, presumably, himself), you have to expect time travel sooner or later. In this case, I think the first time travel was when a future Uncle Grandpa delivered a future pizza. The only time traveling that I’ve seen, however, involved the wayward pants that Christopher Columbus refused to return

If I don’t get my pants back by the end of the day, ’m calling the time police.

Uncle Grandpa by Peter Browngardt (18 February 2014).

신의 선물 – 14일

Sinui sunmil—14 il

by 최란, directed by 이동훈

Kim Soo-hyun is a mother whose young daughter Han Saet-byul gets kidnapped and murdered. Discovering a miraculous ability to go back in time exactly two weeks before the event, Soo-hyun is determined to expose the kidnapping plot and save her daughter before she dies all over again. Helping her is Ki Dong-chan, a former cop turned private investigator out to prove the innocence of his mentally challenged brother, who is falsely accused of murdering Dong-chan's ex-girlfriend.

— based on Wikipedia

[ex=bare]신의 선물 – 14일 | God’s gift: 14 days | Sinui sunmil—14 il[/ex] by 최란, directed by 이동훈 (SBS-TV (Korea, 3 March – 22 April 2014).

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

|pending byline|

The movie had some good one-liners and even some good (albeit worn) puns in the style of the original cartoon, but for me, the plot lacked even enough structure to hold the attention of a child and the writer was writing down to his audience so much so that not even Patrick Warburton’s voice in a small part was sufficient to rescue the story from the fast-forward button.

Very well, then: If a boy can adopt a dog, the I see no reason why a dog can’t adopt a boy.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman |pending byline| (7 March 2014).

Resurrection

by Aaron Zelman et al.

After eight-year-old Jake Langston drowns in a river, 32 years pass before he reappears, unchanged, in a rice paddy in China. They can call it resurrection, but it quacks like time travel to me, even if Jake’s original body is still in that mausoleum.

What’s red and green and goes a million miles an hour?

Resurrection by Aaron Zelman et al. (10 March 2014).

Once Upon a Time

by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz

I loved the first season of this show in which the Evil Queen casts a spell that takes all of Fairy Tale Land to a small town in Maine. The show definitely jumped the shark in season 3 when they went to Neverland, but I came back to watch the last three episodes of that season when a time portal opened into the pre-spell Fairy Tale Land.

I’m still here. How is that possible? We saw her die. I should never be born.

Once Upon a Time by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (4 May 2014).

Outlander

by Ronald D. Moore

Based on the wildly successful romance novel series, this Housewives in Time TV series takes World War II nurse Claire back to 1743 Scotland where the muscular Scottish highlander Jamie Fraser immediately rescues her from a sinister ancestor (and lookalike double) of her husband. In that long-ago time period, Claire longs to return to her life, but that doesn’t stop her from a Jamie romance.

Perhaps I had stumbled onto the set of a cinema company filming a costume drama of some sort.

Outlander by Ronald D. Moore (9 August 2014).

Steven Universe

by Rebecca Sugar

With the help of three aliens, Steven discovers the magical powers that he inherited from his alien mother. In one episode (“Steven and the Stevens”), the boy time travels with the help of a magic hourglass, whereupon he attempts to divert a disaster at his dad’s carwash but only makes things worse. Eventually, though, he forms a singing group with other versions of himself.

Don’t make me hurt me, Steven!

Steven Universe by Rebecca Sugar (4 September 2014).

The Flash, Season 1

written and directed by multiple people

Time travel is implied right from the first episode of the CW’s rendition of The Flash where a newspaper from the future is seen in the closing scene. The rest of the first season builds a fine time-travel arc that includes a nefarious time traveler from the far future, a classic grandfather paradox with a twist (sadly not examined), a do-over day for the Flash (which Harrison Wells calls “temporal reversion”), and a final episode that sees the Flash travel back to his childhood (as well as a hint that Rip Hunter himself will soon appear on the CW scene).

— Michael Main

Wells: Yes, it’s possible, but problematic. Assuming you could create the conditions necessary to take that journey, that journey would then be fraught with potential pitfalls: the Novikov Principle of Self-Consistency, for example.

Joe: Wait—the what, now?

Barry: If you travel back in time to change something, then you end up being the causal factor of that event.

Cisco: Like. . . Terminator.

Joe: Ah!

Wells: Or is time plastic? Is it mutable, whereby any changes in the continuum could create an alternate timeline?

Cisco: Back to the Future.

Joe: Ah, saw that one, too.

The Flash, season 1 written and directed by multiple people (The CW, USA, 7 October 2014) to 19 May 2015).

