The Leaping of the Shrew – Episode 78

The Leaping of the Shrew was the third episode of Quantum Leap’s fifth season to air, with Sam trying to see past his fellow castaway’s challenging personality. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss whether and when rudeness can be tolerated.

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Sam leaps into the life of a Greek sailor, stranded at sea with Vanessa (Brooke Shields), a young bride-to-be who presents some difficult behaviours. Sam struggles to cope with this, showing increased agitation and irritation as time passes.

When the pair wind up on a deserted island, Sam begins to understand that Vanessa is acting up to mask her true personality and emotions. He argues with Al that she’s not the monster he sees, but as their chances of rescue dwindle he starts to consider the possibility of sabotage.

The Leaping of the Shrew was directed by Alan J. Levi, the fourth of his six episodes for the show. The writers were Richard C. Okie and Robin Bernheim, the second of Okie’s six stories for the show and Bernheim’s first contribution of five.

In this episode Gerry and Iain considered the realities of life alone on a deserted island.

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The Leaping of the Shrew was released in 1992. It is 47 minutes long and originally aired on the NBC network. It can be viewed on NBC’s Peacock streaming service in the UK and in the United States. The show is available on DVD and Blu Ray in other countries.