Minor spoilers.

The Quantum Leap project reopens…

Full disclosure: As a huge fan of the original, I awaited this premier with equal parts expectation and trepidation. The earlier show looms large in the background of this one.

I consider the original Quantum Leap a masterpiece. Among the best television shows ever, it serves as a prime example of the whole far exceeding the sum of its already-fantastic parts. The chemistry between Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell remains the gold standard of casting. The writing and directing normally measured up as well. Therefore, this new version faces the major challenge of living up to its predecessor.

I also consider the original series finale among the worst ever. Not even the well-deserved happy ending for Al and Beth ameliorates the infuriating travesty and tragedy of Sam not making it home to Donna. Anything less, fails. Catastrophically. The new show addresses that obliquely by dancing around it yet also – maybe – making it a, if not the, central throughline of the whole series.

The new setup works. It wisely avoids attempting to create any false mystery regarding the premise and jumps right into the action. The heist storyline in the opener provides mild suspense and nice humor but basically serves as the side-plot so that the initial episode can accomplish what it needs to do: introduce the new characters and the new take on the old premise.

The cast delivers, solid so far yet not spectacular. Ernie Hudson, who rarely disappoints, brings nice authority here. Nanrisa Lee makes the most of her scenes in a smallish role that will undoubtedly grow. Same with Mason Alexander Park. The broader perspective of what is taking place ‘back home’ will hopefully provide some fresh twists as the series progresses.

Raymond Lee as leaper Dr. Ben Song and Caitlin Bassett as his holographic counterpart Addison Augustine anchor the series. Whether the romance between the characters ends up as a plus or a minus will depend on the execution and how well it avoids turning into soap opera. So far it could go either way. Their opening interaction at the party gives us a sweet glimpse at the relationship. Nice emotion between the pair pulls the viewer in.

Then the episode ruins that by careening to one of the oldest most aggravating of clichés. For some (as yet?) unfathomable reason, Ben declines/refuses to trust Addison, the alleged love of his life, and a smart, competent colleague – or anyone else on his team, for that matter – who presumably could have helped him tremendously. Instead, Ben embarks (basically) solo on some super secret mission.

In general that bodes ill, but I’m willing to reserve judgment due mainly to the cast and the hints sprinkled in by the writers. Also it’s nice to see Donald Bellisario and Deborah Pratt listed as executive producers regardless of the level of their current involvement.

Verdict: Mixed feelings remain, but also curiosity. As a continuation/follow-up, it earns a 5/10, and on its own merit it still deserves only 7/10 for annoying tropes. Therefore: 6/10

Rigel Ailur