“Quantum Leap” was one of those 1980’s sci-fi shows (well actually… 1989 – 1993) that caught my attention when it initially aired. Part of what sucked me in was the concept itself, which involved the idea that a person could travel back and forth throughout one’s own lifetime. But in the case of Dr. Samuel Beckett, who decides to use himself as the guinea pig in his own experiment, he finds himself traveling through time, but ending up in the bodies of other people. It was kind of a twist on the formula of the ‘hero traveling from town to town’ in order to help those in need, with Beckett traveling from time to time. Those around him would still see the person whose body he inhabited, but he would only have his own memories. Adding to his distress was the fact that he could not control when or where he would go next, hoping (as it stated in the opening monologue) he would find the next leap would be the leap home. While I did say that the concept was the one thing that got me interested, what kept me interested was the series’ star, Scott Bakula.

His casting as Dr. Sam Beckett was absolutely inspired. His made his character believable, and his range of talent as an actor allowed him to ‘become’ a different person in each episode. Bakula also has a likable charm that really makes you feel for Beckett and hope along with him that he eventually makes it home.

Along for the ride, so to speak, is the only person who sees Sam for who he is. Admiral Albert “Al” Cavaricci, played by Dean Stockwell appears to Sam as a hologram (so no one else can see him) and acts as his link to his own time. Sam is able to communicate with his computer and associates through Al, and with their help determines who he has become and what it is he is supposed to change about their lives.

“Quantum Leap” was a popular enough series to warrant a run of five seasons, all of which I watched during their initial run. I was extremely excited when Universal started releasing the full seasons on DVD. I didn’t have the opportunity to review the first two sets, but I am able to throw in my two cents about the 3rd season release, which came out last week. The set includes all 22 episodes of the 3rd Season on 3 double-sided discs. Since I collect a lot of TV shows, I really love this as it allows the studio to use slimmer packaging which makes for easier storage on the shelf.

The 3rd season, in my opinion, was one of the strongest of the series (not that there was a bad one), if for no other reason than the 2-part season opener. In “The Leap Home, Parts 1&2”, Sam finally does get to go home… in a matter of speaking. He leaps into his own body at age 16 and is re-united with his family. Then he leaps into the body of a American Soldier in Vietnam and is given the opportunity to save his brother’s life. Both episodes are amongst the best and most poignant of the entire series and are not to be missed.

My only disappointment with the 3rd season set is the lack of extra features. I would have loved to have heard some commentaries or at least some interviews with some of the show’s stars, but no luck. Plus, there seems to be a slight problem with music being replaced in certain episodes. This has been happening more and more in the world of TV on DVD, and usually it’s not that bad of an issue, but occasionally some of the inserted music doesn’t quite fit. Fortunately, it’s not that bad of an issue here.

“Quantum Leap” was a great series then, and still is now. If you’ve never seen the show, you don’t know what you’re missing. I suggest you take the leap!!

Episodes:
The Leap Home, Part 1
The Leap Home, Part 2
Leap of Faith
One Strobe Over the Line
The Boogieman
Miss Deep South
Black on White on Fire
The Great Spontini
Rebel Without a Clue
A Little Miracle
Runaway
8 ½ Months
Future Boy
Private Dancer
Piano Man
Southern Comforts
Glitter Rock
A Hunting We Will Go
Last Dance Before an Execution
Heart of a Champion
Nuclear Family
Shock Theater

Starring: Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell
Extras: None
Specifications: Full Screen (1.33:1), Dolby Digital 2.0
Studio: Universal
Release Date: 5/10/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Quantum Leap: Season 3 a B.