On a world where being smart is the equivalent of being a sports star, Quinn is a popular college athlete and finds his double had underhanded dealings with gangsters. Meanwhile, Arturo discovers his late wife is alive on this world and tries for reconciliation after learning she is pressing for divorce.
While working in his basement, Quinn Mallory opens the gateway to parallel worlds. For a test run, Quinn invites co-worker Wade Welles and his teacher, Professor Arturo, along. Upon opening the vortex, Quinn uses too much power, which causes the vortex to suck them in along with Rembrandt "Crying Man" Brown, who happened to be driving by Quinn's house. The four arrive on a world that experienced an ecological disaster and will have to survive until the timer hits zero.