Joyride

I see this as a time travel story, where Robertson's character's "consciousness" is transported back in time, to inhabit his young body.

You might say this is a variation on the tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge, exempt our protagonist experiences redemption with the extreme benefit of reliving the past 38 years while knowing what the future will be.

Actually, it's more like the new OL season 2 episode named "Vanishing Act" -- young married man in late 1940s is teleported by strange aliens to their planet for visits. The man does not age, but due to relativity, 10 years pass back on earth every time he is teleported. Check it out.

Cliff Robertson's character is an astronaut who has lived a life of disgrace when he lost it after seeing a sort of cosmic mass of color and light. It moved in on him, causing him to abort his mission. Now, at seventy-five, he wants a second chance. The conditions are nearly identical to the time some thirty years earlier that he had his space breakdown. NASA won't give him the opportunity, but a venture capitalist played by Barry Corbin (Northern Exposure) wants him along on his commercial flight. For Cliff, this is a chance to re-experience the trip and clear his name. On board are a couple of incompatible newlyweds who won a contest, a tough female reporter, and a sort of National Enquirer type guy, whiny and cynical. There is gratuitous sex and other distractions. Cliff is mostly stable but proves a loose cannon. We know that light is going to show up at some point. I found the episode both unsatisfying and downright forgettable. Robertson's character is the only attractive one and the ending destroyed any reality the thing had.

Cliff Robertson has an Oscar. The best episodes are those that take you down a path unexpected. Do not concentrate on the plot and enjoy the ride. You will understand why Mr Robertson has an Oscar.