Ben becomes a bounty hunter – named Eva…

Quantum Leap continues to ramp up the suspense and the heart with crime and romance with a bunch of twisty stuff swirling in this episode. On the one hand, the show takes Ben’s leap into a woman in stride as opposed to making a huge deal of gender. It plays it straight, not for slapstick comedy. Jake and Eva’s father show her real respect, personally and professionally.

On the other hand, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Examples of this include: Addison teasing Ben at the beginning; the question of engaged/not engaged to Eva’s work partner Jake subplot; and Jake’s speech about worrying about Eva. The episode doesn’t pretend that women and men compete on a level playing field.

Although thankfully eschewing slapstick, the episode doesn’t avoid humor. Addison’s reaction to Ben as a woman, and the line about taking up boxing evoke a grin. So does Ian’s gripe about missing the gender-bending reveal. Also funny, if predictable, their bounty escaping and running off.

Also more than in previous episodes, the music nicely emphasizes the era. More of this hallmark of the original show, please.

With the episode focusing mainly on Ben’s adventure, we only see little of home base this week. That includes a nice conversation between Ian and Magic where Ian finds out what the viewer already knows about Magic’s history with leaping.

Which showcases a dichotomy of the show: Sam and Al cast huge shadows despite their total absence. The series continues to walk a tightrope between finding its own way and paying homage to its inspiration. Even more, it treats the predecessor not just as inspiration, but as its foundation. In many ways, it continues the story.

Whether that strategy ultimately succeeds brilliantly or fails epically will depend on what direction the series as a whole takes. Even more, it will depend on how the entire series ends. For many, if not most, people, only one single acceptable resolution exists: Sam needs to make it home, and make it home to Donna. Almost as essential: a reunion with Sammy.

It seems like a huge, if calculated, risk. It adds poignancy and depth to the show, but also sets the bar really high for a satisfying conclusion. It also sets up a very long wait for the payoff. Potentially. However unlikely, they could wrap up this particular arc before the end of the series and start on a new one.

For the time being, I’m more than willing to stay on board for the ride.

Verdict: Quantum Leap tosses more and more plates into the air and so far juggles them with aplomb. 8/10

Rigel Ailur