As another commenter noted, the idea of effects preceding causes is only used a few times, mainly at the beginning and end of the episode. What really is happening is best explained by a theory the main character has midway through, about how the universe is chaotic and random and only humans give it order. She apparently taps into the true nature of things...by being a hardcore hippie of sorts? It's interesting but muddled, however the ending is VERY disturbing, and worth seeing for that reason alone. If you want to watch one the real classic Darkside episodes, go with the "grither" episode, the one Stephen King wrote about a phonecall, or my all time favorite, the truly scary "Ursa Minor".
Review of Effect and Cause
