Max Headroom: 20 Minutes into the Future

Edison Carter, a headstrong television reporter, starts digging into the apartment explosion. Network 23 management pulls him off the case, stalling the investigation. Theora Jones is brought in later to assist despite management pressure.

Theora Jones agrees to help despite upper-management pressure, providing support and access to information. The partnership strengthens as they pursue the story together. Their collaboration signals a turning point in the case.

Carter and Jones uncover that Network 23 is concealing evidence about blipverts, which can be fatal to certain viewers. The revelation exposes a dangerous corporate cover-up. Public safety implications prompt urgency to expose the truth.

Carter retrieves key evidence of the cover-up at Network 23 HQ. A security camera records his presence, tipping off Lynch. He attempts to flee, triggering a tense pursuit by the network's operatives.

Carter's motorcycle escape through the parking garage is foiled when a rising barrier crashes him into a low-clearance sign labeled 'Max. Headroom 2.3m', causing a serious head injury. Theora witnesses the event on security cameras but cannot reach him in time. The fall leaves him incapacitated and vulnerable.

Bryce Lynch proposes digitally copying Carter's mind and appearance to create a convincing replacement for on-air use. The plan aims to flood broadcasts with a living Carter to provide alibis and manipulate coverage. The idea hinges on a perfect clone, which soon proves unreliable.

The digital clone is imperfect; it does not resemble Carter and begins to develop its own personality, repeatedly muttering 'Max Headroom.' The authenticity gap undermines the plan to replace him. The project is effectively abandoned as a viable replacement.

Lynch orders the disposal of Carter and the digital personality, but the goons pivot to profit. They decide to sell Max Headroom to Blank Reg's pirate station and Carter to a body bank for organs. The scheme shifts from cover-up to black-market exploitation.

Max Headroom becomes a hit on Blank Reg's pirate station, delivering sharp, rapid-fire commentary about Network 23. Grossman watches with growing panic as the new persona gains popularity. The public affinity for Headroom intensifies pressure on the network.

Carter, recovering from his injuries, escapes the body bank with Theora Jones's help. They reunite and begin coordinating a plan to reveal the truth to the world. The escape marks a turning point toward a public confrontation.

With Jones's assistance, Carter proves he is alive and publicly exposes Network 23, Lynch, and Grossman. The revelation triggers investigations and scrutiny of corporate corruption. The narrative shifts from hiding to accountability.

Max Headroom remains with Big Time, continuing to host and offer biting commentary. The character's continued presence symbolizes resistance to corporate manipulation. The pirate station keeps the spotlight on Network 23's misdeeds.