Odd Squad

by Tim McKeon and Adam Peltman

This Fred-Rogersish gang of mathy kids teach a small lesson in each episode, including more than one episode with time travel.

Ms. O Uh-Oh (3 Dec 2014) Ms. O from the past
6:00 to 6:05 (22 Jan 2015) dinosaurs
Back to the Past (21 Jun 2015) to the future and back
Drop Gadget Repeat (9 Nov 2016) a time loop

Because I traveled through time, I don’t know if I’m 10 or 11. . . I just know I can’t see color any more.

Odd Squad by Tim McKeon and Adam Peltman (3 December 2014).

The Librarians

by John Rogers

Under the guidance of the ~~Warehouse~~ caretaker (John Larroquette), three apprentice Librarians and their Guardian venture forth each episode to contain various rogue magic threats while the actual Librarian (Noal Wyle) who put the team together tries to find the library which is lost in space and time. Apart from that lost library, there is no time travel until the final episode of the second season (“. . . And the Final Curtain”) when two of the team depart for the year 1611.

For me, the characters, acting, writing, and plot arcs were well below that of Warehouse 13, although the setup was nice.

More than that, I’m offering you an opportunity to save the world every week.

The Librarians by John Rogers (7 December 2014).

12 Monkeys, Season 1

written by Terry Matalas, Travis Fickett, et al., directed by multiple people

Same pandemic backstory as the movie, similar names for the characters, no Bruce Willis, and a mishmash of time-travel tropes along with tuneless minor-key chords in place of actual tension and slowly spoken clichéd dialogue in place of actual plot. Random discussions of fate brush shoulders with an admixture of possible time travel models from narrative time (when a wound sprouts on old JC’s shoulder while watching young JC get shot), to skeleton timelines (JC thinks that his timeline will vanish if he succeeds), to a fascination with a single static timeline (you’ll see it in Chechnya) and time itself has an agenda. Primarily, we’d say that the story follows narrative time from Cole’s point of view.

By the end of the first season, one principal character has seemingly been trapped in the 2043, and Cole is stuck in 2015, having just gone against fate in a major way, but with a third principal character poised to spread the virus via a jet plane.

P.S. Whatever you do, whether in narrative time or elsewhen, don’t bring up this adaptation as dinnertime conversation with Terry Gilliam (but do watch it if you can set aside angst over a lack of a consistent model and just go with Cole’s flow).

— Michael Main

About four years from now, most of the human race will be wiped out by a plague, a virus. We know it’s because of a man named Leland Frost. I have to find him.

—from “Splinter” [s01e01]

12 Monkeys, Season 1 written by Terry Matalas, Travis Fickett, et al., directed by multiple people (SyFy, USA, 16 January 2015 to 10 April 2015).

Best Friends Whenever

by Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas

When best friends Cyd and Shelby get accidentally zapped by Barry’s ray gun, they gain the ability to travel through time, although they don’t lose the ability to freak out over drama at West Portland High School.

Barry: Cyd, when that laser blasted Reynaldo, it was set at two. You guys were blasted at four. . . hundred. [laugh track] There is no telling what could have happened. It could have sent you to another dimension or made you time travel or rendered you invisible. Cyd: [Sticks finger in mouth. Makes popping noise. Threatens Barry with slobbered-on finger.] Barry: You’re not invisible. [laugh track]

Best Friends Whenever by Jed Elinoff and Scott Thomas (26 June 2015).

Inside Amy Schumer

by Amy Schumer

No topics are off-limit in standup-comedienne Amy Schumer’s, not even time travel which occurs in the episode “Wingwoman” (30 Jun 2015) along with other skits on telephone help for crises, boyfriend-meets-brother, and more.

Amy plus Six: Amy, it’s me. . . you, I time traveled from six years in the future.

Amy: How does that work?

Amy plus Six: I don’t know! How does electricity work? You just pay for it. Now listen, five-years-in-the-future-you is gonna come back and talk to you.

Amy: Wait, I thought you were from the future.

Amy plus Six: I’m six-years-in-the-future-you. Five-years-in-the-future-you has bangs. Now, she’s gonna come and she’s gonna tell you—

Amy: If I should get bangs or not?

Amy plus Six: No! Shut the fuck up! She’s gonna tell you not to move in with Travis.

Amy: (devastated) Why not?

Amy plus Six: Because he cheats on you; he gives you gonorrhea and bed bugs. It’s a nightmare.

Amy: Oh, God, I’ve never had bed bugs before. I won’t move in with him.

Amy plus Six: Oh, no no no. You have to move in with him, okay? It turns out that by being warned to break up with Travis that things in the future get really screwed up, and California is now in the ocean.

