5 Things That Timeless Has Taught Us

By: Brittany Dailey and Lisa Steinberg

What started out as a series based around saving history, “Timeless” has become more than just the way we were – it’s grown to distinguish itself by increasing attention to racial, equality and religious strides that have created the country we are today. It’s a stand out for the heart, humor, lessons and layers of love it showcases week after week, which are the hallmark viewers can look forward to every Sunday night. “Timeless” is a wild suspense filled emotional roller coaster ride that has imparted as much inspiration as it has history lessons.

1. Representation Matters

The importance of representation and telling stories and character arcs that give visibility to minorities cannot be stressed enough. The TV landscape is slowly realizing this importance, but it’s still not up to par…yet. This is something that “Timeless” gets exactly right. From the Space Race episode that touched on the life of renowned NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, to the Women’s Suffrage movement and even the influential recordings of musician/singer Robert Leroy Johnson. Most recently, the show explored the timeline of its very own, agent Denise Christopher (Sakina Jaffrey), in which we saw the younger Christopher (Karen David) grapple with family tradition/commitment and her sexuality. Ultimately, with the help of Lucy (Abigail Spencer) and Jiya, (and a handy flashdrive), Christopher embraced her true self and her own timeline remained intact. What’s incredibly inspiring is that her storyline takes viewers through her own struggles of accepting her sexuality. “Timeless” recognizes the importance of using their platform to elevate conversations about equality and to share focus on a lesbian Indian-American fierce female and the reality of the often-tumultuous dynamics LGBT families face which is something the likes we have not seen enough of on screen. Telling stories from the perspective of a queer woman of color provides an elevation where young and old viewers can see themselves and be reminded just how much their stories matter, too. From people of color, women in general and the LGBTQ community, “Timeless” excels in bringing representation and visibility across the board.

2. History Shaping the Future

History may be set in stone, but it’s ability to shape the future is crucial. While in “Timeless” the past can be changed, it’s a window to show how far we’ve come and how much we still have to work on. We live in an era where CIS men are trying to dictate the way we live our lives and the equal rights that we as Americans have had to fight far too hard for. With events like Charlottesville and the current president in office, we see how much our past has molded where we are now. Our landscape has been shaped by countless events that have shown courage can make a difference and spark the change we need to see in the world. We saw the brave and persistent women during the Women’s Suffrage Movement, who risked being beaten and imprisonment just so that they could have a chance to have their voices heard and ultimately the same rights as men, in a patriarchal society. There were episodes around women and men of color who broke the mold and gave us heroes in history we could look up to is what keeps us coming back for more from this phenomenal program. In season One the Bonnie & Clyde and Stranded episodes show the strides we have made through the character of Rufus (Malcolm Barrett). With Bonnie & Clyde, we see Rufus treated like a criminal because of the color of his skin. The police imprison him and refuse to release him because of racial profiling. In Stranded, Rufus takes center stage where the team becomes captured in the wilderness by Native Americans. They see white people as devious and don’t trust Lucy and Wyatt (Matt Lanter) while they set Rufus free. Rufus gains some blacksmith skills and it is he who becomes the “Hero in a Hoodie” who is able to use his new knowledge to craft the piece needed to help send the team home. “Timeless” has taken us down so many roads as a reminder that our fight has been worth every heartbreaking but necessary moment. In order to change the past, we must look towards the future and continually strive to do and be better.

3. Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

The pilot, the historian and the muscle. Each member of the Time Team has a role that is crucial to each mission and they have all proven that they can pull their weight and get the team out of almost any sticky situation, whether that’s Lucy using her endless knowledge of history, Rufus using his quick wit and charm or Wyatt and his fists. But what’s even more endearing is the friendship that’s been formed between these three. From Rufus being forced to spy on his team to Wyatt’s unwavering belief that Lucy was still alive after being taken by Rittenhouse and Lucy’s selflessness to step aside so that Wyatt could have his second chance with Jessica (Tonya Glanz). The group has shown their dynamic is indispensable and that each one makes missions work even when it feels like failure is the only option. Their never give up attitude and system of support shows that at the darkest moments when hope seems to be dwindling, they have each other’s backs. The episode based at the Alamo is where the team really learns the meaning of trust and sacrifice as the people inside this historical site prepare to face their fate for their cause. Courage comes to the forefront and the team gains the push they need and hope to hold on for.

4. Lucy Preston: Leading Lady

Too often we see female characters whose role is to serve the story of her male counterpart. “Timeless” puts its female character front and center and for good reason. Lucy Preston is a historian and the team’s ability to succeed and getting one step closer to bringing down Rittenhouse hinges on her. In The Kennedy Curse, Wyatt and Rufus bring young JFK back with them in the lifeboat and potentially risk altering the timeline of the US presidency. When Agent Christopher asks what happened Wyatt responds, “Things got messy. Without Lucy, we were scrambling until we figured out who they were after.” But “Timeless” refuses to pigeon hole Lucy as just “the brains.” Her knowledge of history, her resourcefulness and never-back-down attitude makes her a huge asset. She is strong in her conviction and knows when it comes to being on the right side of history, she is the one making it happen. She shows determination, kindness and heroism throughout the series and is a large part of what sets this series apart. She takes the lead as she is the reason the team works almost effortlessly. This is perfectly displayed through Abigail Spencer’s performance.

5. Who Run the World

For too long, society has pitted women against one another with the belief that in order for one to succeed, they have to step over any other woman in their way. In a time right now where our government is seeking to roll back protections for women and dictate what they do with their bodies, it is even more important as to why women’s stories matter and how vital they are at the forefront. Episodes like The Salem Witch Trials and Mrs. Sherlock Holmes remind us of just how far females have come and why we need to be believed. Lucy tells the women accused of witchcraft they aren’t like other women and that makes people uncomfortable, but they refuse to confess to being something they aren’t and how brave they are and that she is proud to be in their company. These women stand strong and share in solidarity, just as they do in the Suffragette episode. Determined to no longer be silenced by men, we see just how the fight to end this injustice and show the need for equality means. The power and strength women have is unstoppable and these episodes show how far we have come and why this trailblazing TV series is reminding all of the steps we have taken forward, so we never go back. The textbook example of women supporting one another is showcased through the relationships between Agent Christopher, Lucy and Jiya (Claudia Doumit). Each has a different role and a specific set of skills that they bring to the table. All are equally important to the overall success of Mason Industries, and work together to help achieve this. As the saying goes, “When women support each other, incredible things happen.”

We may be at the season finale of “Timeless,” but there are so many more stories to tell. The time team has moved through history and shown us how much it has shaped our current political and societal landscape. We have seen these characters showcase diversity, multi dimensions and endless empowerment. It balances past, present and future and reminds us how far we have come and the struggles we still face. While we have made so many incredible leaps and bounds, we must continue to keep conversations going to ensure no one ever feels marginalized. Wherever “Timeless” takes us, we are ready to make the leap!