Leap Date:
February 6, 1964

Teaser:

Sam leaps into a blind pianist, who must save his girlfriend, Michelle, from her overprotective mother...and a serial strangler.

The mother claims he is not really blind, but when Sam does go blind, he has to try and save Michelle in the dark.

Audio from this episode:

Sam: They want an encore.

TV Guide Teaser:

Sam plays it again as a famous blind pianist who must prevent the murder of a friend. Michele: Cynthia Bain. Agnes: Jennifer Rhodes. Pete: Kevin Skousen. Stage Manager: Sloan Fischer. Sam: Scott Bakula.

Synopsis & Review:

Samuel Beckett finds himself just finishing a piano performance in a huge music hall. As the audience bursts into applause, Sam has no choice but to stand up and take a bow. He notices a dog at his side, barking at him, realizes he's wearing dark glasses, and concludes that he's supposed to be blind. A woman off-stage, his assistant Michelle Stevens (played by Cynthia Bain), calls over the dog, Chopin. It drags Sam along with him and she congratulates Sam, referring to him as Andrew. The crowd calls for an encore while Chopin growls at Sam, sensing who he really is, and Michelle is surprised that Sam isn't going out for the encore. Realizing he has no choice, Sam goes back to the piano, hesitates, and then starts playing Chopsticks. The audience thinks he is ending the performance on a lighthearted note and applauds. As Sam leaves the stage, Michelle says she's looking forward to seeing what he'll play tomorrow night.

Outside, Michelle escorts Sam home and she talks about how much she admires him. Sam spots a newspaper confirming he's in New York City on February 6, 1964. When Michelle wonders how he knew they were at a newspaper kiosk, Sam claims he heard newspapers rustling. As they continue on, neither one notices a headline about a third girl strangled in Central Park. Michelle asks him why he decided to play Chopsticks and Sam claims it's the only thing that came to mind. They go to Sam's apartment building and she says her mother wants her home by midnight, and that she hopes Sam will like her. She kisses Sam on the cheek and says goodnight.

A French woman comes out with her dogs and takes them for a walk, as Sam realizes she lives in the building as well. He confirms what apartment he lives in and starts to go in, and mounted police officer Peter O'Shannon (played by Kevin Skousen) comes out of the neighboring apartment on his way to work. He complains about the fact the police are working double-shift to protect some British rock performers in town. Peter feeds Chopin some peanuts and Sam goes into the apartment.

Michelle takes the bus home and removes some hidden books from a cabinet. Her Agnes is waiting and complains that Michelle didn't call and is running late. Michelle claims she was studying and was out with friends. Agnes knows she's lying because she left one of her books behind. Michelle says she went to Carnegie Hall because she got a ticket for a concert at the last moment. Agnes complains about how she's working to give Michelle the money she needs to enter nursing school, and how she'll end up alone with a daughter when her husband abandons her. Michelle gives in and Agnes takes a more sympathetic tone, saying that nursing is steady work and there'll be no Prince Charming to sweep her away.

Sam is trying to find Andrew's music when Al arrives and explains that Andrew learned to play by ear. Al checks his hand link and confirms Sam is in New York three days before the Beatles played The Ed Sullivan Show. Andrew's concert is a huge success, but afterward, Michelle is strangled in Central Park. Sam figures since he can see, he can prevent Michelle from being killed. He's concerned that he won't be able to play at the piano, but Al says that he can help him with that and says that he'll be there the next night for Sam. In the park, the French woman is walking her dogs when the killer finds and murders her.

The next day, hordes of teenage girls have gathered for the Beatles, and the police try to keep them back. Sam is walking past and ends up catching a girl as she faints. When he almost walks into traffic, Chopin warns him. Peter notices and comes over, and tells Sam they found another body in the park.

Sam meets Michelle at a diner for lunch and she wonders if he's feeling okay. He slips again, noticing his sandwich doesn't have mustard, and quickly covers by saying he didn't smell it. Sam then notes she has a pretty smile and claims that he can tell her from her laugh. Michelle admits she doesn't have much to laugh at around the hospital, but she feels relaxed around him and can be herself. When she mentions her mother, Sam asks when he'll get to meet Agnes, and Michelle makes excuses, saying her mother is too tired after work. Sam realizes Michelle is reluctant to be a nurse and the girl admits she likes being around great music. She heads off for class but not before Sam asks her to have dinner after the concert. Michelle says she'll have to ask her mother but then has second thoughts and promises Sam she'll go out with him. As she leaves, she's unaware that Agnes has been following her.

Back at Andrew's apartment, Sam listens to Andrew's recorded performances and wonders how he'll get through the concert. Chopin asks for food and Al arrives to taunt the dog. He starts reading the dog's food mixture box out loud, unaware that Agnes has come in behind him. Al warns him too late and Agnes tells him to stay away from Michelle or she'll reveal his charade to the world. She refuses to let anyone take her daughter from her and walks out.

