At the end of Meet the Robinsons, Michael "Goob" Yagoobian experiences a significantly altered and positive future, ultimately being adopted by a loving family. This resolution is a direct result of Lewis's intervention in the past, preventing the tragic events that would have otherwise shaped Goob's life.
Goob's Original Tragic Fate
Before Lewis travels back in time to correct events, Goob was set on a desolate path. His failure to catch the crucial baseball in the championship game, largely due to falling asleep from Lewis's late-night invention work, led to a chain of unfortunate circumstances.
- Left Behind: After the orphanage closed down, Goob was unfortunately left behind, never finding a family.
- Years of Solitude and Bitterness: He spent the next 30 years confined to the desolate orphanage, perpetually wearing his baseball uniform as a symbol of his past failure. During this time, he tormented himself by listening to radio broadcasts detailing Lewis's future successes as an inventor, fueling his resentment and despair. This prolonged suffering and bitterness transformed him into the villainous Bowler Hat Guy, driven by a desire for revenge against Lewis.
Lewis's Intervention and Goob's Bright Future
In the film's climax, Lewis travels back to the pivotal baseball game. Rather than focusing solely on his own past, he makes a crucial decision to help Goob.
- Waking Goob Up: Lewis gently wakes Goob up during the game, ensuring he is alert and ready for the final play.
- The Catch: With Lewis's subtle encouragement, Goob successfully catches the ball, securing a victory for his team. This simple act fundamentally alters his destiny.
- Adoption and Happiness: Because he was awake and contributed to the team's success, Goob is now seen by prospective parents. At the very end of the movie, a joyful Goob is shown leaving the orphanage with his new adoptive family, waving goodbye to Lewis. This heartwarming scene signifies that he will now grow up in a nurturing environment, avoiding the bitterness and isolation that would have turned him into a villain.
The Impact of the Timeline Change
The contrast between Goob's original fate and his ultimate destiny at the end of Meet the Robinsons highlights the film's core themes of choice, forgiveness, and the power of changing one's future.
| Aspect | Original Timeline (Before Lewis's Intervention) | Corrected Timeline (At Movie's End) |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball Game | Fell asleep, missed catch, team lost | Stayed awake, caught ball, team won |
| Adoption | Left behind when orphanage closed | Adopted by a loving family |
| Future | Spent 30 years in solitude, tormented by Lewis's successes, became Bowler Hat Guy | Presumably happy, well-adjusted, integrated into a family, avoids becoming a villain |
| Identity | Bitter, vengeful "Bowler Hat Guy" | Happy, normal child, part of a supportive family |
Lewis's compassionate act ensures that Goob lives a life filled with love and opportunity, rather than one consumed by regret and anger. It demonstrates that even a small act of kindness can prevent a dark future and allow individuals to find their true, happy path.
