Quantum Leap Set to Investigate Novel Form of Time Travel (Exclusive)

One of the distinctive features of Quantum Leap, evident in both the original and the new series, is the leaper’s impact on various lives across different periods. Seldom did Sam (Scott Bakula) or Ben (Raymond Lee) encounter the same characters in multiple leaps, but a significant shift is on the horizon.

In this exclusive snippet from the second season, episode 6 of the revamped Quantum Leap titled “Secret History,” Ben unexpectedly crosses paths with Hannah Carson (Eliza Taylor), a diner waitress he had previously encountered in 1949. Intriguingly, it’s now 1955, marking an entirely distinct leap.

As Jenn (Nanrisa Lee) briefs Ben, the chances of meeting the same person on two distinct leaps are “crazy slim.” She’s correct, and the historical context of Quantum Leap supports her assertion. In the original series, characterized by standalone episodes, Sam rarely encountered familiar faces across different leaps. Notable exceptions include leaping into the LaMotta family twice in “Jimmy” and “Deliver Us From Evil” and traversing the life of Lee Harvey Oswald in the Season 5 premiere.

The apparent recurrence in the new Quantum Leap might not initially seem extraordinary, given the historical instances, but these previous episodes didn’t fully delve into exploring the ramifications of repeated encounters with individuals across various time periods. The focus was often on broader plot points, such as the impact of an Evil Leaper on the LaMotta family or Sam reliving Oswald’s life.

Even with the new Quantum Leap adopting a more serialized approach, it has yet to extensively explore the long-term consequences of leapers on people’s lives. While Ben briefly revisited past leaps in the Season 1 finale, character exploration was limited.

The provided clip offers a promising glimpse into the new Quantum Leap’s commitment to a storyline untouched by the original series. It raises questions about the enduring effects of leapers on those they aid. Does Ben’s assistance to Hannah stem from their conversation about science in Season 2, Episode 3, “Closure Encounters”? Could Ben have indirectly caused the issue he is now helping her resolve on this leap? These questions open up intriguing possibilities regarding the impact of leapers on those they assist.

If Ben isn’t aiding Hannah, the reason for their renewed encounter becomes a mystery. Jenn’s observation that there’s no “quantum anomaly” around Hannah suggests she may not be a leaper. Jenn speculates that perhaps the accelerator orchestrated the reunion because Ben needed a friend. Given the new Quantum Leap’s exploration of the leaping concept, this theory isn’t implausible.

The unfolding narrative leaves us eager to discover the direction this storyline takes and Hannah’s role in this episode and beyond for the new Quantum Leap.

(Additionally, Jenn’s comment about not needing to whisper as a hologram is a brilliant joke. It cleverly plays with the fact that, aside from the leaper, the hologram is invisible and inaudible to others, yet it instinctively whispers in situations that would typically require it.)

New episodes of Quantum Leap Season 2 premiere on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. GMT on NBC. The upcoming episode, “Secret History,” is scheduled to air on Wednesday, November 15.