Quantum Leap Season 2 Episode 7 Review: A Kind of Magic
Quantum Leap Season 2 Episode 7, “A Kind of Magic,” is a step down from its phenomenal predecessor, but it stays afloat thanks to Raymond Lee’s strength and charisma as a series lead. That said, it’s no easy task to follow hot on the heels of “Secret History,” which is easily the show’s best episode.
A Kind of Magic
Thankfully, “A Kind of Magic” boasts enough positives in its corner to make it worth at least one watch. The main episodic narrative is the weakest point; however, there is something to be said that this is Ben’s furthest leap yet. The lack of resources and data for 1692 certainly raises the storytelling stakes.
What makes this particular leap fall short compared to the ones preceding it isn’t so much the plot itself but how it’s executed. The over-the-top acting and cheesy dialogue surprisingly don’t work here. It results in a tonal clash. This series walks the line between campy fun (when it truly fires on all cylinders) and somber profundity. The theatrics displayed feel inauthentic and take away from the gravity of Ben’s predicament.
Raymond Lee, Mason Alexander Park, and guest star Madalyn Horcher are standouts in this Quantum Leap episode. Park provides a much-needed dose of levity, while Lee’s aforementioned charisma and strength as a leading man keep the engine running. Amid a sea of larger-than-life performances from the 1692 villagers, Horcher offers a grounded, nuanced take on sweet Goody, whose fate Ben thankfully reverses.
Exploring Dynamics
It’s also great to see a more concerted group effort with this particular leap. More than one person becomes Ben’s hologram, and watching their different “coaching” styles play out is fun. Those character dynamics are always a blast to explore, regardless of the leap.
One significant plot development comes with Ben and Addison’s slow but steady move toward mending fences. Ben re-welcomes Addison as his permanent hologram. Both are very aware of Ben and Hannah’s kiss from the previous episode and their willingness to continue working together despite that shows growth.
Admittedly, this reviewer finds Ben and Addison’s dynamic as friends more palatable. The romantic chemistry doesn’t sing quite as much as their platonic bond. There’s more of an easygoing, natural energy between Ben and Addison in “A Kind of Magic” that doesn’t need romance to bog it down.
A Tidy Bow
Of course, we can’t expect Ben/Hannah to last forever, and a Ben/Addison rekindling feels inevitable. As for other overarching plot resolutions, “A Kind of Magic” purportedly ties the loose ends of that data leak in a tidy little bow. However, that can’t be the end of that monumental arc because of how seamlessly it’s resolved. It’s too easy. Here’s hoping the writing team has a surprise up their collective sleeve.
“A Kind of Magic” isn’t as strong as the last episode and suffers from a less intriguing leap plot. But there is a kind of magic in the onscreen alchemy between our core cast members, which makes even the weaker Quantum Leap outings a pleasure to watch.
Stray Observations:
- When reading this episode’s title, did anyone else think of the Queen song of the same name? Then instantly start singing it in your head?
- I chuckled a few times and had to suspend my disbelief whenever Ben rattled off scientific facts to, you know, villagers from 1692. It felt counterproductive since he was on trial for witchcraft, but at least he saved the day.
- Magic’s remark to Addison about alchemy and the ability to turn a bad situation into a positive one feels like the perfect summation of this series and Ben’s mission. Side note: I love that Magic is so open about his recovery. It’s lovely to get that representation on network TV.
- Admittedly, seeing visible eye shadow on one of the villagers (not in a “natural makeup” kind of way) detracted somewhat from my immersion in this particular story. Maybe this village in colonial Massachusetts had a local Sephora.
- Ian’s hair is fabulous in this episode. They are rocking that color.
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 7 Review: A Kind of Magic”
Did we see Ben’s reflection of whom he leaped into in this episode, season 2, episode 7? I could never find it.
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