Ep 17. Good Night, Dear Heart - November 9, 1957

The episode "Good Night, Dear Heart" of Quantum Leap season 2 takes place on November 9, 1957. Scott Bakula's character, Dr. Sam Beckett, leaps into the body of a medical examiner named Dr. Gerald Bryant, who has died from a heart attack. As Sam begins to explore Dr. Bryant's life, he realizes that his mission is to solve his predecessor's mysterious death and prevent a murderer from striking again.

Sam immediately finds himself in the medical examiner's office, where he is quickly informed about his role as the new examiner. During his first autopsy, he discovers that Dr. Bryant was poisoned, and realizes that solving his predecessor's murder is vital to preventing any more deaths. Sam soon becomes acquainted with Dr. Bryant's coworkers, including his assistant, a detective, and the former coroner who believes Dr. Bryant was killed as part of a conspiracy to take over the coroner's office.

As Sam starts to investigate Dr. Bryant's death, he realizes that the murder was not random, but was instead part of a larger plot. He uncovers evidence linking the murder to a local organized crime syndicate, and manages to successfully gather enough proof to bring the culprits to justice. Along the way, he also helps his assistant, who he finds out was wrongly accused of a crime and was about to be arrested.

The episode is not just a murder mystery, however. It also focuses heavily on relationships, especially those between fathers and daughters. Sam becomes emotionally invested in the story of a young girl whose father has been missing for years, and he does everything in his power to help her locate her dad. This subplot adds depth and heart to the episode, and also serves to remind viewers that Quantum Leap is about more than just time-traveling shenanigans.

"Good Night, Dear Heart" is an excellent example of Quantum Leap at its best. The story is engaging and well-crafted, the characters are multi-dimensional and realistic, and the themes of family and justice are timeless. Bakula delivers an outstanding performance, as do the supporting cast members. The episode also features several tense and suspenseful sequences, which keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

In conclusion, "Good Night, Dear Heart" is a standout episode of Quantum Leap season 2. It showcases the best aspects of the show, and is a must-watch for any fans of science fiction, drama, or mystery. Through its well-crafted script and strong performances, the episode proves that Quantum Leap is more than just a run-of-the-mill time-travel show, and that it has the capability to deliver engaging and emotionally resonant stories.