Quantum Leap (2022): The Complete Series Blu-ray Review
“Quantum Leap” never reaches the heights of the original, but is still worth a gander.
2022’s “Quantum Leap” is a reboot/continuation of the 1989 original created by Donald P. Bellisario. The new series (which lasted 2 seasons for a total of 31 episodes) takes place 30 years after the original and revolves around the central character of physicist Dr. Ben Song who is working on the Quantum Leap Project (QLP for short) alongside a new team comprised of Addison (who is engaged to Ben), Ian (a technician), Magic (the head of the project), and Jenn (the head of security). Ben takes it upon himself to begin leaping through time, but it remains a mystery as to why. Addison guides Ben on his new journey leaping into bodies of people to make things right as a hologram. Throughout the series, Ben finds himself jumping around decades as he becomes an undercover cop, an astronaut, a gunslinger, a flight attendant, a CIA agent, you get the picture. Whenever he leaps into a new body, he has to figure out why he is there and what his mission is as it were.
In addition to the “leap of the week” stories, there are ongoing story arcs involving a time traveler Richard, Al’s widow Beth and his daughter Janis, a team traitor, the Quantum Project’s shutdown, Tom (who becomes Addison’s boyfriend and a Quantum team member), a physics professor (Hannah), and a vengeful son out to ruin Ben (no spoilers) and take control of QLP.
In many ways, 2022’s “Quantum Leap” was doomed from the start. When Scott Bakula released a statement saying that he was not going to be a part of the new series, a lot of fan’s hearts sunk (myself included). Scott’s Sam character was the heart and soul of “Quantum Leap” and it would be strange without him. Indeed, the series misses his presence and it’s unfortunate we couldn’t even see a mere cameo. But what can you do?
So, how does the new series fare? It’s a hit-and-miss glossy modern network TV series that attempts to appeal to fans of the original series while also trying to make new fans. Truthfully, this series would have fared better on a streaming service. Not only would this have allowed for more creative risks, but sci-fi series tend to find their audience more on streaming these days (see the various Star Trek series for example). At any rate, there is a lot to like here. The ties to the original (Al’s widow Beth and Ziggy) are appreciated and the new characters (particularly Ben, Addison and Magic) are likable thanks to the charismatic performances of Raymond Lee, Caitlin Bassett and Ernie Hudson respectively. The series does a commendable job in capturing the spirit, heart, and themes of the original while also taking a serialized approach. The series was at its best when it focused on intriguing new elements like the mysterious leaper in season 1.
Not all of the episodes are winners and season 2 is all over the place. Season 2 seemed to struggle to find its footing and lacked captivating arcs and mysteries that season 1 had, but fans will be happy to know the series goes out on a real high note with the finale “Against Time.” Ironically, this “Quantum Leap” also goes out on a major cliffhanger which would have offered up a whole new world of storytelling potential if there was to be a season 3. But what can you do?
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? The episodes get crisp hi-def transfers.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? From the sounds of Ziggy to the dialogue, this is a satisfactory 5.1 track.
No extras have been included.
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment