Quantum Leap series 4 (Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell)

(Amazon UK link)

I have been a fan of 'Quantum Leap' since it was on TV 15 years ago or more. An unlikely fan, in a way, since I don't in general like science fiction or fast action. But somehow the theme - that of someone stuck in a time travel experiment, bouncing around the decades directed by God to sort out 'what once went wrong' appealed - and still appeals - to my imagination.

Scott Bakula as Sam is a wonderful hero in this series. Dean Stockwell as his holographic sidekick Al provides a lot of humour, although some of it is rather bawdy.

I was delighted to learn that all the Quantum Leap episodes are available on DVD. They are sold by the five different seasons for which the series ran on television (originally in the USA, but also broadcast in the UK).

We have managed to watch two or three episodes each month, and it has taken us nearly six months in all to see the fourth series. There are some excellent great episodes, including one where Sam becomes a chimp. We thought that one very well done. We particularly enjoyed the amazing finale to this series, when Sam leaps back into Al as a young man, caught up in a murder trial.

Unsurprisingly there are, if we thought about it in any depth, a few logic leaps. It's almost inevitable in any story involving time travel. But one has to suspend reality while watching this kind of show. More importantly from my perspective, there are also some amusing quips, and fascinating insights into both Al and Sam, as we explore a little of their past and get to know them better.

Definitely recommended. The UK rating is 15, probably due to some violence, bad language, and sexual references. Not intended for younger children.

Links to reviews of the other seasons of Quantum Leap:

• Quantum Leap season 1
• Quantum Leap season 2
• Quantum Leap season 3
• Quantum Leap season 5

Review copyright Sue's DVD Reviews