Inside Amy Schumer by Amy Schumer (30 June 2015).

Rick and Morty

by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon

Some might argue that Rick and Morty engage in mere time shenanigans—such as that whole time freeze thing and the parallel timelines—with no time travel. But the fourth-dimensional being with a testicle for a head does travel in time, most notably with that E = mc² bit at the end.

Okay, listen you two: We froze time for a pretty long time, so when I unfreeze it, the world’s time is gonna be fine, but our time is gonna need a little time to, you know, stabilize.

Rick and Morty by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon (“A Rickle in Time,” 26 July 2015).

Miraculous Ladybug

by Thomas Astruc

Parisian teens Marinette Dupain-Cheng (aka Ladybug) and Adrien Agreste (aka Cat Noir) are classmates in school and partners in superheroing, although neither of them know the other’s secret identity. One of their friends, Alix Kubdel (aka Timebreaker), can travel through time when she rollerblades at just the right speed, although when she does so, she also becomes evilized (aka akumatized) courtesy of the series bad guy (aka Hawk Moth).

Uh, I really don’t have time to explain right now, but I’m you from just a few minutes in the future.

Miraculous Ladybug by Thomas Astruc (“Timebreaker,” 22 September 2015).

Heroes Reborn

by Tim Kring

The Heroes are back! Including time traveler Hiro! Unfortunately, neither Hiro nor a pair of Noahs could save the plotline of this miniseries (or save the cheerleader for that matter) during the first seven episodes. Matters pick up in Episode Eight, but head downhill again with Hiro out of the picture.

What’s time travel like? Where’s Hiro?

Heroes Reborn by Tim Kring (24 September 2015).

The Flash, Season 2

by multiple writers and directors

After Barry aborts his mission to the past in Season 1 in order to prevent his own present from being erased, he finds that his travel has caused even bigger problems! Yep, a rift has been a-opened to a parallel world with an alternate Flash and an evil speedster and—it would seem—more time travelin’ and another attempt to save his mom and dad!

— Michael Main

No, that’s not how it works. In our timeline, Barry’s mother’s already dead, and her death is a fixed point. And nothing can change that.

The Flash, season 2 by multiple writers and directors (The CW, USA, 6 October 2015) to 24 May 2016).

The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show

|pending byline|

Why am I not surprised that I can’t find any information on who had the idea of ruining this childhood favorite?

But first let’s get things rolling by introducing an incredible invention of mine that I like to call the WABAC machine.

The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show |pending byline| (9 October 2015).

僕だけがいない街

Boku dake ga inai machi English release: Erased Literal: The city where only I am missing

by 三部敬 :: [exn]Sanbe Kei[/exn]

This 12-part anime adaptation of Kei Sambe’s manga felt more abbreviated than the 12-part live-action version, and the characters were not as captivating for me.

I call the process “Revival.” I usually go back between one and five minutes.

[ex=bare]僕だけがいない街 | The city where only I am missing | Boku dake ga inai machi[/ex] by 三部敬 :: [exn]Sanbe Kei[/exn] (8 January 2016).

Legends of Tomorrow

by Phil Klemmer et al.

Time Master Rip Hunter puts together a ragtag band of misfits from the early twentieth century (he found them by watching reruns of Arrow and The Flash) to track down and stop the evil, world-conquering despot Vandal Savage.

The pilot gets one extra half star for playing The Captain and Tennille when the gang visits 1975 and another plus half star because the swollen-headed Rip got belted by both Hawkgirl and the White Canary; but it lost a half star for Rip’s own soppy background story. Beyond the pilot, though, the explanations about changes to the timeline are just whacked.

I like being part of a team, man.

Legends of Tomorrow by Phil Klemmer et al. (21 January 2016).

11.22.63

by Bridget Carpenter

When Stephen King’s book was first announced, I felt skeptical: After all, could even Stephen King breath new life into the most worn-out time travel trope of all? Yet he came through, not by adding anything new to the save JFK lore, but by blending in a unique brand of horror and producing a captivating page turner. So when Hulu announced that they’d make an eight-part miniseries of the book, I looked forward to its release. Never have I been so disappointed with an adaptation of a book. The acting is admirable, but the characters and plot have been flattened, presumably based on Hulu’s assumptions about what their viewers want.

You’re going to feel apart from other people. That doesn’t go away.

11.22.63 by Bridget Carpenter (15 February 2016).

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

by Josh Whedon et al.

