Corbin is Lance’s nephew; Clementine is Rhoda’s niece. Their interests cross their families’ usual roles: the boy loves laboratory work and theory, while the girl prefers training and movement. “Switchback” presents them at about eight years old and describes Corbin’s asthma and glasses. Adults try to keep them away from dangerous missions, but the children find ways to intervene.

During the school takeover they help get a warning to VALCom. Against Forbin, their unconventional approach becomes decisive. The feature screenplay also gives the children’s initiative a crucial role, revealing how readily adults underestimate them.

“Switchback” follows a more intimate adventure. Corbin builds a mind-swapping device to change the unequal roles in their games. A week in each other’s bodies helps Clementine understand his asthma and lets Corbin experience physical freedom. Their experiment becomes an education in empathy.