Au contraire, not a disaster this week at all. Instead, we get a marked improvement from before as Ben leaps to San Francisco right before the earthquake of 1989.

Superficially, this episode resembles the previous installment: Ben must solve a straightforward, even clichéd, family dilemma set against a bigger issue. Yet somehow the story adds depth and nuance without sinking into melodrama. We learn more of Ben’s history, which fits perfectly with this week’s plot without feeling contrived or shoehorned in.

The great cast (regular and guest) gives wonderful performances. Perennial favorite Jewel Straite endears as always, elevating a – too small – role that could have been one-note and annoying. The directing pauses long enough to let the cast drive home the emotion for the audience, yet also wastes no time in moving the story along. This week the characters come across as actual people who pull the viewers into their lives and problems rather than mere plot points.

The writers also waste no time in pursuing the twist dropped in at the end of episode 5. They split this installment pretty evenly between the leap and home base. This time the show transitions smoothly between the two timeframes, with both plots engaging equally. I’ll continue to reserve judgment, but the twist on the twist is potentially… intriguing… so far. As always, it depends on where it lands.

One especially – even surprisingly – effective technique the show employs to build character: one-liners. It happens several times in this episode and adds grace notes that help build each character’s identity. We see them in several conversations: Ben & Addison, Magic & Ian, Addison & Jenn. They tell us something about each character, and they tell us what the characters think of each other. The nice touch adds to the vibe of family and teamwork.

This show continues to improve. I love how they’re keeping it humorous without sinking to slapstick or nasty jokes, or jokes at the characters’ expense by making them act dumb or otherwise out of character. The better we get to know Ben and Addison, the more we root for them and the rest of their group. The storytelling regains the balance between present day and the leap. The latest added twist broadens the potential canvas even more.

Verdict: Although still flirting with some nonsense, this week’s Quantum Leap returns to good form. 8/10

Rigel Ailur