Tangent Universes

What if we weren’t watching a singular unified story of a cast of characters, but in fact an interwoven story, bouncing through multiple tangent universes?

Tangent Universes In Time-Space

Stephen Hawking presented the idea that while time-space may be linear, it more than likely isn’t moving in a straight line. Twirling and twisting, space-time is probably moving in any which direction at any given time.

By slightly altering a common calendar, we can see quickly the idea that time is still linear while not moving in a straight line. In this example, time is quite routine and cyclical. However, time likely doesn’t move this smooth and flowing, and can radically change at any given moment.

A wormhole, or known by its more formal name, an Einstein-Rosen Bridge, is a theoretical rift in time-space, where in one juncture of time overlaps with another. In the above calendar example, a wormhole or bridge is created linking the 11th with the 18th.

While many great minds have pondered the notion of traversing a wormhole and going either backwards or forwards in time, or moving into an alternate universe, many have deemed the concept impossible. The most common downfall corresponds to Einstein’s own Theory of Relativity. To move through a wormhole one would have to move greater than the speed of light, which is impossible in Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. What Einstein never considered is not moving an actual human person through a wormhole, but only one’s consciousness. Using the vessels that already exists, the consciousness jumps from the body of a person on the 11th to the counterpart of said person on the 18th.

To apply this theory to FlashForward, the wormhole would only be opened for 137 seconds and would need some type of device which would move a persons consciousness through the wormhole. This same machine would possibly pull the persons consciousness back to its original state.

Personalized Tangent Universes

So we can now successfully move through a wormhole and view life through our future self’s eyes. But what happens when we return from the future? Besides the obvious question, were the future persons aware of the GBO in their time, many questions arise, however, I would rather confuse you a wee bit more.

As we’ve watched the first ten episodes of FlashForward, there seem to be inconsistencies in our characters, ones that in fact seem purposely put in place.

The idea of the tangent universe was most widely used in the film Donnie Darko. Donnie accidentally moves into a tangent universe of his own, in which every other character is only there to serve a certain purpose or need of Donnie. In theory, every other person is a figment of Donnie’s imagination. He lives, due to a wormhole, in an alternate universe for just shy of a month until he reaches the other end of the wormhole, at which time he can re-enter the wormhole and go back in time to where his alternate universe began.

This alternate universe theory worked on a “small” scale, using a singular character who lived in a simplified alternate universe. But what if by every person living (around 7 billion) then alternate universes are created for each and every character for the duration of the wormhole; October 6th til April 29th.

Within any given scene, we are looking into only one persons alternate universe. In the next scene, though the same characters may be present, we could be looking into some other persons universe.

Multiple Universes Examples

Demetri

During White To Play, Demetri is adamant in Mark changing his future. He scolded Mark for not burning the bracelet, and questioned whether Mark wanted the future to happen or not. In this universe (Demetri’s), Demetri is hell bent on changing any part of the future, even if it’s as small as burning a bracelet.

We follow up on Demetri in 137 Sekunden, where he is seemingly careless, questioning a pothead in connection with a Nazi’s release from prison in the future. After knocking over a bong in Jerome’s home, Jerome pleads with Demetri not to turn him in or his future would be changed. Demetri laughs off the scene and leaves. We’re currently in Mark’s universe, where Demetri is serving Mark’s needs.

Mark

We see Mark early on promise to not willingly give up on his family. He promises Olivia repeatedly that he’ll make sure not to drink. In this universe, Mark’s, he is a lead investigator on what very well is the biggest case in history. He’s also a devoted father who uses cleaver voices while making eggs for his family, and a model recovering alcoholic.

So quickly do we see the change in Mark, throwing caution to the wind, disobeying direct orders from the FBI Director and leaving his desperate wife. Mark’s only concern in A561984 is for Demetri’s life. As we peer into Demetri’s universe, Mark is there as a protector and saviour, providing Demetri with a much needed sidekick.

Bryce

While the rest of the cast we see much less in others universes, there are reasons to believe this multi-universe theory is still true. For example, Bryce had several characters in Believe lead him down his path. Mrs. Kondo recognized the symbol on Keiko’s shirt which leads Bryce to the restaurant where he learns his stranger’s name. According to Mrs. Kondo, the restaurant is very small. Had this singular character not existed and interacted with Bryce, he would have never traveled to Toyko.

By the way, I already know how creepy those floating heads are above.