This show had the episode (“Spacetime”) that pushed me over the edge in the matter of whether to include precognition/premonitions in my time travel list. But when Fitz has quotes such as “You guys, there is no time—” how could I not? It may take me a while to pull in other visions-of-the-future stories, and I won’t include obvious non-examples (such as predicting the future based on elements that are available in the present moment), but I shall persevere. Here’s the reasoning behind my new ruling: If you (or Daisy) are actually getting a picture of the future, then Occam’s Razor says that information about the future is most likely traveling through time. Case closed.

Coulson: Like, in Terminator, if John Connor’s alive and able to send his friend back in time to save his mom to make sure he’s born, doesn’t that mean he doesn’t have to?
Lincoln: I, uh, never saw the original Terminator.
Coulson: You’re off the team.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. by Josh Whedon et al. (“Spacetime,” 5 April 2016).

Game of Thrones

by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss

Throughout its first six seasons, the HBO adaptation of Game of Thrones had a handful of time-travelish moments mostly centered on young Bran’s dreams of the past. But it wasn’t until the origin story of Bran’s half-giant companion, Hodor, that we saw a definitive influence of present-day Bran on Hodor’s past. The interaction is a terrific example of a closed causal loop: Bran is observing Hodor in the past because of who Hodor is to Bran, and it is Bran’s presence that creates that very Hodor.

The past is written; the ink is dry.

Game of Thrones by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (22 May 2016).

Timeless

by Shawn Ryan and Eric Kripke

I like the show’s period sets and the three main characters: history professor Lucy Preston, timeship pilot/scientist Rufus Carlin, and Delta Force soldier Wyatt Logan. I even like the bad guy that the trio chases through time. But I’m going to use the show to illustrate two questions that I wish they’d answer:

1. Take Lucy, for example. She and her pals go back in time and change something so that when they return to the present, the previously sistered Lucy no longer has a sister, Amy. And everyone except the travelers remember the Amyless version. That Lucy is quite a different Lucy, complete with a fiancé. So what happened to that Lucy?

2. When they discover that evil Garcia Flynn has gone back to some time in history, they inevitably rush to get there quickly. Why are they rushing? And why don’t they consider going back to before Flynn’s arrival in the past to be ready for him when he arrives?

But, yeah, I like the show and their cool timeship.

Lucy? What the hell has gotten into you? And who’s Amy?

Timeless by Shawn Ryan and Eric Kripke (3 October 2016).

Arthur (s20e01a)

Buster’s Second Chance

by Ken Scarborough and Cilbur Rocha, directed by Greg Bailey

According to Brain, the past cannot be changed, but Buster still tries to do so when he’s thrown back to preschool by a time vortex.

— Tony Carr

Buster: What’s the square root of 49? [Buster thinks] I don’t know. I don’t know!. . . I’m baaaaack!

Arthur (s20e01a), “Buster’s Second Chance” by Ken Scarborough and Cilbur Rocha, directed by Greg Bailey (PBS-TV, USA, 10 October 2016).

Travelers

by Brad Wright

Earth’s outlook is pretty grim, which we know because small groups of travelers from the future are taking over the bodies of present-day people with the goal of altering the shape of things that came. I enjoy how the bodies of the star team (Grant, Marcy, Carly, Trevor, and Philip) don’t always match those of their future counterparts.

We, the last and broken memories, vow to undo the errors of our ancestors, to make the Earth whole, the lost unlost, at the peril of our own birth.

Travelers by Brad Wright (23 December 2016).

Making History

by Julius Sharpe

When university janitor Dan Chambers invents a time machine (really more of a time duffle bag), he decides to use it to land a girlfriend in Colonial Massachusetts. His plan succeeds, but along the way, he manages to stop the American Revolution, a consequence that can be righted only by bringing history professor Chris Parrish into the fold.

After seeing that Peppermint Patricia wrapper, I knew that any society that could mix two separate flavors like mint and chocolate is more open-minded than I could ever fathom. We must start this revolution so that the women of the future can feel the freedom that I felt in those brief moments.

Making History by Julius Sharpe (5 March 2017).

Time after Time

by Kevin Williamson

H.G. Wells chasing Jack the Ripper through time didn’t manage to translate from the 1979 silver screen to the 2017 small screen, although I enjoyed the Paris episode before the show was prematurely canceled.

The model of time travel was particularly troublesome in that I never did understand why H.G’s first trip took him to the museum.

It’s inevitable: Science and technology will advance beyond all imagination, forcing society to perfect itself. Imagine who you could be if you didn’t live in fear. Or more importantly, imagine the stories you could write if your life was full of adventure.

Time after Time by Kevin Williamson (5 March 2017).

Dimension 404

by Will Campos et al.

