4 of 11

Write now Article Tools

Quantum Leap was one of the best science fiction television shows ever. I have to give it high rankings for its originality and unique storylines. This series lasted for four seasons on NBC between 1989 to 1993. It was well-recieved by viewers and critics alike.

Scott Bakula starred as Sam the scientist who was able to leap into different periods of time. Dean Stockwell co-starred as Bakula's assistant guiding him through a special device. In each episode Sam was taken to a different time and became a different person all together. Sometimes he would be a women while other times he was a hit man and so on. It was interesting to see who he was going to be next. Bakula did an excellent job portraying all types of characters and many times the episodes were rather funny.

The idea of the show was to put the main character into situations of various types of people to see if he could help them. By the end of the episode he would succeed more than not and leap into his next character to give a preview of next weeks show. It gave the viewer an opportunity to see what it would be like if you switched roles with someone of another color or another sex.

Sam became a hit-man in one episode who was with the godfather's girlfriend. He kept trying to get out of this character fearing for his life and in the efforts of trying to bring him back to his real home it caused a blackout.

Sam also became a young boy who must keep his older sister from marrying an abusive alcholic. This show touched on issues of abuse and alcholism. Another episode took Sam into a private detective who held a resemblance to Humphrey Bogart.

There were shows that explored celebrity lifestyles as well. For instance, one episode included a young Michael Jackson while another was staged around Buddy Holly. Of course these weren't the real people, just actors hired to portray these celebrities, but it was well done.

Quantum Leap was so popular that it generated other shows to follow in its footsteps. At first NBC wasn't sure if this show would last but it proved to be very successful throughout its four year run. It had all of the elements needed for great programming with good acting and great writing and directing.

Learn more about this author, Laura Hageman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about TV show reviews: Quantum Leap?
We want to hear your view. Write now!