Later that night, Sam prepares as best he can for his performance but apologizes to Andrew's reflection. Michelle comes to his dressing room and Sam tells her about Agnes' visit. She explains that her mother constantly reminds her that she's not pretty enough and she has no talent. Sam tries to reassure her and Michelle wonders how he can get through his life with his blindness. He tells her that sometimes you have to do what you feel is best and ignore others, and tells Michelle she owes her mother her love, not her life. She considers what he's said and embraces him.

On stage, Sam hesitates until Chopin literally pulls him to the piano. Unsure how to begin, Sam whispers for Al, who finally appears in a white tuxedo and carrying piano music. Al has to touch it so that Sam can continue to see it through their neurological connection. Sam wonders how he can play it, and Al tells him to just try. Sam goes ahead and discovers that he can play perfectly. Al explains that Sam played at Carnegie Hall when he was 19.

Meanwhile, as Sam performs, Agnes comes to see Michelle and say that Sam will leave her. She dismisses Michelle as soft and sweet, and talks of how she's had to be tough for both of them. Agnes says that Sam can't want an ordinary girl clinging to him. When Michelle accuses her of jealousy, Agnes slaps her and says that Sam isn't blind. On stage, Sam finishes his performance and takes his bow, and then turns and clearly sees Agnes. Michelle realizes that Agnes was right and breaks into tears while running off.

Chopin drags Sam off momentarily and by the time he goes after her, it's too late: Michelle has merged with the crowd of teenagers outside cheering on the Beatles. Sam drops his glasses and turns as a photo flashbulb goes off in his face. Al finds him and Sam explains that he's blinded. He tries to cross the street and Chopin saves him just in time. Sam gets to a fountain to try to rinse his eyes out, but he realizes that he can't see.

Al directs Sam to the park to find Michelle. Meanwhile, the girl finally slows down but hears someone behind her. She turns and sees a masked man wielding a belt to strangle her. He chases her down and starts choking her. She stabs him with a nail file and breaks free.

When they come to a fork in the path, Sam tells Chopin to find Michelle. The dog guides them into the park where they find her discarded purse.

In the park, Michelle finds Pete and embraces him in relief. However, when she notices that he's bleeding, she realizes that he's the strangler. Sam hears her cries, follows them, and releases Chopin. The dog holds Pete down while Al directs Sam to the officer's handcuffs so he can restrain the killer.

As the police take the deranged Pete away, Agnes arrives and blames Sam for endangering Michelle. Sam has already provided a cover story for how he recognized Agnes by her perfume. She lights a cigarette and thrust the flame into Sam's face, but he doesn't react because of his temporary blindness. Agnes believes she's been wrong all along and walks away. Sam tells Michelle to go after her. Once she goes, Sam starts to regain his eyesight and can make out Al at his side. Sam wonders why he's still there and Al says he may not have saved Michelle's emotional life yet.

Realizing what he means, Sam goes over and says that Michelle loves her, so much she'll sacrifice her life for her mother. Agnes insists that she loves her daughter, but Sam warns that it's a smothering love. She asks Michelle what she wants to do. When it becomes clear what Michelle wants, Agnes says that she has her own life and Michelle could do with a little independence. Michelle embraces her mother while Sam smiles and leaps. Source

Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor (Scott does play the piano but there is no indication that we hear what he really plays)

A piece on the radio, Frederic Chopin's Etude Opus 10 No. 12 Allegro con fuoco, in C Minor

Project Trivia:

All animals (dogs and horse) see Sam.

Sam can see even when he leaps into a blind man.

Ziggy cannot figure out that Andrew's neighbor was the forth and next victim after his leap and failed to report it (and in the end Sam do not save the girl).

Al must be in contact with the things he wants Sam to see. As soon as he releases the music sheet on the piano, it just disappears.

Sam has a photographic memory.

Striped white shirt, burgundy vest with silver ornament, matching pants.

Al's Women:

Al once knew a girl named Evita Evilatita, a pianist from Tijuana who played the piano with her toes and…. other parts of her anatomy. She could also sing the national anthem in 40 different languages.

February 9th, 1964 - The Beatles performed on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' for the first time.

From the front page of the Daily Star, there are already three victims on the day Sam leaps.

Andrew's apartment is 2D.

The LP Sam listens to is called "Andrew Ross, live from Carnegie Hall".

Pete has a horse named Daisy.

Chopin, Andrew's dog, saves Sam from a car accident.

The blend of dog food Chopin eats is called "Bark'O Bites"

Andrew's French neighbour has 2 dogs: Napoléon & Joséphine (a white West-Highland terrier and a Schnauzer).

Sam calls out Michelle in front of the hotel. At the same time came the Beatles. On December 3rd, 1965, the L.P. "Rubber Soul" will be released in the UK (including the song "Michelle").

