Over a quarter of a century ago,Doctor Whoclosed its doors, and the studios stopped filming science fiction for the most part. Stuck in the vast wasteland of the 80s in America, science fiction enthusiasts were left to wander the entertainment desert with stand-ins likeKnight Riderpretending to be science fiction.
Luckily,Quantum Leap’s Sam Becket jumped out of the project accelerator and into fans' lives. Yet the originalQuantum Leapsuffered from many issues – the main issue being relatively low viewer participation. The show couldn’t get the views (as they say), and that inevitably led to its cancelation. Now, we’ll take a glance at the newQuantum Leapcontinuation and what they’re finally getting right.
Ernie Hudson as Magic Is Magic
The addition of veteran character science fiction actorErnie Hudson was a brilliant moveto increase the entertainment factor of the projectQuantum Leap. Hudson, in turn, brings drama, levity, gravitas, and credibility to a part that would ultimately be designated ‘military attache’ in any other hands. As someone personally affected by Becket, Hudson’s ‘Magic’ allows a plot point through which additional stories – as well as flashback sequences – can be displayed without appearing too out of place.
Ernie’s character Magic (having been possessed by Sam Becket in the prior incarnation ofQuantum Leap) gives the character a strong connection to the previous series. Enthusiasts of the previousLeapwere enthralled at the news of the addition of the legendaryGhostbuster, and his torn but hopeful performance shows thatQuantum Leaphas grown up.
Magic’s character demonstrates to fansthat minorities can be successfuland that military enrollment doesn’t mean the end of one’s personal moral compass. Ernie Hudson’s character seems to iterate that the military doesn’t want brainless automatons but rather thinking, logic-driven, and ethically aware citizens. This dose of morality and the existence of a moral compass withinQuantum Leapadds to the joy of Ernie Hudson’s Magic character.
A Gender-Neutral / Transgender Character
WhileQuantum Leapwas always a more progressive show in terms of depicting homosexuality, abuse, and complicated psychological states, the new iteration is even more inclusive. One of the project facilitators, Ian Wright, played byMason Alexander Park, shows American audiencesthat a transgender or gender-neutral character can be a supportive and ethical friend as well as a positive and beneficial role model.
Always a bastion and beacon of inclusion and equality among humanity,Quantum Leapwas well-known for its progressive policy. In this new series, open-minded viewers are treated to a view of a future America representing true equality.
Mason Alexander Park as Ian Wright is realistic but hopeful, effervescent yet grounded, and intelligent yet mysterious. Defined not by terms such as ‘gay’ or ‘straight’ or ‘male’ or ‘female,’ Ian seems more interested in issues beyond themselves – issues concerning global consciousness and the direction of humanity.
When placed in this light, Ian Wright seems more enlightened and intellectual – concerned with more idealistic and ethical endeavors – than the moral Christian Republican right whose chief concern is making sure that only straight, rich, white heterosexuals get to vote, own property, or hold positions of power in the United States.
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The Revelation of the Evil Leaper
The originalQuantum Leapindeed had a destructive force, the ‘yin’ to Samuel Becket’s ‘yang,’ and this dubious wicked lady was termed ‘the evil leaper.’ Improving upon this basic concept, the newQuantum Leapwasted no time in introducing viewers to the antecedent to our new Leaper’s proactive movements. Presumed to be descended from the first series' Al, the evil leaper’s motives may appear clear. However, her connection to the new show remains obscure.
Dr. Ben Song (Raymond Lee) must contend with this antithetical time-traveler in the standard good-versus-evil trope that we see all too often in science fiction and, more specifically, in space opera. Yet, the newer version of this beloved time-travel epic treats long-time fans to in-universe jokes as well as the impetus behind the evil leaper.
Without giving too much away, it would seem that before Ben, Sam was leaping around from life to life and hoping to put the wrong things right – or was he? The daughter of Sam’s original handler, Al, has a grudge not just against the long-missing Sam Becket but, indeed, all of theQuantum Leapproject. Fans couldn’t wait to see what this plot thread unwound toward.
Related:Quantum Leap Showrunner Explains Why New Series Was Developed as a Continuation
New enthusiasts of time travel and science fiction continue to be thrilled by the unexpected twists and turns of the most recent incarnation ofQuantum Leap. And if the past is prologue, Ben and his handler, Addison Augustine, will continue in their quests, striving to do the right thing and building upon the intricate history of this penultimate American time-travel epic.
