Ben Leaps into the life of a public defender, mid trial, of course. And, naturally, against a crooked prosecutor.

In a marked and welcome evolution of the original show, Ben again leaps into a woman who this time happens to be gay. In the original series, Sam leaped into women, gay people, and other minorities several times. Nearly every time, the point was the issue caused by being a member of the marginalized group. They handled it incredibly well and sensitively, always speaking out against prejudice. Decades ago, speaking out so obviously was both positive and, sadly, necessary.

Still sadly, it remains every bit as necessary today despite the progress that has been made. The show, however, takes a very different tack. They treat it as simply no big deal. Ben’s a woman. So what? People are people. Ben’s significant other is the same sex. Again, not an issue. It’s simply showing representation and getting on with telling the story.

Because that’s what they do, tell a great story. My observation and praise of them makes a far bigger deal of it than they do in the show. Which is their point: it shouldn’t be a big deal, so they refuse to make it one.

The plot itself gives us lots of amusing glimpses of the team. There’s a fine jar for when anyone says ‘Leaper X’ with regard to the mystery leaper they keep running into which we see them paying into. They also apparently have a friendly competition going with regard to whom Ben will remember first. In this episode he remembers Magic, which is nice progress.

He doesn’t remember and needs to be introduced to Jenn who takes the lead on helping him with this leap. Turns out she has more experience with the justice system than Addison does – not to mention a law degree.

We get the usual themes of keeping hope, supporting family, doing the right thing, and not giving up. The show is refreshingly free of cynicism, bleakness and negativity. Dark and gritty is trendy at the moment, has been for quite a while. Tons of people enjoy it, and more power to them. Variety is awesome. For me, dark is not entertaining. Those who likewise prefer positivity and optimism will find it in spades in this show.

Another great episode with a lot of heart, drama, and nice suspense despite the ending not being a surprise. 8/10

Rigel Ailur

http://www.BluetrixBooks.com