The Twilight Zone rides again, but this time on streaming TV (Hulu)! The first three episodes, all released on April 4, included a Wishbone meets Captain Planet episode, “Chronos,” with a model of time-travel that made no sense (but was still a hoot).

You know you’ve got the wrong equation for closed timelike curves, right?

Dimension 404 by Will Campos et al. (4 April 2017).

내가 이 나라의 평강공주다

Mai onri leobeusong English release: My Only Love Song Literal: My only lovesong

by 김수진, directed by 민두식

Diva actress Song Soo-jung drives off in a huff in her manager’s VW van—Boing Boing—only to find herself in the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo where she meets characters from her historical TV show including the real Princess Pyeonggang and the roguish hero On-Dal.

— Michael Main

The history changed because of me, right? That’s why I should go.

Mai onri leobeusong by 김수진, directed by 민두식 (Netflix, 9 June 2017).

Somewhere Between

by Stephen Tolkin et al., directed by Duane Clark et al.

After San Francisco suffers a week of terror at the hands of a serial killer ending with the death of Laura Price’s eight-year-old daughter Serena, Laura falls into a dark depression and attempts suicide. Next thing she knows, she’s waking up before that week, whereupon she teams up with ex-police detective Nico Jackson (who also got thrown back in time), hoping to change the week, catch the killer, save Nico’s brother’s life, and save Serena—all in a mere nine additional episodes.

— Michael Main

I’m not going to let anybody hurt you this time. I swear to you on my life.

Somewhere Between by Stephen Tolkin et al., directed by Duane Clark et al., 10 pts. (ABC-TV, USA, 24 July – 19 September 2017).

Electric Dreams [s:1e2]

“Impossible Planet”

by Philip K. Dick

A pair of spaceship pilots take advantage of centuries-old Irma Louise Gordon who just wants to see Earth before she dies.

Parts of Philip K. Dick’s original story are gone, such as the original ending, which must have been corny even in 1953; and part of the ambiguous revised plotline can be interpreted as time travel, although I suspect that adapter/director David Farr had a different meaning in mind. Regardless, I found Farr’s characters moving.

Electric Dreams (s01e02), ““Impossible Planet”” by Philip K. Dick (Channel 4, UK, 24 September 2017).

The Orville

by Seth MacFarlane

It didn’t take long for MacFarlane’s slightly zany Star Trek parody to introduce us to Pria, a collector visitor from their far-future, who grabs people only just before they’re about to die. I know the show has a bit of a comedy take, but I love their excellent take on so many classic sf tropes.

When we get to my century, I'll introduce you to Amelia Earhart.

The Orville by Seth MacFarlane (“Pria,” 5 October 2017).

The Thundermans (s04e15)

Save the Past Dance

by Anthony Q. Farrell, directed by Robbie Countryman

Superhero teens Phoebe and Max and their younger siblings have heard their parents tell a hometown hero legend once too often, so they “borrow” Cousin Blobbin’s time machine to find out the truth. But they manage to screw up the past and create a disaster in their own time, so they have to make a second round trip to sort it all out.

And just for fun . . . we get to see a flying pig three times! [Sadly, we have no Flying Pig tag. —the curator]

— Tandy Ringoringo

If we see ourselves in the past, the whole universe could close in on itself. Watch a movie, you bookworm!

The Thundermans (s04e15), “Save the Past Dance” by Anthony Q. Farrell, directed by Robbie Countryman (Nickelodeon, USA, 18 November 2017).

Creeped Out (s01e05)

A Boy Called Red

by Bede Blake and Robert Butler, directed by Steve Hughes

After his parents break up, Vincent visits his Dad’s childhood home where Auntie Jeanne encourages him to explore—without even putting that cursed well off limits, the very well where Dad lost his best friend back in the summer of ’85!

— Inmate Jan

When your dad was younger, he had a best friend, a boy called Red. Red disappeared down that well.

Creeped Out (s01e05), “A Boy Called Red” by Bede Blake and Robert Butler, directed by Steve Hughes (CBBC-TV, UK, 28 November 2017).

僕だけがいない街

Boku dake ga inai machi English release: Erased Literal: The city where only I am missing

by 三部敬 :: [exn]Sanbe Kei[/exn]

This faithful, 12-part adaptation of Kei Sambe’s manga provides a compelling story for all three ages of Satoru Fujinuma, although for me the most captivating and disturbing story was of ten-year-old Satoru.

It’s as if you've seen the future.

[ex=bare]僕だけがいない街 | The city where only I am missing | Boku dake ga inai machi[/ex] by 三部敬 :: [exn]Sanbe Kei[/exn] (15 December 2017).

