Quantum Leap: Season 2, Episode 8Jimmy - October 14, 1964 (22 Nov. 1989)Sam leaps into a young retarded man and has to keep him out of an institution. Director:James Whitmore Jr. |
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Quantum Leap: Season 2, Episode 8Jimmy - October 14, 1964 (22 Nov. 1989)Sam leaps into a young retarded man and has to keep him out of an institution. Director:James Whitmore Jr. |
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| Watch Episode 0Share... |
| Episode cast overview: | |||
| Scott Bakula | ... | ||
| Dean Stockwell | ... | ||
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John D'Aquino | ... |
Frank LaMotta
(as John DiAquino)
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Laura Harrington | ... | |
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Michael Alldredge | ... |
Charlie Samuels
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Ryan McWhorter | ... | |
| Michael Madsen | ... |
Blue
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Elaine Hausman | ... |
Mrs. Kirksey
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Josh Peden | ... |
Peter Kirksey
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Brad Silverman | ... |
Jimmy
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Sam leaps into the body of Jimmy LaMotta a mentally disabled man, with the IQ of a 12 year-old, who has recently moved in with his brother Frank and his family. It's 1964 and there is little tolerance for integrating men like Jimmy into mainstream society. At home, Jimmy's sister-in-law is worried having him around, particularly the effect he may be having on their son. Jimmy manages to get a job on the docks with his brother but faces a great deal of prejudice from some fellow workers, particularly from a man named Blue. Blue has a secret of his own, however. Written by garykmcd
*this comment assumes you know the plot and will not be offended at giving plot points*
This is a great episode with more heart than actual humor and a topic and lesson we could all stand to learn from. at this point Sam's memory is still pretty swiss-cheesed but that does not affect his conscience or his knowledge of people. in all of his leaps, I'd say this is his first real struggle. it is his task here to conquer human nature in a way. let's face it we do tend to fear what we don't understand and sometimes would rather *not* see what's in front of our faces. here Sam has a chance to change that or at least improve it.
Personally, i think one of the main reasons that this is such a good episode is that in one slightly emotionally tense scene(soliloquy really) we learn a bit about Al's past and exactly why he is holding on to this case so hard. it seems that a case of mental retardation in his own family resulted not only in separation but in tragedy. separation in this sense is tragedy I know but there is more to this story point than that.
it would be an interesting psychology or human behavior lesson to watch this episode and try to determine the motives of each character before they are revealed. but watching it for the sheer force and exciting(as well as entertaining) events works too. the glimpse into the next leap that comes in every episode had me hooked to find out. perhaps it will have the same effect on you? 5 of 5 stars!