Quantum Leap Season 1 Episode 14 Review: S.O.S.
Quantum Leap Season 1 Episode 14, “S.O.S.,” finds Ben smack dab in the middle of dangerous waters as he must work to save the day under Addison’s father’s command. It doesn’t pack quite as an emotional punch as “Family Style,” but solid performances from Caitlin Bassett and guest star Brandon Routh bolster it.
So far, we haven’t spent much time with the supporting cast on Quantum Leap, save a few episodic spotlights here and there. It’s lovely to get insight into Addison’s formative years and the dynamic (or lack thereof) she shared with her father.
ALEXANDER: Yeah, Addie’s perfect. I don’t know why heaven would ever entrust an angel like her to a guy like me.
What’s even better is the handful of surprises in store for Addison. She thought Alexander was responsible for making a call that brought about devastating casualties. She also assumed he left her and her mother because he didn’t love them anymore. It casts a positive light on the situation and brings closure for Addison.
Bassett delivers her series-best performance toward the end of “S.O.S.,” when Addison reassures her father that he made do with what was at his disposal and did his best. Bassett takes Addison to a vulnerable place we haven’t seen her in before. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful.
Of course, Ben and Addison altering the outcome of the 1989 incident poses questions regarding the present. Does Addison now have a relationship with her father? Does she at least visit him from time to time? Here’s hoping we see an older Alexander Augustine at some point.
MAGIC: I don’t believe the leaps are random. I don’t believe it’s all just a roll of the dice.
Besides covering familial territory, “S.O.S.” addresses toxic masculinity and its prevalence in the military. Captain Bill Drake’s blatant misogyny and his penchant for utilizing anger as a coping mechanism are prime examples. None of the men are allowed to grieve. Even Alexander, who’s barreling headfirst toward Divorce Land and missing baby Addie, swallows his feelings and carries on.
“S.O.S.” also showcases what Quantum Leap does best: morally courageous folks standing firmly in their choices and never wavering in their resolve to do what’s inherently right. Alexander was faced with potentially getting court-martialed, but the looming threat of a third World War and a sinking ship full of soldiers outweighed any personal fears. It’s proof positive that we all have the power to do the right thing, even when it’s the hard thing.
ADDISON: But whatever your dad had, it stops with you. Because you have done nothing but love me and made me the person that I am today.
Overall, “S.O.S.” is another solid outing in the Quantum Leap canon, providing equal parts heart and action in a high-stakes setting while propelling the overarching plot with a shocking cliffhanger. What’s Martinez’s objective? Only time will tell.
Stray Observations:
- Fun fact: the U.S.S. Montana was almost a real ship in the ’40s. In May 1942, the Navy ordered the Montana class ships, but they were placed on hold because of construction delays in the shipyards.
- I hope we get more backstory for Jenn at some point. We know the least about her out of the Project QL gang.
- “S.O.S.” is one of the only episodes where everyone solely focuses on Ben’s current leap instead of having two separate storylines.
- The casting department deserves all the accolades for bringing on Brandon Routh as a younger version of Addison’s father. The gorgeous, defined jawlines and dimpled chins on both alone merit recognition.
- As a fellow pacifist, I, too, would’ve struggled to fall in line in a military setting. You’re not alone, Ben.
- Martinez is back, baby! Thanks for not abandoning that thread, Quantum Leap. It appears we’re ostensibly moving on from Janis being the antagonist to Martinez taking those reins.
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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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.