The Thundermans (s04e28)

Looperheroes

The Thundermans (s04e28), “Looperheroes” (Nickelodeon, USA, 25 May 2018).

Il était une seconde fois

English release: Twice Upon a Time Literal: It was a second time

by Nathalie Leuthreau and Guillaume Nicloux, directed by Giillaume Nicloux

At first, Vincent’s only plan for the mysterious 600mm wooden cube that provides a tunnel to the past is to make sure that Louise doesn’t break up with him four months in the past, but new circumstances soon raise the stakes. Then it gets weird in this four-part miniseries.

— Michael Main

En fait, je suis passé dans un cube, et ça . . .

I actually went through this cube, and it . . .

English

[ex=bare]Il était une seconde fois | It was a second time[/ex] by Nathalie Leuthreau and Guillaume Nicloux, directed by Giillaume Nicloux, at the Berlin International Film Festival, 12 February 2019.

The Umbrella Academy, Season 1

by multiple writers and directors

Of the 43 children born 1 October 1989 with no gestation period, the eccentric and sometimes cruel billionaire Reginald Hargreeves brought up seven of them and turned them into the super-powered group called the Umbrella Academy when they developed powers. Nearly thirty years later, after Hargreeves dies, the five surviving members of the group gather at their family home. Oh, and: Number Six died some time ago and only Number Four can see him; Number Five disappeared about seventeen years ago, but he’s back (and in his 13-year-old body) after living 45 years in a post-apocalyptic future that’s scheduled to start in eight days.

— Michael Main

As far as I could tell, I was the last person left alive. I never figured out what killed the human race. I did find something else: the date it happens.. . . The world ends in eight days, and I have no idea how to stop it.

The Umbrella Academy, Season 1 by multiple writers and directors, 10 episodes (Netflix, USA, 15 February 2019).

A Christmas Carol

by Steven Knight, directed by Nick Murphy

A radical retelling of the holiday classic that starts with a Victorian performance of the Charles Dickens tale before diving into the imagination of one of the children in the audience, taking the story to a darker fantasy realm.

— from publicity material

A Christmas Carol by Steven Knight, directed by Nick Murphy, 3 pts. (FX Channel, USA, 19 December 2019).

Amazing Stories (r2s01e01)

The Cellar

by Jessica Sharzer, directed by Chris Long

Sam Taylor, a carpenter remodeling houses with his brother, feels ungrounded in 2019 until he uncovers a century-old photograph of a young bride along with a matchbook from a 1919 speakeasy. Like everyone else, we wondered at the end who Evelyn’s child is. Sam might be the father if a pregnant Evelyn traveled forward a second time, but that seems unlikely. I enjoyed that the writers left things open for us to wonder, and I also enjoyed the carefully constructed single static timeline.

— Michael Main

You were right—the photograph, it was me, it. . . It will be. I don’t know how, but it will.

Amazing Stories (v2s01e01), “The Cellar” by Jessica Sharzer, directed by Chris Long (Apple TV, 6 March 2020).

Amazing Stories (r2s01e05)

The Rift

by Don Handfield and Richard Rayner, directed by Mark Mylod

After a dogfight, a World War II plane flies through a time rift and into a 21st-century field near Dayton, where a single mom saves the pilot from the wreckage and her step-son saves the pilot from other dangers.

— Michael Main

Sir, I know it’s a doorway and all, and we gotta send everything back there, but in training they did not really tell us what happens if we don’t.

Amazing Stories (v2s01e05), “The Rift” by Don Handfield and Richard Rayner, directed by Mark Mylod (Apple TV, 3 April 2020).

The Umbrella Academy, Season 2

by multiple writers and directors

Five’s plan for the Umbrella siblings to escape the apocalypse by going into the past ends up scattering them throughout different years of Dallas in the 1960s. They manage okay on their own until shortly after 11/22/63, when secondary effects from changes to the timeline cause a nuclear holocaust that can be averted only by recently arrived Five jumping back to 11/15/63 to exert his unique charm into getting the gang to work together.

— Michael Main

Hazel to Five: If you want to live, come with me.”

The Umbrella Academy, Season 2 by multiple writers and directors, ten episodes (Netflix, USA, 31 July 2020).

Miniseries

시지프스: The Myth

Sisyphus: The Myth English release: Sisyphus: The Myth Literal: Sisyphus: The myth

by 전찬호 and 이제인, directed by 진혁

Young genius Han Tae-sul is the focus of dangerous people and a mysterious woman—Gang Seo-hae—from a war-torn near future.

Sadly, the story comes close to being a slick static timeline, but alas, the writers could not follow through.

