"Quantum Leap" (1989)TV series 1989-1993

Creator:

Donald P. Bellisario

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Release Date:

26 March 1989 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Family | Mystery | Sci-Fi

Plot:

Scientist Sam Beckett finds himself trapped in time--"leaping" into the body of a different person in a different time period each week.

Plot Keywords:

Role Playing | Alternate History | Space Time | Altering History | Computer

Awards:

Won 2 Golden Globes. Another 14 wins & 37 nominations

Cast

Scott Bakula	...	Dr. Sam Beckett / ... (97 episodes, 1989-1993)
Dean Stockwell	...	Admiral Al Calavicci (97 episodes, 1989-1993)
Deborah Pratt	...	Ziggy / ... (38 episodes, 1989-1993)

Runtime:

60 min (97 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:TV-PG | Australia:M (some episodes) | Iceland:12 (some epiosodes) | Singapore:PG | Iceland:L (some epiosodes) | Australia:PG | Portugal:M/6

Filming Locations:

Big Sky Ranch - 4927 Bennett Road, Simi Valley, California, USA

Company:

Belisarius Productions

Trivia:

Dean Stockwell was the first to "Leap" through time on an episode of the "The Twilight Zone: A Quality of Mercy (#3.15)" (1961), playing a war-hungry US Lt. in August, 1945.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: Despite the fact that Al is a hologram, he clearly interacts with his environment. He casts shadows and reflections, and light reflects off his clothing. Also, it is quite clear that Scott Bakula is stepping around Dean Stockwell, though one could argue that this is just from force of habit on Sam's part.

Quotes:

[about Al]
Sam: At last, something sexual he's NOT into.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Science Fiction: A Journey Into the Unknown (1994) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Quantum Leap Main Title

Basic Sci-Fi or dramatised sociology?

I have to admit I may be a little biased as I've always had a soft spot for this programme. I recall watching the pilot when it was originally aired in the UK (1990 I think?) and remember, even then, being transfixed by the subsequent weekly 'leaps' of its main character, Dr. Sam Beckett.

I always thought it was more than just a Sci-fi/ comedic drama as, at times, it was incredibly insightful. The concept was completely innovative and didn't rely to heavily on expensive effects to convey the belief of time travel.

Sam's holographic sidekick Al Calavici (played by Dean Stockwell) provided an above average level of humour, making the viewer laugh out loud at issues which some would consider untouchable (his remark of 'bigot in a moo-moo' regarding one very ample character's racist comments being an example!)

There appeared to be no subject to dangerous to touch and that was what made the programme so engrossing. By examining key issues that could have affected anyone (sexual harassment, racism and teenage pregnancy to name a few), the viewer could not help but be drawn into a theoretical discussion as to the rights and wrongs of each subject.

I could go on but all I can add is that I highly recommend this T.V classic to newcomers as, once you've seen it, you will become as hooked as the millions of other devotees out there!