Quantum Leap Season 2 Episode 11 Review: The Outsider

Quantum Leap Season 2 Episode 11, “The Outsider,” whisks Ben away to 1980s Denver as he follows the scoop of a lifetime while tensions at HQ come to a head.

It’s not the season’s strongest outing, but it lays the groundwork for what’ll hopefully be two explosive final episodes in this chapter. 

Gideon Rydge

“The Outsider” brings James Frain’s Gideon Rydge into the picture after his introduction in “The Family Treasure.” Unfortunately, the series drops the ball on what could’ve been a formidable, imposing character. Frain does his best with what he’s given, though. 

Frain only gets a few minutes of screen time, but the damage he wreaks happens off-screen. While Tom persuades Gideon to allow Quantum Leap to live another day, the quantum chip creator wants a sacrificial lamb. Magic offers himself as a scapegoat, delivering his resignation to Jenn before departing. 

Magic 

From an audience standpoint, this decision is quite frustrating and jarring. 

Ernie Hudson has been given precious little to do on Quantum Leap since the Magic-centric “One Night in Koreatown” — an excellent showcase for Hudson’s talents. However, the remainder of the season features Magic as the occasional go-to guy for advice. There’s nothing wrong with having him be a pillar of strength for the team as the leader, but he shouldn’t be just that. 

Now, Magic has put himself on the chopping block after being largely ignored by the narrative.

There’s also something unceremonious about his departure (if this really is the end). One has to hope he’ll return or the crew will rally together to save his job. Then, Gideon might retaliate, which, in turn, could make him feel more like a legitimate threat. 

The A-Plot 

The A-plot in “The Outsider” doesn’t feel as exciting as the supporting arc at HQ, but Nadine Ellis as Connie Davis is a standout. She has a magnetic onscreen presence. In Connie’s (tweaked) words to Chet, “the camera loves her.” 

On another note, it feels like Ben does the most consequential, impactful work on this Quantum Leap episode. He and Connie save thousands of lives by ensuring Herbicrop shutters its doors for good. Ben needs this confidence boost, especially upon discovering that Hannah’s husband, Josh, died regardless of his warning to her. 

Baddison? Beddison? 

Ben and Addison deepen their bond in “The Outsider.” Addison essentially proves Tom’s point regarding her feelings for Ben, whether she’s aware of it or not. Well, to be fair, Raymond Lee has chemistry with everyone. 

Are we moving back to Ben/Addison? While this reviewer can’t imagine Ben effectively “dumping” Hannah, the writers are digging deeper into the love triangle, for better or worse. It’s unnecessary and bogs down the narrative instead of bolstering it. 

There’s nothing wrong with Addison wanting to end things with Tom. It takes great courage to identify your needs and do what you can to fulfill them.

The Outsider 

Speaking of Addison, Caitlin Bassett has improved significantly this season, especially over these past few episodes. She’s really coming into her own as a performer, as Addison has worked hard to move past her grief. 

Overall, “The Outsider” isn’t free of flaws, narrative-wise (Magic’s departure and Gideon’s short screen time being the biggest blunders). Still, there’s room for a rebound in the upcoming two-part Quantum Leap season finale. Here’s hoping the Powers That Be kickstarts things into high gear. 

Stray Observations: 

• It looks like Ben drank at least five or six coffees during his all-nighter with Addison. Listen, I get shaky while drinking a second cup. I imagine it’d feel like one long anxiety attack if I had that much. 
• You know someone on the Herbicrop marketing team barreled into their next meeting with the idea for “Herbicrop Herbicares,” thinking it’ll get them that well-earned raise. Ehhh…
• I know Magic will be back faster than you can say, “She Sells Sea Shells by the Sea Shore,” but I’m still irritated. 
• I’m firmly Team Ian. Buck the system and do what you must to bring Ben home. Only rule breakers get sh*t done. 
• Do you think Ben will leap far enough into Hannah’s future to see her as an older woman? Or will he go back to roughly the 1920s (ish?) to protect Hannah’s mom and ensure she’s born? NBC, please contact me, and I’ll whip up a script for the latter.  
• Where the flippin’ heck is Janis Calavicci? Bring her back! 

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

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

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