— Michael Main

The Downloader is a real piece of work. There’s only a ten percent chance of success, eh? And even if they make it, half of them get caught by the Control Bureau.

[ex=bare]시지프스: The Myth | Sisyphus: The myth | Sijipeuseu: The myth[/ex] by 전찬호 and 이제인, directed by 진혁, 16 untitled episodes (JTBC-TV, Korea, 17 February to 8 April 2021).

Solos [s1.e01]

Leah

by David Weil, directed by Zach Braff

While talking to her mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, brilliant scientist Leah Salavara’s subconscious brings up just the idea that’s needed to video chat with herself in other times and eventually complete the final step that leads to actual time travel with a surprisingly complex set of motives.

— Michael Main

Okay, so in order to run a reverse dimensional location search, I need to know what the interdimensional VIN is on your computer.

Solos (s01e01), “Leah” by David Weil, directed by Zach Braff (Amazon Prime, 21 May 2021).

Loki, Season 1

by Michael Waldron et al, directed by Kate Herron

Hang on to your Tesseracts! Apparently, in Endgame[/em], when the Avengers traveled back to 2012 to swipe various things from the 2012 Avengers, they inadvertantly started a branch in time where Loki ended up with the Tesseract. Of course, once that occurred, the Time Variance Authority quickly spotted him as a Deviant and quickly recruited him to help in their fight against even more deviant Deviants.

— Michael Main

Appears to be a standard sequence violation. Branches growing at a stable rate and slope. Variant identified.

Loki, Season 1 by Michael Waldron et al, directed by Kate Herron (Disney+, worldwide, 9 June 2021 to 14 July 2021 [6 episodes]).

Fantasy Island (r3s01e03)

Quantum Entanglement

by Adria Lang, directed by Kimberly McCullough

The new Fantasy Island inches closer to actual time travel when Elana helps “invisible” Eileen understand her relationship with her grown daughter by acting as a Dickensian guide and showing Eileen how her daughter experienced growing up. And young Ruby receives news of how her family is managing without her.

— Michael Main

Eileen: She absolutely loved it here.
Elena: Are you sure?

Fantasy Island (v3s01e03), “Quantum Entanglement” by Adria Lang, directed by Kimberly McCullough (Fox-TV, USA, 24 August 2021).

Fantasy Island (r3s01e04)

Once Upon a Time in Havana

by Dailyn Rodriguez, diected by Laura Belsey

Finally! Some Actual Time Travel™ as Elena takes young drummer Alma Garcia back to 1967 Havana to learn the real story of the musical grandfather who abandoned his family decades ago—and the role Alma played in that single, static timeline.

— Michael Main

Grandfather: Who are you? Where do you really come from? Elma: Just an Americana who plays the drums.

Fantasy Island (v3s01e04), “Once Upon a Time in Havana” by Dailyn Rodriguez, diected by Laura Belsey (Fox-TV, USA, 31 August 2021).

What If `. . .` ? [s1e04]

What If . . . Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?

by A. C. Bradley, directed by Bryan Andrews

As we all know, when the world’s formost surgeon, Doctor Strange, lost the use of his hands in a car wreck, it prompted him to search out mystic treatments and eventually become the Master of the Mystic Arts. But what if he had lost something else in that wreck?

— Michael Main

The Ancient One: Her death is an Absolute Point in time.
Dr. Strange: Absolute?
A.O.: Unchangable. Unmovable. Without her death, you would never have defeated Dormamu and become the Sorcerer Supreme—and the guardian of the Eye of Agamotto. If you erase her death, you never start your journey.

“What If . . . Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?” by A. C. Bradley, directed by Bryan Andrews, What If. . . ? [s01e04] (Disney+, worldwide, 1 September 2021).

Fantasy Island (r3s01e05)

Twice in a Lifetime

by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain, directed by Adam Kane

The Island takes Nisha into two different versions of her future life in order to help her decide which man to marry. Only the Island knows whether Nisha is actually time traveling or merely experiencing potential futures, but the story’s ending suggests the latter. And meanwhile, out in the Island wilderness, Elena and Javier share intimate moments.

— Michael Main

Let the future unfold.

Fantasy Island (v3s01e05), “Twice in a Lifetime” by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain, directed by Adam Kane (Fox-TV, USA, 7 September 2021).

Fantasy Island (r3s01e06)

The Big Five Oh

by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain, directed by Diana Valentine

Lifetime friends Camille, Margot, and Nettie are celebrating their 50th birthdays on the Island along with a bit of time-slowing for Margot and a non-interactive trip to view a potential future for all three.

