Code Quantum on M6: How much is the remake of the cult series of the 90s worth?

In March 1989, NBC aired the first episode of the science fiction series Quantum Code, hosted by Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell, which quickly became a cult classic. For 5 seasons, viewers followed the adventures of Sam Beckett, a scientist who travels through time by moving from body to body.

Its purpose is to correct the mistakes of the past. Unfortunately, in 1993, the series ended without the mystery surrounding Sam ever being solved… If we thought the series was dead and buried, in 2021 the American channel NBC announced that a reboot would see the light of day. Soberly titled Quantum Code, the first season of the fiction comes out this Saturday 26th October at 9.10pm on M6.

When a scientist is stuck in the past…

This sequel takes place thirty years after the disappearance of Dr. Sam Beckett after his entry into a particle accelerator. In the present day, a new team led by physicist Ben Song (Raymond Lee) is assembled to restart the project in hopes of unlocking the secrets behind the machine and the man who created it.

During the engagement party, Ben receives a mysterious text message that prompts him to use the machine, even though it’s not yet ready to be tested on humans. Ben then finds himself stuck in a time spiral, moving from life to life and era to era.

His first jump takes him back to 1985, he doesn’t remember who he is. He then meets Addison (Caitlin Bassett), a hologram who will help him return to the present. What he doesn’t remember is that the young woman is actually his fiancee and is working with him to develop the program.

Now his colleagues will try to understand his actions and bring him home as quickly as possible before he is lost forever.

The Code Quantum sequel tries to convince

Tackling an iconic series like Code Quantum inevitably means running the risk of suffering comparisons. And unfortunately, this new iteration, created by Donald Bellisario (producer of the original fiction) and developed by Stephen Lilien and Brian Weinbrandt, falls far short of its predecessor.

This version 2.0 is really seriously lacking in depth. In this sequel, Ben, like Sam, finds himself jumping from body to body over the years. Unfortunately, unlike the original version, which managed to make these characters interesting with touches and strong stories, this iteration is full of clichés and one-dimensional characters.

Perhaps the fault lies in the narrative being cluttered with scenes in the present, which prevents us from really developing the story of this victim that Ben must save. Much of the episode is indeed spent on the side of Ben’s colleagues, who must deal with software problems, legal problems, and government conspiracies.

The result is a plethora of issues that somewhat tarnish the original content and take us away from the series.

Renewed Alchemy

The originality of Code Quantum actually lies in the new acting duo played by Raymond Lee (seen Kevin Can f**k himself) and Caitlin Bassett, who shares the poster. Al’s replacement is not only his colleague, but also his fiancee.

However, the scientist has no memory of her and their relationship, thus allowing their interaction to add a sentimental dimension and signal that this series is not a mere remake, but a sequel that does not attempt to recreate itself. Everything fits into the friendship between Sam and Al, which was the heart of the original series. A touch of originality, which, however, cannot make us fall in love with fiction.

In short, Code Quantum is an enjoyable remake to watch that sorely lacks originality, and that unfortunately doesn’t come close to the Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell-led fiction.

Watch Code Quantum this Saturday 26th October from 9.10pm on M6.