Executive Producer Deborah Pratt talks season 2 of Quantum Leap and how the series embraces inclusivity!

Last week, Season 2 of Quantum Leap premiered. In this season, we see Dr. Ben Song (played by Raymond Lee) continuing to travel through time, but this time without the assistance of Addison (played by Caitlin Bassett) who used to guide him through the holographic chamber. The previous season ended with an exciting cliffhanger as Ben and the crew successfully thwarted Looper X’s mission. It was revealed that Looper X’s objective was to assassinate the entire team.

Before the premiere, I had the privilege of speaking with Deborah Pratt. She currently serves as a non-writing executive producer for the series and previously held the positions of executive producer and showrunner on the original “Quantum Leap” series.

When I asked Deborah how it is possible to remake a classic series and achieve two goals – attracting a new audience base while also satisfying the original series’ viewers – she replied, “I believe it comes down to having a timeless story and concept that resonates with people. That’s what allows a remake to be successful in both aspects.” The basic premise of the series makes a remake like the classic very exciting for viewers. They can easily imagine themselves as part of the unfolding stories and the development of the characters. Ben is essentially offering someone a second chance in life. It’s worth considering that we all may need a second chance at some point.

The new series is commendable because it embraces inclusivity and ensures that everyone is represented. “We are bringing a significant amount of diversity,” Pratt stated. The importance of diversity and inclusion extends beyond the characters portrayed on screens; it begins with fostering diversity and inclusion within the writing room. She highlighted the beauty of the show, which lies in the fact that a variety of writers are able to infuse their own perspectives into the episodes. This adds an authenticity that truly brings the storylines and characters to life, making them feel genuine.

Pratt stated, “From the beginning, I emphasized to the writers that our audience is highly intelligent.” When writing, it is important to keep the audience in mind. She and the team are not here to dictate how we should feel about Ben and the numerous stories and characters we encounter each week. Instead, they purposefully leave it open for us to form our own opinions on whether we agree with a particular action.

Deborah expressed that the objective is to provide a balanced presentation of both perspectives. By presenting both sides of the story, you allow the audience to make their own informed decision about which side they support. Unfortunately, this is not a common practice in today’s media. This show is needed now more than ever. I agree with her because Quantum Leap stands out from other series that often try to impose a storyline on the audience. Instead, Quantum Leap takes a different approach by presenting weekly dynamics that are relatable to viewers.

Speaking of storylines and dynamics, Deborah informed me that this season will provide us with the opportunity to learn more about the other characters. Each of them plays a significant role. Pratt stated that we have the opportunity to learn more about the personal lives of all of them.