Quantum Leap (Syfy)

common sense media says

Classic sci-fi series hops and skips through time.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this sci-fi series revolves around time travel and the idea that a visitor from the future can return to alter history. Each episode is set in a different time and place and features a new ensemble cast (aside from the two stars), which might make it difficult for younger kids to follow. The ever-changing storylines often tackle mature topics, including extramarital relationships, unplanned pregnancy, and murder, just to name a few. Despite a bit of pause-worthy content, this show is a thoughtful, engrossing adventure that older tweens and young tweens will love.

Positive messages: Sam's goal in each episode is to right a wrong done in the past, and he strives for honesty and treats everyone he meets with respect. His upstanding nature helps counteract Al, who can come across as a tad sleazy and sex-obsessed.
Violence: Depending on the episode's plot, the show may include gunfire or fistfights.
Sex: Kissing and mild groping scenes, as well as some suggestive language and insinuating looks. Al is an oversexed single guy who comments on women's figures and talks about his need to "get some."
Language: Infrequent uses of very mild words like "hell."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Most episodes show characters smoking, as Sam's travels take him through the 1950s, '60s and '70s, when it was more prevalent in public places. Scenes set in social situations also include alcohol, but only adults partake.

More on Quantum Leap

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about making amends for past faults. Have you ever done something that you still regret? What was it? If you could go back, how would you do things differently? Families also can discuss scientific advancements. What kinds of things are possible now that weren't 20 years ago? How have science and technology made our lives easier or more enjoyable? What do you think will change in the future because of science?

What's the story?

What's the story?
QUANTUM LEAP is set in the near future (which was 1999 back when the show began). Brilliant theoretical physicist Dr. Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula) is hard at work on a secret project that would enable time travel, but through an accident he wakes up to find himself trapped in the past in someone else's body, suffering from a form of amnesia that gives him only partial recollection of his own life. Without knowing why or how, Sam is driven to solve mysteries and correct past wrongs within whichever body he lands in during each episode. Sam is helped along the way by a supercomputer named Ziggy (voiced by Deborah Pratt) and a holographic version of his friend, Al Calavicci (Dean Stockwell), whom only Sam can see or hear.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Quantum Leap is a winner on many levels. The writing remains fresh and funny as it takes on new characters and plotlines in different episodes. And the acting is first-rate; Bakula in particular provides memorable performances as (among many others) a blind concert pianist, a pregnant teenage girl, and a Vietnam veteran amputee. He even appears as real-life characters like Elvis Presley and Lee Harvey Oswald. Viewers will love watching him adjust to the nuances of each new role and the gender-based (or species-based, in the case of one chimpanzee character) challenges each presents.

Since the show tends to tackle some pretty mature topics (from murder to unplanned pregnancy), it isn't really suited for young kids. But it will have definite appeal for tweens and teens who can look past its now-dated look and feel.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Syfy
Cast: Dean Stockwell, Deborah Pratt, Scott Bakula
Genre: Science Fiction
Where to watch: Syfy

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

SeanWeb.com
teen, 17 years old
 
Cool Sci-Fi Show That The Whole Family Can Enjoy.
I think this show is very interesting and fun. You never know what place your going to end up next. Sometimes it can get a little violent, but it's nothing kids can't handle. And the language is very mild. Though there is some sexual dialogue, kids ages 9-10 will be able to understand it. But in season 1, there is one episode parents should be aware about. It's called "The Color of Truth, it takes place in the '50's when Sam leaps into a black man; where blacks were treated horribly back then. And they use the N word a few times (at least on the DVD) and the violence is a little more heavy. But other than that, I think it's a great family Sci-Fi show that kids and adults will love.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age