'Dimension 404' Recap: 'Chronos'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

Every single one of us out there, can think of a particular television show or motion picture that captivated our imagination so strongly as a child...we would have given anything to be a part of it. So much in fact, that we collected every single toy that was released for it, watched every last episode and sequel and outright became an expert on the franchise, in-between dreaming about what life would be like if we lived in that world.

Of course eventually we leave our obsession with that world behind, instead choosing to focus on the fond memories it leaves us with, but there is always a part of us that is left with the wonder of 'what if?' and it is that wonder that Dimension 404 decided to explore by bringing such a world to life in its third episode, 'Chronos'. In this particular tale we are introduced to Sue Hirsch, a brilliant college student who has a tendency to shirk her responsibilities to watch her favorite television shows, Time Ryder in particular,  and unfortunately for her, anymore slacking on her senior thesis is going to cost her a chance at graduation and to make matters worse...that all important paper is due at midnight. But getting that paper done will prove to be quite the incredible challenge, and not for obvious slacker-esque reasons. Because on this night, Sue is about to discover that her favorite show is real...and the Time Ryder needs her help to save the future. 

So after spending a couple of episodes in supremely cerebral territory, which by the way, is not a bad thing in the slightest, clearly the Writer's Room decided it was high time to kick back, fan boy out and have a little fun and the end result of this decision, is utterly magnificent. Because this story, is filled to the brim with hilarious jokes and it delivers the most fun I've ever experienced in watching a story about time travel, which is no easy feat. Temporal causality loops are a complex and difficult notion and by not focusing on the science of it, and all the technobabble that comes with that, you're left with a simple and enjoyable storyline that the vibrant characters get to drive and it's a move storytelling wise that leaves you with a smile on your face.

However, it's important to note that Dimension 404 is a show that has established itself as an incredibly intelligent Science Fiction series, and it would be a grand disappointment if it suddenly switched gears and abandoned its highly intelligent storytelling style...and thankfully, the writers found a way to blend that smarter style into this particular episode. But rather than follow in the footsteps of the last two episodes, and examine our world and societal concepts as a whole, this one simply resonates with you on a personal level and works to inspire you as well. Because Sue is someone who has major doubts about her abilities, and firmly believes that she may not ever achieve a single wonder in this world; and when you combine that with Sue living her life long dream to become a Chrono Teen, this episode more or less serves as a love letter to all the nerds and geeks out there who have the same self doubts, and it also offers a grand reminder...that we are better people than we often give ourselves credit, and we can do anything we put our mind to.

If anything, it's rare to see an anthology series put forth any kind of positive message since they often serve as little slices of the stranger corners of the universe, so that in and of itself is refreshing, but what I truly appreciated about this story, is how it draws you in. In a roundabout weird sort of way, by seeing the joy that Sue relishes in by being part of the Time Ryder mythos, memories of our own childhood are suddenly unlocked, and we are allowed to live vicariously through her and finally be part of our favorite show as well and any kind of story that can elicit those kind of emotions, is sheer magic and it's just more proof that ​Dimension 404 is simply a wonderful show that knows how to please its fans and if it's this smart and this endearing three episodes in, I have a funny feeling the series is only going to get more magical from here on out. Until next time.

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