Ep 16. Return of the Evil Leaper - October 8, 1956

Quantum Leap is a science-fiction TV series that aired from 1989 to 1993. It follows the journey of Dr. Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula), a physicist who becomes stuck in the past due to a time-travelling experiment gone wrong. Sam is able to "leap" into the bodies of people in the past, allowing him to change history and hopefully find a way back to his own time.

In season 5 episode 16, titled "Return of the Evil Leaper - October 8, 1956," Sam leaps into the body of a boxer named Kid Cody. He quickly learns that the Evil Leaper, Zoe (played by Deborah Pratt), has arrived in this time period as well. Zoe is a time-travelling counterpart to Sam, whose mission is to make changes to history that benefit her own agenda, which often involves hurting innocent people.

Sam realizes that Zoe's target is Kid Cody's girlfriend, Mae (played by Sharon Barr). Mae is a civil rights activist who is advocating for equal rights in schools. Zoe's plan is to sabotage Mae's efforts, which would result in her being sent to jail. Sam, with the help of Al (played by Dean Stockwell), the holographic observer who communicates with Sam through a hand-held device, must find a way to stop Zoe and prevent Mae from being wrongly imprisoned.

As Sam investigates, he learns more about Mae's cause and the challenges she faces as a black woman fighting for justice in the 1950s. He is impressed by her bravery and determination, and wants to do everything he can to help her.

Meanwhile, Zoe is causing chaos at every turn. She attacks people, sabotages events, and even tries to kill Mae. Sam is forced to confront her in a series of physical altercations, but Zoe always manages to slip away.

In the end, Sam comes up with a plan to trap Zoe and prevent her from carrying out her mission. With Mae's help, he sets up a public demonstration that showcases her cause and gains national attention. Zoe is powerless to stop the movement that Mae has ignited, and she is forced to retreat to her own time.

As the episode comes to a close, Sam leaps out of Kid Cody's body and into another time and place. He, Al, and the viewers are left wondering where Sam will end up next, and what changes he will make to history.