Quantum Leap Season 1 Episode 7 Review: O Ye of Little Faith

Quantum Leap Season 1 Episode 7, “O Ye of Little Faith,” is a delightful Halloween-themed romp, blending horror and mystery for an exciting hour of television.

“O Ye of Little Faith” allows Quantum Leap to let loose and get a bit silly. If you’ve read my reviews, you know I’ve been praying to the sci-fi gods to release this series from its self-serious shackles, and this episode does just that. It’s a lovely little palate cleanser. That said, while it’s challenging to truly flub a holiday-themed story, “O Ye of Little Faith” experiments with different genres, expanding beyond its signature science fiction scope. Guess what? It works.

The episode pays homage to The Exorcist while injecting some Agatha Christie whodunit energy into the narrative. As is expected with network TV, the effects aren’t anything to write home about (they emit Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes), but they effectively contribute to the tense, horror-tinged atmosphere. 

“O Ye of Little Faith” puts forth the age-old debate topic of science versus religion. Faith versus reason. Ben tries to apply 21st-century pragmatism to the ironclad, almost overzealous religious beliefs of the 1930s. Daisy’s family wholeheartedly believes she’s possessed, while Ben, a man of science, tries to poke holes in that theory.

Watching his faith in logic undergo a trial by fire is fun. At one point, he ostensibly starts to believe in the supernatural. 

Of course, as he delves further into the mystery surrounding Daisy’s inexplicable illness, he learns something more nefarious (and human) is at play. I will say the Percival twist is too predictable — I saw it coming a mile away. Perhaps that’s my dislike of Josh Meyers as an actor talking, but it’s always the family black sheep who carries out the evil plans. 

Acting-wise, Raymond Lee steers the ship as our strong, charismatic lead. Kerri Medders delivers the goods in her supporting role as Daisy. I’d mark her a step above Lee as this episode’s MVP. However, a few performers like Meyers cross the threshold into overacting territory, and it’s distracting enough to pull one out of the scene. 

Janis’s return at the end is a nice tease for viewers. I still worry that Quantum Leap has too many narrative balls in the air, but if the series should prioritize any of these loose threads, it’s the Janis Calavicci mystery. Firstly, it’s one of the most prominent connections to the original series. Secondly, we need to know the impetus behind Ben’s rogue leap and Janis’s involvement. 

I’ve tried desperately not to be too hard on Quantum Leap, as this is the iteration’s freshman season. I found it difficult to engage for the past six episodes. While enjoyable, the execution and writing are still on shaky ground. We still don’t know much about the main characters save Ben. All the loose plot threads make things too convoluted. 

That said, “O Ye of Little Faith” restored my faith. It’s not perfect by any means, but it’s a step in the right direction. Quantum Leap should cling tightly to this breezy sense of fun in the coming installments. We’ve been given a taste of what it can do. Here’s hoping it continues to push the narrative envelope, anchor us to these characters, and find new ways to surprise us. 

Stray Observations: 

• Linda Blair would be proud of Kerri Medders. That actress is going places. 
• Walter Perez, a.k.a. Richard Martinez/Leaper X, is listed in the credits but doesn’t appear in the episode. 
• Did it feel jarring to anyone else that the song playing in Ben’s daydream of Addison is “Beyond the Sea,” a song released 25 years after his current leap? I would’ve noted that anachronism as a deciding factor regarding whether Ben was dreaming were it not for Addison’s non-hologram state. 
• Ian Wright must be protected at all costs. When they tease Addison about demons, it sounds like Desire from The Sandman slipping through the cracks. Mason Alexander Park does have experience playing a supernatural being!
• What’s Janis’s deal? Is she a hero or villain? This character continues to be an elusive enigma.

What did you think of this episode of Quantum Leap? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Quantum Leap airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC, with next-day streaming on Peacock.

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