Ben takes the place of an agent who investigates UFOs in 1949.

Quantum Leap returns to top form! There’s minor spoilers below, and major good stuff in this episode.

Per usual, the show elevates a standard, even mundane, plot to a vehicle for the entire cast to give heartwarming and heart-tugging performances. Tension – sad, anxious and at times angry, especially from Ben –  remains between Addison and Ben (of course). It colors their interactions and affects Ben’s current mission. The show skillfully keeps this drama from crossing the line to melodrama.

At stake, whether or not a sheriff can keep his granddaughter Carrie out of jail after parties unknown attack her and a friend, leaving the other young woman in a coma and near death. All Carrie remembers is a flying object running her off the road and shadowy terrifying figures pursuing her and her friend. Only her grandfather believes her. Everyone else – except the perpetrators – blame her for her friend’s injuries and think Carrie is making up excuses. The guest cast playing grandfather and granddaughter imbue the standard roles with depth and emotion, always coming across as people instead of archetypes.

While resulting logically from preceding events, the conflict between Ben and Addison will hopefully remain background rather than turning the show into a soap opera. Through much of this episode, they talk to each other without talking to each other often under the guise of Ben encouraging the sheriff not to give up on his granddaughter.

In an amusing aside, we learn that Magic and Ian believe in extraterrestrials and Jenn doesn’t. Another nice character bit comes at the end with Magic reminding Addison that everyone should ask for help if they need it. With a look, she encourages him to take his own advice. The entire cast, but especially Raymond Lee and Caitlin Bassett, shine in this episode.

The show also returns to giving even minor roles greater impact. A waitress has a nice part, albeit one of those tiny but pivotal ones. The physics of the yo-yo made for a particularly amusing discussion with a nice payoff at the end.

Regarding the resolution to the main problem of how to save the two young women, a twist has Ben and company solve it in a slightly unexpected manner. Part of the solution includes a cute reference to Area 51.

Verdict The writing is back on track and the cast remains fantastic. Quantum Leap knocks it out of the park this week. 8/10

Rigel Ailur

http://www.BluetrixBooks.com