We’re big fans of Quantum Leap already, so we were thrilled to have the chance to sit down (virtually) with Caitlin Bassett (Addison) to discuss the series. She gave eager fans a few hints about what’s in store for the team, her character, and her relationship with Ben! Who doesn’t love a good star-crossed lovers plot?
Caitlin has an impressive resume prior to getting into acting. Like her character, Addison, she’s an ex-Millitary Intelligence Officer. She discusses her path from soldier to actor:
Of course, Quantum Leap already has a passionate (and loyal!) fanbase, thanks to the 1989 series by the same name. Caitlin speaks to what it’s like to be part of a show that carries such a legacy – as well as what changes the new show made to distinguish from the original.
Time-Crossed Lovers
Naturally, Addison’s relationship with Ben is very different than Al’s was with Sam. (After all, the latter weren’t engaged!) Star-crossed lovers is a popular fandom trope, so is Caitlin prepared for the shipping? When asked, she replied, “I don’t know if anyone is ever prepared.” She has a point. However, she did have this to say about the Addison/Ben relationship, what it’s like for her and Raymond Lee (Dr. Ben Song) to build it from scratch (twice!), and how long we can expect Ben to remain in the dark about their connection.
Woman On A Mission
Of course, outside of her relationship with Ben – which is complicated by the fact they can only interact with her as a hologram – Addison has a lot going on. As we saw in the second episode, the team is grappling with a lot of questions about Ben’s motives…and her loyalties. Addison herself is conducting a parallel investigation, trying to dig into why he kept her in the dark while keeping him alive. And, oh yeah, she was supposed to be the one doing the leaping, so she has to figure out her new role. About all of those emerging and evolving plot lines, Caitlin had the following things to say:
For Ziggy fans, she promises that what they’ll be doing with our favorite supercomputer – particularly in episode 3 – will be “an upgrade” from what came before. Which makes sense, given the evolution in technology in the last thirty years.
She also spoke about Addison’s evolving relationship with the team.
Present and Future
So what’s her favorite scene or moment so far? Sadly (for fans – by which I mean me because I love spoilers), Caitlin was careful not to spoil too much about what’s in store. However, she did tease what might be her favorite episodes, if not her favorite moments.
Where does all this leave us? Well, she did have a few other things to say. When asked about what she would like to see for Addison’s future, she pointed out that she needs more than just answers. “She needs an answer for the answers.” That is to say, “What is the truth, and what is she going to do about it?”
Since Quantum Leap is her first big role, I asked her what she thought of the fan reactions after the first episode aired, as well as the greatest lesson she’s learned on set so far. She was as gracious about her costars as she was in her interview with me, stating the following:
Final Thoughts
Thanks so much to Caitlin Bassett for agreeing to sit down with me to talk about Addison’s future in Quantum Leap. I’m sure fans are as excited as I am to see what’s in store!
Quantum Leap airs Mondays on NBC and is available for streaming on the Peacock app.