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May 9, 2003 Rodette Vision Hard Hitting To The Core Imagine this scenario…. your lounging in your favorite chair, drinking your favorite drink, snuggling down and getting comfortable to watch your favorite show. Usually, this favorite show of yours is humorous and makes you feel happy inside – but tonight, it’s not as cute or enjoyable.. You haven’t ever been so uncomfortable watching it – and it’s not the chair that you are in; it’s not the taste of your drink, nor the way you are sitting – it’s the subject matter of your show. I know we’ve all been there at one point or another. Whether it be ER, Friends, 24, CSI, or Knight Rider (right Rod?) – and lets not forget Quantum Leap – any of these shows can pack a punch when they want to. Think about it…. There have been times when the content of Quantum Leap has been gritty and hard hitting and yet they (Bellasario and the team of writers) have tackled content show after show courageously and tactfully. Here is a list of just a few shows from Quantum Leap that have tackled a difficult subject to approach:
The Prejudice of Society / Treatment of Others by Society: The Color of Truth – Sam leaped into a black man for the first time and experienced first hand how it felt to be segregated from the white population. He knew how his parents raised him – to love everyone as equals. Showing people that quality is the hardest thing to overcome and it is still true today sometimes. The Americanization of Machiko – Sam leaped into a small town marine coming home from the war with a Japanese wife. The feelings of resentment towards the young woman and the man who married her were heaped upon Sam during this leap – especially from the leapee’s mother. Jimmy – Sam leaped into a Down Syndrome young man who goes to work with his brother. Having to put up with the problems from work and the stress of feeling like a clutz, Sam has to overcome society once more. Justice – Sam leaped into a man who was involved with the KKK. With the attitudes that his parents instilled in him, Sam could not keep up the charade and proved to himself and the leapee’s family that the KKK were wrong in their way of thinking. Black on White on Fire – Sam leaped into a black man who was engaged with a white woman during the Watt’s Riots. Even later in time, interracial relationships were not regarded well. Shock Theatre – Sam leaped into a Sam Beederman – a man in placed in an asylum to get help… and to think that help is in the form of shock! Nooooooo! Raped – Sam leaped into a young woman after being raped by a potential boyfriend. It’s sad to know that society usually puts all the blame on the woman and not where it’s due. Running For Honor – Sam leaped into a young man who might be gay.
Homophobia is abounding in this episode. Every one of these episodes that they showed was done tastefully and tactfully. Every show was awesome in its own account. At this point, I want to say a big thank you to Bellesario and his writers for giving us episodes that are very thought provoking and hard hitting intellectually and emotionally. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
The Virtual Seasons Just as a little side note here, I just wanted to let you know a few things for those reading the final episodes for this season… One: The Virtual Seasons may have a new look by the beginning of September for the 10th Season. I hope. :) Two: We would love to have more writers for the 10th Season. Already, we have already recruited "SueJBakula" for a two-parter which is let me tell you an awesome story! I think that I might have also recruited Mstalanon and Leaper1 to write for the Virtual Seasons as well. So, here’s to hoping that I can get them in on the action here. Come on guys… I’m on my knees begging here… *grin* Three: There will be 34 episodes for the next season. I can tell you now that already 3 of those episodes have already been sent in, edited and are ready to go into the schedule. I know that there are several people who are already writing or have thoughts about episodes for in the future. Get to writing you guys and gals. I can’t wait to read them and see them. Warning though: I want you know that real life does get in the way and that neither AJ nor I can drop everything to read. So, please be patient with us. Once we read them over and get together, we will get back with you to let you know when your story will air. Four: Last but not the least, I want to put to
rest any fears that the Virtual Seasons is ending. It’s going to be up and going as
long as I can keep it going. So, please do not worry if you just recently found us…
we aren’t going anywhere. Until next time… And keep reading…. Reaching for that unreachable star, If you’d like to e-mail MJ about any Quantum Leap information regarding QL: The Virtual Seasons or any Rodette-Vision Column, please do so at mjcogburn@austin.rr.com In my soul, this hope burns free – oh, please let there be one final leap! |
