The Beast Within – Episode 94

The Beast Within was the nineteenth episode of Quantum Leap’s fifth season to air, with Sam leaping into a Vietnam veteran whose friends are still suffering after returning home from war. In this episode Gerry and Iain discuss the best place to put a Pharmacy.



Sam leaps into Henry Adams, and is immediately mistaken for Bigfoot by young Daniel Burke (David Tom), the son of Henry’s late friend John (John Hillard) who died in Vietnam during the war. Henry is trying to procure seizure medication for his friend Roy (Sean Sullivan), but has a problem in the shape of local sheriff – and Henry’s former friend – Luke (Pat Skipper).


When Luke arrests Sam while Daniel and Roy are out trying to photograph the elusive Bigfoot, his wife Karen (Eileen Seeley), also John Burke’s widow, comes to the rescue. She and Sam head off to save Daniel, with Luke in pursuit, but will they reach them in time?


The Beast Within was directed by Gus Trikonis, his only work on the show. The writer was John D’Aquino, his only writing credit on Quantum Leap, but familiar to fans as Jimmy’s older brother Frank in multiple episodes..


In this episode Gerry and Iain considered how easily cured PTSD can be.


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You can listen to the show here on the website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, TuneIn, Stitcher, Google or wherever you find your podcasts.


The Beast Within was released in 1993. It is 45 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.