This episode of "The Twilight Zone" is strongly reminiscent of the later TV series "The Time Tunnel" in that a time traveler tries repeatedly to undo horrible events of the past but despite his best efforts, the horrible events always occur. However, in "The Time Tunnel" the two travelers 'coincidentally' just happen to land in these times and places whereas in this episode Dana Andrews deliberately sets out to change history...but can't. A few of the disasters he tries to undo are the bombing of Hiroshima as well as the Torpedoing of the Lusitania (also, by the way, a plot from "The Time Tunnel" is VERY similar---with the guys ending up on the Titanic).
As a result, he now thinks that the past CANNOT be changed--at least for the better. And, inexplicably he is going back to the past to live could cause no harm--what will occur WILL occur no matter what he does. And he chooses a seemingly idyllic time and place--in a small town in 19th century America. And, he agrees with his colleague that he must be sure not to tamper with events of the time period--and just live out his life in peace. However, try as he might, his knowledge of will come to pass make it difficult, if not impossible, to just sit back and watch life pass.
Overall, a rather average episode that seems more like two half hour episodes fused together. There are two very distinct and different parts to the story and each cold have stood alone. The acting of Andrews, as usual, is professional and excellent.
A minor problem about the episode is that Dana Andrews' attempts to change history seemed pretty lame. Based on the way his character acted (not always rationally, that's for sure), you could see why no one takes him seriously! And, if they didn't, why didn't he just use the time machine AGAIN to try undoing the same event? After all, they wouldn't recall who he was the second time!
As a result, he now thinks that the past CANNOT be changed--at least for the better. And, inexplicably he is going back to the past to live could cause no harm--what will occur WILL occur no matter what he does. And he chooses a seemingly idyllic time and place--in a small town in 19th century America. And, he agrees with his colleague that he must be sure not to tamper with events of the time period--and just live out his life in peace. However, try as he might, his knowledge of will come to pass make it difficult, if not impossible, to just sit back and watch life pass.
Overall, a rather average episode that seems more like two half hour episodes fused together. There are two very distinct and different parts to the story and each cold have stood alone. The acting of Andrews, as usual, is professional and excellent.
A minor problem about the episode is that Dana Andrews' attempts to change history seemed pretty lame. Based on the way his character acted (not always rationally, that's for sure), you could see why no one takes him seriously! And, if they didn't, why didn't he just use the time machine AGAIN to try undoing the same event? After all, they wouldn't recall who he was the second time!