Emmett accidentally bumps his head on the toilet while hanging a clock and receives the vision for the flux capacitor, the key component for time travel. This marks the true beginning of his dedicated time travel research.

For three decades, Emmett dedicates his life to developing a functional time machine. He spends his family fortune, tinkers endlessly, and faces numerous failures and setbacks, all while maintaining unwavering belief in the possibility of time travel.

Emmett successfully sends his dog, Einstein, one minute into the future using the modified DeLorean time machine. This proves the viability of his theories and validates his years of hard work. The DeLorean is powered to 88 mph using Plutonium.

Marty McFly accidentally travels back to 1955, creating a paradox that threatens his existence. Emmett helps Marty restore the timeline and return to 1985. At this time, Emmett is shot dead by Libyan terrorists for stealing Plutonium.

Marty warns Emmett of the Libyan terrorists' attack, allowing him to wear a bulletproof vest and survive. After patching up the DeLorean, Emmett leaves 1985 for the future (2015). He now powers the DeLorean with garbage instead of Plutonium.