Not to fandompost in 2023 but because it's October, I'm constantly thinking about RHPS and then I thought about that picture of the Star Trek: Enterprise cast dressed up as characters from Rocky Horror,
and of course, Scott Bakula always turns this young man's fancy back to Quantum Leap. Except it made me think of Quantum Leap from the year 2022.
So here are my headcanons for what costume each character would wear based on their vibes because there's no way that Ian isn't a huge fan and there's no way that the QL Project team didn't sit down for a movie night (or go to a midnight showing) and dress up one year before Ben leaped.
Ian: They're first on the list because they were the first one where I knew it. The obvious answer is Frank-n-Furter, but I think it would be Riff Raff. Frank is too obvious for Ian, cause yeah the fashion, but given that Riff Raff is the put-upon servant, I would imagine Ian identifies with him as a put-upon tech genius. Also, I think Ian is the only one capable of hitting that note perfectly in "Time Warp" when Riff Raff goes "Like you're under sedation!"
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Ben & Addison: Smart answer is of course, Brad and Janet, they're the couple, but they don't have a big enough cast to fill out all the roles and honestly I think that it would make more sense for Ben to be Rocky and Addison to be Janet, because I think Addison would get a kick out of Ben being in a gold speedo. (Plus I bet Ben makes some sort of joke about it being the most mortifying outfit he's ever worn, which is hilarious in hindsight once he becomes a leaper)
Jenn: I admit, because we know the least about her, this one is tough, but honestly with her fashion sense, I would say that either Columbia or Magenta is a safe bet. But I also can't say that Jenn wouldn't totally rock a Frank-n-Furter costume.
Magic: Clearly the least into the whole thing, I think Ian would try to goad Magic into being Frank-n-Furter but he'd probably end up as Dr. Scott, because it's just a suit and a wheelchair. Plus Magic's already got the stache.
"And this is Ziggy! It's our super computer, it calculates the leaps and stuff for us!"
"Oh, Ziggy changed pronouns? Ziggy that's so aweso--"
"...Oh, no, sir, it can't talk. Sorry, sir I guess you might be confused, Ziggy isn't an AI, we just call it that, as a sort of gag around the office. It's just a normal computer, it can't talk to you, it doesn't have pronouns since it's not sentient."
"I'm. I'm sorry, could you repeat that? It sounds like you just say Ziggy isn't an AI. That Ziggy isn't a person."
"Well, you heard right, sir, it's not, it's just a normal computer, albeit a very advanced one. Uh, sir, would you like to sit down? You're looking kinda pale, there..."
Pulling this out of my watching Quantum Leap (2022) Episode 1x18 Post:
I fucking love it when actresses know how to hold the guns their characters are using. I mean, the actress who plays Addison was military for like seven years, so she would know. But, like, they almost NEVER train actresses how to hold their weapons.
Her stance is perfect. Her arm is bent, her firing hand is properly supported, the gun is in her line of sight, the way she follows him with her firearm up? *chef's kiss.*
They need to train women how to hold guns like this on screen because whether the audience knows how to hold a firearm or not, this just aesthetically looks better because of how confident a stance it comes off as naturally.
I just watched the second (and final) season of Quantum Leap. As a nonbinary person, this scene really got me in the feels. It's really hokey and showing what should be basic human behavior. And I'm really glad it exists and it made me cry both times I've watched it.
Context for those who don't know, Mason Alexander Park plays Ian Wright, a nonbinary character in the main cast of the show. So they are reacting to this conversation among siblings, which is taking place in 1953.
And as a fan of the original QL in the early 90's, this is definitely a far cry from the overtly homophobic and transphobic aspects of some episodes back then. So, I guess it is nice to see specific evidence of some progress. Even as the backlash continues and we fight for actual liberation.
The Warp Effect: Religious trauma, curses, the dangers of purity culture, what it means to grow up, how to forgive, how to fix mistakes, how to apologize, how life changes you, how to forgive yourself when you were younger, how your parents can love you but also hurt you.
Never Let Me Go: The cage that privilege can build, gilded cages are cages, class differences hurt everyone differently, parents can hurt their children, respect is chosen, bitcoin doesn't actually make you rich, grief and loss can be overwhelming, hurt people hurt people, hurts can be healed, love is more powerful, music and the sea are freedom
My School President: Love is joy, you can find love everywhere, the little things matter, be yourself, people can love you for yourself, be free, find the people who love you for you, friends are a blessing, learn from your mistakes, apologize, change your mind, love openly and bravely, support your friends, make jokes, smile, be honest, cry when you need to cry, think about your future and your dreams
Nonbinary Character whose name I do not remember: *thoroughly explains in small harely-technical words and then further explains what those small words mean in layman's terms when Congress Lady looks confused*
Congress Lady: "Wow that was a lot to absorb. Almost as if you were being deliberately obtuse."