Science Fiction often deals with situations that cannot happen in reality. Yet paradoxically the genre attracts critiques of a pedagogic rigour more appropriate to a Latin school teacher. It's said Paul should have ensured his rifle was loaded before trying to kill Hitler, or that his assassination in 1939 wouldn't even have been wise. Also he should have simply removed the pedlar's lantern rather than attempting to unhitch his horses. No doubt all this is logical, but you wouldn't have had a story. That said, I'll allow myself one pedantic observation, the 1945 Japanese policeman's spectacles look more Henry Kissinger than Admiral Tojo.
The latter part where Paul attempts an escape from the 20th century in picturesque 1881 Homeville lift the episode above average. It has notably better dialogue, especially the dinner table confrontation between world weary Paul and the jingoistic Mr Hanford. It mostly concerns the romance with Abby, culminating in the tear jerking scene where a hurt Abby reproaches Paul "we'll leave it at that then" after he's made it clear, without explaining why, that they cannot get together. Call me a soppy romantic but it made me exasperatedly cry: don't be such a clot, you won't find anyone better. Patricia Breslin looks more elegant with hair up in 19th century style than her usual 60s pageboy cut, indeed she's probably never looked nicer.
The latter part where Paul attempts an escape from the 20th century in picturesque 1881 Homeville lift the episode above average. It has notably better dialogue, especially the dinner table confrontation between world weary Paul and the jingoistic Mr Hanford. It mostly concerns the romance with Abby, culminating in the tear jerking scene where a hurt Abby reproaches Paul "we'll leave it at that then" after he's made it clear, without explaining why, that they cannot get together. Call me a soppy romantic but it made me exasperatedly cry: don't be such a clot, you won't find anyone better. Patricia Breslin looks more elegant with hair up in 19th century style than her usual 60s pageboy cut, indeed she's probably never looked nicer.