Spoiler alert: this week we’re analyzing the Twilight Zone episode “Back There.” Peter Corrigan, played by actor Russell Johnson, is about to find out the answer to a rather complex question: can a person go back in time and change the future? As Corrigan finds himself suddenly back in 1865 and trying to convince the people around him that President Abraham Lincoln is in grave danger, he begins to learn that the question is not so simple. In this Twilight Zone episode, we’re going to try and break down how this theory of time travel actually works; we’ll dive into whether or not someone can come back from time traveling psychologically the same as when they left; and I’ll reveal my moment of awe, a look into the mind of John Wilkes Booth through his own journal. So, grab your keys, and let’s open up this door to the fifth dimension. As always, spoiler alert. If you have note seen the episode, go check it out and then come back here for the analysis. Want to support the KOI show, get extra content, and give money to two awesome charities at the same time? Consider becoming a member in one of our tiers. 50% of every dollar, after the platforms take their fees, will go to charity: 25% to the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation and 25% to the Gary Sinise Foundation. Our goal is to preserve a way of life that Rod Serling himself would be proud of. However, even by just watching the show, subscribing, commenting, giving it a thumbs up, and sharing it with friends, you are doing your part. Thank you. You can learn more about the monetization plan for this channel from this video, which I recorded live from Serlingfest 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efhcWe1dK-8&t=89sWe're walking through Rod Serling's class Twilight Zone series and asking difficult questions about life. So, if you love The Twilight Zone, science fiction, or even just philosophizing about life, consider joining us on this journey. There's always room for more. Google form to rate this Twilight Zone episode: https://forms.gle/5VTJ73WWH2fXVcHm9Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheKeyofImaginationShow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkDiscord: discord.gg/QjNY9jcyFZYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thekeyofimaginationHead over to thekeyofimagination.com to learn more about me, check out my Twilight Zone trinkets and collectibles, and to to continue the conversation. Episode outline:00:00 Introduction00:45 Plot synopsis03:29 Episode Specifics04:08 Episode tidbits04:37 Question 110:11 Question 216:43 Question 319:42 Episode rating20:26 Next episode and your questions20:53 Listener shout-outs and messages from me23:05 How to get involved and how to support the showNo show did a better job than The Twilight Zone at generating awe and wonder within its audience. It just so happens that awe is exactly what we need in these difficult, divisive times. So, join me, Joe Meyer, and let's walk through the fifth dimension with Rod Serling. Along the way, we'll discuss big questions and relate them back to our Twilight Zone episodes.Background artwork by James Seehafer: https://pixels.com/profiles/j-mark?tab=artworkOpening and Ending theme: by Jacob Williams @jakeproduces on Fiverr#twilightzone #rodserling #scifi #zone #outerlimits #sciencefiction
