In Review: Quantum Leap (S2 – EP6) – Secret History

Synopsis: In Secret History, Ben must find a formula hidden by Albert Einstein that holds the key to nuclear energy before the Nazis get it.

The Story

This episode links back to Closure Encounters insofar as Ben gets to reconnect with Hannah who is now a student at Princeton University. As a visiting lecturer, Ben finds himself working closely with Hannah as they set about finding a secret journal that Einstein left behind. Within this journal is a secret formula for harnessing nuclear energy. So naturally, the Nazis are after it and are not going to play nice. The episode also sees Ian and the security of Quantum Leap being compromised by a mysterious woman who has been blackmailing Ian.

The Acting

Eliza Taylor reprises her role of Hannah Carson who is now studying at Princeton thanks to advice that she took from a Government agent that she met at a New Mexico diner. Of course that Agent was one of Ben’s earlier leaps and in this episode, Ben reveals himself to her as they get closer while trying to find Einsteins’ journal. The chemistry between Taylor and Raymond Lee is brilliant to watch and sparks really do fly. 

Additionally, we also get a good performance from Peter Gadiot who plays Addison’s newish boyfriend Tom Westfall who is the DEA Agent that helped Magic and the team get Quantum Leap back up and running. In the episode, Jenn is on Hologram duty but has to leave Ben when a security situation comes up. And because Ben will not accept help from Addison, Tom is tasked with stepping in as the pinch hitter. Suffice to say a rather awkward scene ensues where Ben has to grin and bear it and accept Tom’s help.

Overall

Secret History was a solid episode. I loved the Nazi conspiracy to get hold of Einsteins’ older journal, but also loved how it all tied in with Project Paperclip, which saw the US Government bringing Nazi Scientists to the USA to help with the space program. Also good was seeing Hannah again on the show as its fun and interesting to see a romance play out between Ben who is traveling through time, and Hannah who is just living her life.