Whenever a scientist character says that something could "theoretically" have happened, it's a perfect explanation of what actually happened, even if everyone else says how unlikely it is. Similarily, if a scientist character proposes a "theoretical" solution to a problem, it'll always solve the problem, but not without a lot of tension over whether or not it will work. For a reason as to why "theoretical" explanations and solutions are so often successful, see Gravity Is Only a Theory. Examples of In Theory include: