As NBC’s Quantum Leap Sequel Reboot draws closer to its September premiere there have been several
significant updates regarding the production that definitely indicate some issues behind the scenes
in an apparent attempt to course correct as it strives to present a sequel series worthy
to its predecessor. In this video I’d like to break down all the most recent news and
updates regarding this show and what this could mean for the future of Quantum Leap.
When the pilot order for a new Quantum Leap sequel series was greenlit
the official premise for the show was quote:
This did confirm that the show would in fact be a continuation of the Quantum Leap storyline
and not a complete remake which was the direction I was hoping the show would take considering how
the original series ended with Scott Bakula’s Dr. Sam Beckett still leaping from life to life never
having returned home. The mystery as to why he never returned home seemed to be front and center
with the synopsis of the show and it seemed like a great opportunity to resolve his character arc.
However, as the full cast and release date has been announced and with the premiere drawing
closer, a detailed synopsis revealed the actual approach NBC is taking with this new series.
A recent article by Deadline revealed the full synopsis continuing after the initial
plot line that reads: Now a new team has been assembled to restart the project
in the hopes of understanding the mysteries behind the machine and the man who created it.”
Everything changes, however, when Ben makes an unauthorized leap into the past,
leaving the team behind to solve the mystery of why he did it. At Ben’s side throughout his
leaps is Addison (Caitlin Bassett), who appears in the form of a hologram only Ben can see and hear.
She’s a decorated Army veteran who brings level-headed precision to her job.
At the helm of the highly confidential operation is Herbert “Magic” Williams (Ernie Hudson), a
no-nonsense career military man who has to answer to his bosses
who won’t be happy once they learn about the breach of protocol. The rest of the team at
headquarters includes Ian Wright (Mason Alexander Park), who runs the Artificial Intelligence unit
“Ziggy,” and Jenn Chou (Nanrisa Lee), who heads up digital security for the project.
As Ben leaps from life to life, putting right what once went wrong, it becomes clear that he
and the team are on a thrilling journey. However, Addison, Magic, Ian and Jenn know that if they are
going to solve the mystery of Ben’s leap and bring him home, they must act fast or lose him forever.”
So while the initial plot synopsis indicated that Sam Beckett and his work on the Quantum
Leap project and his disappearance was going to be at the heart of this new series,
the new extended plot summary revealed that this would not be their approach.
As the plot line states everything has changed and instead the series will solely
focus on solving the mystery as to why the lead character Dr. Ben Seong, played by Raymond Lee,
used the quantum leap accelerator without authorization in the first place. It has
also been confirmed that Ben was struck with a bout of amnesia after using the machine
which is why the mystery will persist and his team has to help him solve it.
From this description it definitely appears that the new Quantum Leap series
is now set to be more of a reboot than a sequel as it has little if anything to do with Dr. Sam
Beckett. However there has now been a significant shakeup behind the scenes that makes me wonder if
NBC is attempting to right the ship and present a worthy follow up to its beloved predecessor.
First of all in July it was announced that the series was getting a new showrunner after they had
already filmed 3 episodes. Initially Steven Lilien and Bryan Wynbrandt were helming this series.
The pair had previously created and served as showrunners for the dramedy God Friended Me
and who have also worked as writers on Gotham and the Hawaii 5 O reboot.
Now in an exclusive by Deadline it was revealed that Martin Gero will be taking over showrunner
duties while Lilien and Wynbrandt will remain as executive producers. Dean Georgaris has also
joined the series as executive producer. Lilien and Wynbrandt wrote the pilot for the series and
as Deadline reports, at the time of Quantum Leap‘s pickup to series, NBC was not entirely happy with
the pilot. Martin Gero is an experienced showrunner who has previously created the
series Blindspot and served as Executive Producer on Stargate Atlantis among other projects. At the
time of Deadline’s report, the rumors for the shakeup were still unclear but
there were reports about scripts being late which would strain NBC’s busy fall schedule.
And now there has been even more news regarding this shakeup and its impact on the series pilot.
In a recent article by TVLine it was confirmed that the original pilot that was filmed won’t
air as the series opener after all. Instead the plan is to air that particular episode
a few weeks later. This TVLine article included an interview with series star Ernie Hudson who
plays Herbert “Magic” Williams a character that is connected to the original series as Sam Beckett
had previously leaped into the life of Williams, when he was a Navy Seal deployed in Vietnam.
Ernie Hudson is part of a beloved sci-fi franchise himself in Ghostbusters so it’s interesting to get
his insight when it comes to getting this Quantum Leap entry off on the right foot. Addressing
these changes Hudson said quote: “It was very important for the network and the producers to
introduce [the show] in the right way. The first couple of episodes are really important,
because as much as people are looking forward to it, they also are looking to see you get it right.
I’m just happy that if something isn’t right, they’re taking the time to make sure that it is.”
I agree with his sentiments with their priority to get the series right and sincerely hope this
is a good sign. At this point I’m more curious about how this will all turn out than I have
been previously. Hudson continued in his interview when asked if Scott Bakula would
appear at some point in the show. The actor said quote: “I’ve always appreciated his work.
He was wonderful in the [original] series and everything I’ve seen him do.
Everybody that I know involved in [the reboot] would love to see him return.
I know the invitation is out there, but I don’t know what his response is.”
If this indeed is true and the invitation is out there then I feel there is hope that the series
will indeed focus on Sam Beckett and his fate in some way. Previously Scott Bakula has been asked
if he is attached to this new show and the actor has repeatedly said Quantum Leap is very special
to him and that he is open to revisiting this character in the new show if asked.
So it seems that both Bakula and NBC are open to Sam Beckett’s return which many feel would be a
no-brainer to do if at all possible. Negotiations could still be ongoing so it’s possible the
network won’t confirm anything until contract details are ironed out. It should be noted that
only recently Scott Bakula was attached to star in a new Yellowstone inspired ranch drama for NBC
called Unbroken. However, NBC ended up passing on the show’s production and I can’t help but wonder
if this was intended to give Scott Bakula the freedom to appear on this new Quantum Leap series.
At this time it is still up in the air whether this show will be just another soulless and
short lived reboot but it is my hope that after NBC’s retooling, it will distinguish itself as
a worthy addition to Quantum Leap honoring the spirit of what made the original so special.
We’ll have to wait and see when the show premieres this fall on September 19.
But I’m curious to know what you think about this Quantum Leap sequel series
and its behind the scenes shake ups. Is this show doomed to be yet another failed reboot
of a beloved legacy property? Do you think it’s essential to feature Scott Bakula in
this series or would you rather see a focus entirely on new characters?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. I hope you enjoyed this
video. Leave a like if you did and be sure to subscribe for more sci-fi and fantasy
news and lore. Thank you all so much for your support and as always have a very nerdy day.