So, the Quantum Leap podcasts have been doing a lot of interviews lately with the writers/producers/showrunners of QL22, and they have been SO enlightening.
The particularly good ones have been: Quantum Leap Podcast - Dean Georgaris; Fate's Wide Wheel - Dean Georgaris, Drew Lindo, Benjamin Raab & Deric A. Hughes. You can find all of the episodes on the QLP and FWW YouTube channels.
Most important takeaways from these interviews:
Everyone on the creative team is a fan of the original show. Everyone respects and honors what came before. Even those who came to the sequel with no real knowledge besides general awareness, like Benjamin Raab (who did catch himself up after getting the job). On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have people like Deric A. Hughes, the other half of the Raab/Hughes writing duo, who is a SUPER DUPER MAJOR fan of the OG from back when it was airing. So he's one of those fandom "elders" for QL, and listening to him go on about how much he loves the show and how important it's been to honor it in the sequel... Well, I mean, the show has shown time and again, every episode, that it acknowledges and respects what came before. But it was so fun to watch one of the writers just GUSH over the OG.
Now that QL22 is guaranteed a second season (they're already breaking stories for it; no break between the end of season 1 and beginning of season 2 for makers of the show), they've been given the greenlight from NBC to just go ALL OUT. Make brave choices. Go just as deep as the OG on social issues and then go further.
Pretty sure episode 112 is gonna be a MAJOR turning point for this show. From what I know based on casting calls, who is writing, and hints gleaned from these interviews... I am expecting some fantastic stuff!
Basically, y'all are missing out if you're not watching the Quantum Leap sequel; it just keeps getting better and better with every episode and this back half of the season has already given us two excellent episodes and the rest sound like they're gonna be AMAZEBALLS!
Episode 111 is a time-loop/Leap-loop episode. Episode 112 will tackle trans athletes in high school sports. Episode 113 is directed by Deborah Pratt herself!!!
Oh, and if you love Al Calavicci, you will love this show. Janis Calavicci is such an intriguing, multi-layered character, and based on things said in the aforementioned interviews, there are some very interesting things to come with that character. Also, Georgina Reilly is just absolutely PERFECT casting. She's a perfect mix of Al and Beth, both in looks and in personality.
OH, and I'm expecting us to finally hear more about other legacy characters, based on things said in the interviews, particularly in the Ben Raab & Deric Hughes interview. Let's just say that everyone working on this show knows that Janis is not the only offspring of Al or Sam; it's not being ignored - it just hasn't come up yet.
Honestly, please just do yourselves a favor and go watch all the aforementioned interviews. I've already been sold on this show since it was announced, and I legit didn't think I could get more excited about it than I already am, but these interviews just... they really hit home just how amazing and exciting it is to have new Quantum Leap to look forward to!!!