A fan waves a "I want to hold your hand" sign in the screaming crowd (the Beatles scored their first No. 1 U.S. hit six days before with that song)

Bloopers:

Regular Cast:

Scott Bakula as Sam Beckett
Dean Stockwell as Al, the observer

Guest Cast Notes:

Cynthia Bain as Michelle Stevens: Cynthia Bain was born in Walnut Creek, California, USA. She is an actress and producer, known for Pumpkinhead (1988), Spontaneous Combustion (1989) and Knots Landing (1979). Became a professional actor at age 14. Runs Cynthia Bain's Young Actor Studio in Studio City, California. Graduate of UCLA in 1993 with a B.A. in Theater Arts.

Jennifer Rhodes as Agnes Stevens: From Rosiclare, IL to Summer Stock, to studying in New York and a little Off-Broadway, I made the move to L.A. where I did a lot of theatre and have been Guest-Starring on TV shows for many years. I'm probably best known for playing Winona Ryder's mom in "Heathers", recurring for 8 years as "Grams" on "Charmed" and a horror film I don't wish to discuss. I'm at that stage in my career where people say, "Haven't we met before?" or "There's What's-Her-Name".

Kevin Skousen as Peter O'Shannon: Kevin Skousen was born on October 8, 1959 in Long Beach, California, USA. He is an actor, known for The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992), MacGruber (2010) and Quantum Leap (1989).

Judy Kain as Waitress: Judy was born in San Mateo, California, and began her professional acting career in Los Angeles in 1978. She has been in over 400 commercials, and 150 TV and film projects. She has won numerous awards for coaching and teaching at her own studio Keep it Real Acting Studios in addition to awards for her performance in MAD MEN gleaning the SAG AWARD for the Show. She travels all over the country teaching and inspiring actors with her vast knowledge and experience. Judy is also a published author of the Commercial Handbook called "I Booked It!" She also has a new book and online course entitled THE BUSINESS OF ACTING. She has done numerous seminars sharing her vast experience. Also, Judy hosts the Podcast HOLLYWOOD GAME CHANGERS @keepitrealacting/HGC. Being an avid Hiker, she wrote a book about her hikes all over the world called LIFE IS LIKE A HIKE...the best view comes after the Hardest climb. Her son Frankie Manes is also an actor.

Sloan Fischer as Stage Manager: Sloan Fischer was born on November 26, 1956 in New York, USA. He was an actor, known for Quantum Leap (1989), Rockula (1990) and Mistral's Daughter (1984). He died on August 28, 1995 in San Francisco, California.

Cynthia Mann as Girl: Cynthia Mann was born on August 17, 1964 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is an actress, known for Friends (1994), Quantum Leap (1989) and Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985). She is married to Michael Jamin.

Al's reflection is all over the place during the concert (on the floor, on Andrew's glasses, on the piano…)

Sam cannot come up with any satisfactory explanation when Mrs Stevens catches him reading the dog food box. Even if he does not remember his education (and his several doctorates), he could pretend putting up an ad act for Chopin's benefit. Anyway, what does he have to be afraid of? The public would most likely believe him over a hysterical middle-aged woman. Andrew has probably already gone through all the physicals and is truly blind.

Why didn't Ziggy let Sam know to stop the killing of the French dog-walker?

Michelle puts Sam's gloved finger on his braille watch for him to read time (there is even a close-up to emphasize her move!).

When somebody's life is at stake, do you lose precious seconds looking for glasses you don't even need in the first place?

Would a trained dog as Chopin will respond to orders other than Andrew's?

Michelle's purse appears magically in her hands at the end. Sam left it behind on the way though.

The same people attend the two concerts (see the green dressed woman and the oriental man in the front).

Production Credits:

Music by: Mike Post
Supervising Producers: Deborah Pratt, Paul M. Belous, Robert Wolterstorff
Co-producers: Paul Brown, Jeff Gourson, Chris Ruppenthal
Produced by: Harker Wade
Created by: Donald P. Bellisario
Written by: Scott Shepherd
Directed by: David G. Phinney

Executive Producer: Donald P. Bellisario
Associate Producers: David Bellisario
Director of Photography: Michael Watkins
Production Designer: Cameron Birnie
Edited by: N. Mario Di Gregorio
Unit Production Manager: Ron Grow
First Assistant Director: Ryan Gordon
Second Assistant Director: Rob Mendel
Casting by: Ellen Lubin Sanitsky
Set Director: Robert L. Zilliox
Costume Designer: Jean-Pierre Dorleac
Costume Supervisors: David Rawley & Donna Roberts-Orme
Sound Mixer: Mark Hopkins McNabb
Stunt Coordinator: Diamond Farnsworth
Sound Editor: Paul Clay
Music Editor: Tom Gleason

Panaflex ® Camera and Lenses by: Panavision ®

This motion picture is protected under laws of the United States and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, distribution or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution.

Copyright © 1989 by Universal City Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The characters and events depicted in this photoplay are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Bellisarius Productions and Universal, an MCA Company

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