Quantum Leap Season 2 Episode 5 Review: One Night in Koreatown
Quantum Leap Season 2 Episode 5, “One Night in Koreatown,” whisks Ben away to Koreatown as he navigates the LA Riots and works with a new hologram. While it’s not particularly plot-driven regarding the overarching seasonal narrative, it’s an emotionally impactful outing that gives the characters room to breathe and bond.
Let’s get this out of the way: this episode belongs to Ernie Hudson. This reviewer has spent a lot of time silently lamenting how underutilized Hudson is in general, so having Magic take center stage in “One Night in Koreatown” is a lovely change of pace.
Hudson imbues Magic with complex layers and searing vulnerability. It’s challenging to wear your heart on your sleeve or rely on your support circle. Magic is a decorated Navy SEAL and a Black man who’s experienced plenty of racial discrimination, police brutality, and trauma. It cannot be easy for him to acknowledge his alcoholism to his friends/coworkers and confess why this particular leap hits too close to home.
Hudson navigates Magic’s arc with tenderness and depth. It’s an immersive performance. How can you not be glued to the screen when Magic reveals the details of his traumatic past? Hudson has a gravitas and a magnetism that cannot be ignored. He also boasts natural chemistry with Raymond Lee, who really works well with everyone.
“One Night in Koreatown” deftly showcases the effects of toxic masculinity and racism and how snap judgments based on skin color can often be a matter of life and death. C.S. Lee, who plays Jin Park, also delivers a standout performance as a Korean man who realizes the error of his ways when he makes racist remarks against his son’s friend Dwain, a young Black man.
Jin’s episodic story is beautifully realized and developed. Lee makes the most of his limited screen time, infusing Jin with nuance and complicated facets that make him human. It’s proof positive that people can change their minds and hearts.
Something about this episode feels closer to the original Quantum Leap than ever, from its boundless heart and emotionally charged beats to the wonderful life lessons embedded in the episode’s narrative. While the A-plot with Ben and Magic is undoubtedly more riveting, the B-plot at the Quantum Leap headquarters is also enjoyable.
After being relegated from hologram status in last week’s episode, Addison learns to navigate her new role while Ian struggles with their guilt. It’s an excellent callback to what started it all and why Ben leaped, even though it’s heartbreaking that Ian continues to blame themself for what transpired.
The interpersonal dynamics in “One Night in Koreatown” are fun to watch as the writers continue to deepen and flesh out the characters we’ve come to love. Even the guest stars are intriguing despite this being their only appearance. Ben and Magic’s bond is a delight, and the episode gives us a frank, tender conversation between two men you usually don’t see on TV.
It’s a step toward dismantling and upending toxic masculinity, at least in the TV sphere, as these two men learn to lean on each other and express their feelings. (I am still waiting for someone to call out Ben for seemingly talking to himself during these leaps. That’s perhaps one of the least realistic aspects of this show.)
Overall, “One Night in Koreatown” is one of Quantum Leap‘s most emotionally resonant episodes thus far. It’s a heartfelt outing that captures the nuances of and addresses a relevant topic with sensitivity, understanding, and grace. Ernie Hudson deserves all the love for his performance. Here’s hoping we get more Magic/Ben-centered leaps.
Stray Observations:
- Fun fact: I lived in Koreatown in LA for nine years. I moved there 20 years after the riots, though.
- I loved seeing the return of Beth Calavicci. It’s a nice connection to the original series. (And the mention of the late, great Al.) Plus, she and Magic are cute together. Now, can we please get another Janis appearance?
- Who the flippin’ heck is Hannah? We haven’t seen her in two episodes. I’m impatient. I love a few of the theories in this TVLine piece, such as Hannah being Ben’s “Impossible Girl” (Doctor Who FTW) and her assisting in developing the Quantum Leap Project. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the series goes the AI route or “lookalike granddaughter.”
- In the episode, the police are called to Wilshire & 3rd, near the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica—lots of shops there.
- I’m waiting for this episode to get trolled hard and called “too woke.” But Magic is right — racism exists today, just as it did 30 years ago, 60 years ago, etc. It’s woven into the fabric of our society.
- The LAPD will always be corrupt.
What did you think of this episode of Quantum Leap? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Quantum Leap airs Wednesdays at 8/7c 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.
One thought on “Quantum Leap Season 2 Episode 5 Review: One Night in Koreatown”
Loved Ernie Hudson in this episode. It was frustrating, though, to see no resolution to Ms. Rojas’ story. She deserved acknowledgment.
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