Time After Time follows H.G. Wells, a visionary inventor and writer in Victorian England, who builds a time machine that he plans to use for academic exploration. However, when his friend Dr. John Stevenson, who is secretly the infamous Jack the Ripper, uses the machine to escape capture, Wells follows him to modern-day America. The series explores themes of time travel, identity crises, and moral dilemmas, as Wells adjusts to life in a fast-paced world 100 years beyond his time. Throughout the show, the characters grapple with paradoxes, the implications of altering timelines, and the evolving nature of morality across eras. As Wells tries to stop Jack the Ripper from continuing his murderous spree in the future, he faces challenges regarding his own beliefs in progress and humanity. The show uses a mix of suspense, action, and historical reflection, contributing to the time travel genre by blending real historical figures with speculative fiction, though it wraps up prematurely due to its short run.
Time After Time
Gravity Index: 5
In Time After Time, time travel is portrayed as an exciting yet perilous adventure, where the main characters confront both personal and moral dilemmas across different eras. While the show doesn’t delve deeply into the scientific or philosophical aspects of its high-concept premise, it effectively uses the tension between past and present to drive suspense and character development. Expect a balanced blend of action, historical intrigue, and light reflection on the consequences of time manipulation.
Tone: 5
Time After Time maintains a balance between lighthearted moments, as H.G. Wells adjusts to modern-day life, and darker, serious themes involving the pursuit of Jack the Ripper. While it explores time travel with some philosophical weight, there is still an adventurous and suspenseful feel that tempers the gravity of the high-concept elements.
Consequence: 6
Time travel in the series causes significant consequences, particularly in how Wells’ and Stevenson’s actions impact their interactions with the future and past. Though some outcomes feel reversible or manageable, the ethical dilemmas and shifts in the timeline add weight to the narrative.
Depth: 4
The mechanics of time travel are central to the plot but not deeply explored in scientific terms. There is some discussion of the philosophical ramifications, especially regarding morality across different time periods, but the show primarily focuses on character-driven conflict rather than in-depth analysis of time travel theory.