— Michael Main

Margot [after seeing the future]: Was that real?
Elena: As of this moment, yes.

Fantasy Island (v3s01e06), “The Big Five Oh” by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain, directed by Diana Valentine (Fox-TV, USA, 12 September 2021).

Fantasy Island (r3s01e07), pt. 2

The Bromance

by Mary Angelica Molina and Adam Belanoff, directed by Laura Belsey

Brian Cole, a hard-core survivalist, faces his greatest challenge: working with and understanding his own young self.

— Michael Main

I might be you, but I’m not a moron.

Fantasy Island (v3s01e07), seg. 2, “The Bromance” by Mary Angelica Molina and Adam Belanoff, directed by Laura Belsey (Fox-TV, USA, 14 September 2021).

Fantasy Island (r3s01e07), pt. 1

The Romance

by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain, directed by Diana Valentine

To help Miss Marshall find her way in the real wrld, the Island sends her to Victorian England to spend time with her favorite author.

— Michael Main

Do you ever think you were born in the wrong time?

Fantasy Island (v3s01e07), seg. 1, “The Romance” by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain, directed by Diana Valentine (Fox-TV, USA, 14 September 2021).

Star Trek: Picard, Season 2

by multiple writers and directors

After a catastrophic start to Season 2, Q steps in to pluck Picard’s crew and the Borg Queen from certain death only to insert them into a dystopian timeline that Q himself had created via a small change in 2024.

— Michael Main

Time? Of course, that’s how he did it. This is not another reality—this is our reality. He went back in time and changed the present.

Star Trek: Picard, Season 2 by multiple writers and directors (Paramount+, 3 March 2022 to 5 May 2022).

The Umbrella Academy, Season 3

After stopping the JFK-induced apocalypse in Season 2, the six Umbrella siblings return to 2019 where they no longer exist and their still-living father has founded The Sparrow Academy in their stead.

— Michael Main

Well, someone killed our mothers, so we shouldn’t exist, but clearly we do exist, and the universe can’t handle it, which is a problem.

The Umbrella Academy, Season 3 (Netflix, 22 June 2022).

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (s01e10)

A Quality of Mercy

by Henry Alonso Myers and Akiva Goldsman, directed by Chris Fisher

A despondent Captain Pike considers warning two future cadets about the accident that will kill them and maim Pike himself, but before he can write to them, his older self shows up to transport young Pike to the future that the warnings will create.

— Michael Main

Young Pike: How am I supposed to believe. . . ?
Old Pike:. . . that I’m really you?
Young Pike: You ever gonna let me get a word in edgewise?
Old Pike: I knew you were gonna say that. Does that help?

“A Quality of Mercy” by Henry Alonso Myers and Akiva Goldsman, directed by Chris Fisher (Paramount+, USA, 7 July 2022).

The Peripheral, Season 1

by Scott B. Smith, et al., directed by Vincenzo Natali and Alrick Riley

When Flynne Fisher’s ne’er-do-well brother lands a lucrative gig testing new VR tech, he drafts Flynne to do the heavy lifting, and she’s bowled over by the future world the VR has created—until she realizes it’s more than a sim.

— Michael Main

If it were time travel, as you say, you’d be here physically. This is merely a matter of data transfer: quantum tunneling is the technical term for it. I understand your confusion.

The Peripheral, Season 1 by Scott B. Smith, et al., directed by Vincenzo Natali and Alrick Riley, 8 episodes (Amazon Prime, 21 October 2022 to 2 December 2022).

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (s02e03)

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

by David Reed, directed by Chris Fisher

A mysterious, bloody man appears and warns La’an of an attack in the past, after which she races to the bridge, only to find herself in an alternate timeline with a young James T. Kirk at the helm. A trip to the past seeems in order.

— Michael Main

There’s going to be an attack. It’s going to change the timeline. We have to stop it.

“Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by David Reed, directed by Chris Fisher (Paramount+, USA, 29 June 2023).

The Twilight Zone (r1s04e18)

The Bard

by Rod Serling, directed by David Butler

The Twilight Zone (v1s04e18), “The Bard” by Rod Serling, directed by David Butler (CBS-TV, 23 May 2963).

僕だけがいない街

Boku dake ga inai machi English release: Erased Literal: The city where only I am missing

|pending byline|

This 12-part anime adaptation of Kei Sambe’s manga felt more abbreviated than the 12-part live-action version, and the characters were not as captivating for me.

I call the process “Revival.” I usually go back between one and five minutes.

[ex=bare]僕だけがいない街 | The city where only I am missing | Boku dake ga inai machi[/ex] |pending byline|.