Back to the Future: The Impact of Marty's Decision to Kill Buford Tannen in 1885

In the iconic series Back to the Future, the time traveling adventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown are filled with twists and turns. One intriguing what-if scenario involves the moment when Marty decides to kill Buford Tannen, an outlaw from 1885. This article delves into the profound implications of such an act, exploring the altered timeline, the fate of Hill Valley, and the potential consequences for Marty and Doc Brown.

Altered Timeline

If Marty had indeed killed Buford Tannen in 1885, the repercussions would have been monumental. Buford Tannen, a notorious outlaw, would have been removed from the equation, leading to significant shifts in the power dynamics of Hill Valley. Without the looming threat of Buford, the lawlessness he brought might have been replaced by a new form of disorder, possibly leaving a power vacuum suitable for other outlaws to exploit. This could have dramatically altered the history of the town, potentially steering the timeline towards an entirely different path.

Impact on Hill Valley

The absence of Buford would have profound effects on the town of Hill Valley. Marty, in his own right, would face moral and legal scrutiny for taking the life of someone, even if it was in self-defense. The act of killing Buford could leave a psychological scar on Marty, influencing his character development and potentially altering his mindset. This shift might make him more cautious and introspective, adding depth to his narrative journey.

Temporal Paradox and Marty's Consequences

The elimination of Buford introduces a temporal paradox, a concept where an event in the past could influence the present in unexpected ways. If Buford were not around to threaten Marty or Doc Brown later on, it's possible that Marty never would have needed to travel back in time to prevent him from being shot. This could unravel the timeline, leading to unforeseen consequences and complicating the narrative further. Marty’s decision to kill Buford would not only reshape the past but also potentially create new challenges as he finds himself navigating the consequences of his actions.

Potential for New Adventures

The act of killing Buford could pave the way for new adventures for Marty. As he works to repair the timeline or deal with the aftermath, he might encounter new challenges and characters. The town of Hill Valley, once stable, might need to be re-established or adjusted to reflect the absence of Buford and his influence. These new scenarios could add a layer of complexity and drama to the story, providing ample opportunities for creative storytelling.

Paradoxes and the Future of Hill Valley

The paradox created by Marty killing Buford is not just limited to the past. If Buford had already hooked up with someone and spawned the future ancestor of Biff, nothing much may have changed. However, if Buford’s spawning days were in his future, Marty’s lethal act could have far-reaching consequences. For instance, Marty could have inadvertently created a spatial-temporal anomaly that rippled through time, potentially altering the fabric of the universe.

To illustrate the chaos, imagine the following sequence:

Step 1: Marty goes to the future because Biff's kids get Marty's kids into trouble. Step 2: Marty picks up The Sports Almanac and brings it back to the present. Step 3: Biff steals it and goes back to 1955, changing history and creating a new Hill Valley. Step 4: Doc and Marty go back to 1955 to fix the timeline, resetting Hill Valley to its original state. Step 5: Doc’s Delorean is struck by lightning and sent back to 1885. Step 6: Marty goes back to 1885 and kills Biff’s ancestor, preventing Biff and his children from being born, thus eliminating the need for Marty’s future journey.

This sequence would create a paradox of epic proportions, potentially causing a catastrophic unraveling of the timeline. The act of preventing Buford’s spawning could have unintended consequences, possibly even leading to a world-destroying event. Therefore, it is concluded that Marty should probably not kill Buford Tannen, given the immense risks involved with tampering with the future of the known universe and all forms of life.

Conclusion

In the vast universe of Back to the Future, the ripple effects of a single action can have lasting impacts on the timeline. The decision to kill Buford Tannen in 1885 would not only tamper with the past but also trigger a chain of events that could forever alter the future. The potential for new adventures, the reshaping of history, and the creation of temporal paradoxes make this a pivotal moment in the series that collectors, fans, and enthusiasts of time travel literature will undoubtedly find intriguing.