Oh boy, where do you start. Quantum Leap was an innovative science fiction/fantasy show but at its heart it was also a drama of hope, second chances and change.
The idea behind the show was simple. Dr Sam Beckett, a quantum physicist from the near future (late 1990s it seems) becomes lost in time following a time travel experiment.
He leaps into other people's bodies, temporarily taking the places of them 'to put right what once went wrong.'
Dean Stockwell played Al who appeared as a hologram that only Sam could see as well a some animals and young children. As well as trying to help Sam because Sam suffered from holes in his memory, he also provided the humour.
The series had an easy going charm. It mixed humour, drama, social commentary and nostalgia which gave it broad appeal. There tended to be little science fiction outside its central conceit.
When the episode finished you will see Sam leaping into his next body. The series was strongest when it went into social commentary such as leaping into the body of a black man in the 1960s southern states.
There were also sly parodies of films. Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell had good chemistry.
There were flaws in the series, although it was set in the near future, all the leaps seem to take place pre 1989 when the series started.
Some of the stories could also become rather similar. The producers kind of challenged that by having an evil leaper or politicians in the present trying to pull funding for the project leaving Sam stranded.
The series finished in what can be regarded at a controversial conclusion. Sam who was lost in time and hoping to find his way back home in the present day.
He ends up with a mysterious barkeeper who informs him that he has a choice either to go home or to keep on leaping and changing people's life.
