Gay controversy

‘Quantum Leap’ tackled many social issues during it's run, however, one storyline caused much controversy.

In 'Running for Honour’, Sam visits a naval college to prevent a group of homophobic classmates from murdering a gay cadet, which reportedly cost the network NBC around $500,000 after sponsors pulled their advertisements from the instalment.

In order to prevent a further controversy, NBC marketed the episode as “Sam’s life hangs in the balance when he’s accused of betraying his country”, with the gay plot line noticeably going unmentioned.

This, however, irritated the Los Angeles chapter of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) who criticised writer Robert Harris Duncan, who was gay himself.

Reflecting on the situation, he said: “I’m upset with [the alliance] because I think the script does not slur gays.

“I have the opportunity of getting on prime-time television a story on gay bashing and outing. My own group of people is slamming my script down.”