The Back to the Future franchise is often celebrated for its compelling narrative structure and memorable characters. However, the time travel rules established throughout the series seem to falter, particularly in the installments starring Christopher Lloyd. While most fans regard the original trilogy as self-contained, they must grapple with various timeline inconsistencies that emerge over the course of the films.
Interestingly, the story doesn’t conclude with the third movie. The lesser-known Back to the Future animated series endeavors to expand the saga introduced by the films. Although it brings a fresh spin to Doc Brown’s adventures, it also raises intriguing questions about its adherence to the time travel rules established in the movies. Specifically, the animated series appears to force viewers to accept a premise that could undermine the foundational concepts introduced in the original films.
The Back to the Future Animated Series: An Alternate Universe Perspective
Discrepancies Between the Series and the Original Films
The animated series claims to be a direct sequel to the original trilogy, taking place after the events of the third film. Although it references characters and themes from the films, some fans find it challenging to view it as a seamless continuation. Christopher Lloyd reprises his role as Doc Brown in several segments, yet the creators, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, have never recognized the series as an official extension of the film franchise.
Zemeckis and Gale have been vocal about their intention to keep the franchise contained within the three films, actively preventing any remakes or reboots by retaining story rights. Furthermore, Gale has indicated (via Telltale Games) that the animated series operates in an alternate timeline. This perspective allows for a variety of enhancements, such as an upgraded DeLorean and new settings that stretch beyond the Hill Valley of the films.
The Problem with Alternate Universes in Back to the Future’s Single Timeline
The Need for Assumptions to Link the Series as a Direct Sequel
The original films imply but do not explicitly state that encountering a new alternate future causes previous versions of characters to cease existing. This suggests that the films almost reject the notion of parallel timelines, proposing that only one version of any character can exist moving forward.
However, this interpretation creates its own contradictions. For example, Marty McFly witnesses his past self while using the DeLorean, complicating the established rules of time travel. Many of the franchise’s developments only make sense when one operates under the assumption that alternate universes are nonexistent.
If one is to consider the animated series as a legitimate continuation of the live-action films, it would require a significant retcon of the original time travel rules, leading to the acceptance of parallel universes. According to the original lore, the existence of an alternate universe as portrayed in the series should not be feasible. Nonetheless, accepting this premise provides a loose connection between the animated show and the films, allowing for a more enjoyable viewing experience.