While the iconic Back to the Future series focuses primarily on the escapades of Doc Brown and Marty McFly, it’s often overlooked that they are not the first individuals to navigate the intricacies of time travel. Many fans assume that Marty, portrayed by Michael J. Fox, is the inaugural user of Doc’s time-traveling DeLorean, but this notion is technically inaccurate. The heartbreaking reality for Doc Brown is that after dedicating three decades to the invention of this groundbreaking time machine, Marty gets to utilize it first. Fortunately, Doc exhibits none of the bitterness one might expect throughout the trilogy.
Moreover, Doc and Marty aren’t the only characters to experience time travel via the DeLorean. Jennifer, Marty’s girlfriend (played by Claudia Wells and later by Elisabeth Shue), and Old Biff (Thomas F. Wilson) also take turns in the legendary vehicle. However, director Robert Zemeckis later expressed regret over including Jennifer’s trip to 2015, as it left her character with minimal involvement. Still, the title of first time traveler in this franchise goes to none other than Doc’s canine companion.
Einstein Was the First Time Traveler in Back to the Future
Einstein’s Pioneering Journey in the DeLorean
The Back to the Future screenplay is widely praised for its coherent narrative and satisfying payoffs, including the seamless introduction of the DeLorean and its operation. As Doc prepares to launch his dog Einstein into the future, he briefly touches upon the vague mechanics of the time machine. After securing Einstein in the DeLorean, Doc uses a remote control to accelerate the vehicle to 88 miles per hour, sending the pooch one minute ahead in time. Marty, who is understandably anxious about Einstein’s fate, is met with Doc’s jubilant confirmation of the experiment’s success.
You see, Einstein has just become the world’s first time traveler!
By sending Einstein just one minute into the future, Doc establishes the dog as the first pioneer of time travel. This detail is often missed by ardent fans, but it’s particularly fitting that a dog named “Einstein”would hold such a remarkable title.
In the films, Einstein was portrayed by a dog named Tiger, while Freddie took over the role in Parts II and III.
Einstein’s Journey Through the Back to the Future Trilogy
Einstein’s Adventures Across Time
While Einstein did not accompany Marty on his trip to 1955’s Hill Valley, he made a significant return in both Back to the Future Part II and Part III. Initially, he was placed in a suspended animation kennel at the beginning of Part II. Subsequently, Doc and Marty utilized Einstein’s acute sense of smell to locate Jennifer after her mysterious disappearance. When Doc and Marty travel back to 1955 again to rectify the time continuum, Einstein is once more left behind. After the timeline is restored, Doc journeys to 1885, leaving Marty with the responsibility of caring for Einstein.
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- Follow Einstein’s journey throughout the trilogy.
- Explore the nuances of time travel mechanics in the films.