Quantum Leap | Georgina Reilly (Janis Calavicci) Interview

Fate's Wide Wheel: A Quantum Leap Podcast

Help to support Matt's family during this time if you're able - https://www.gofundme.com/f/8fxpz9-matt-dale

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Matt Dale. I wasn't sure about doing this one, but as you'll hear at the beginning, Georgina thought it a lovely way to pay tribute to Matt by doing and talking about something he loved - indeed, something that we'd loved together.

Summary

In this conversation, Georgina Riley, who played Janis Calavicci in the first season of Quantum Leap, joins Sam Fain to discuss various aspects of the show. They start by paying tribute to Matt Dale. They then delve into the casting process for Janis and the gap between the classic series ending and the revival series beginning. They explore Janis's isolation and state of mind, her interaction with Caitlin in the episode 'Paging Doctor Song,' and the significance of Janis knowing secrets. They also discuss Janis's actions in episode three, her role in the project, and her relationship with Beth as Al's daughter. In this conversation, Georgina discusses her experience as an actor and the importance of trusting the writing. She shares her thoughts on working with Ernie Hudson and the dynamic between Janis and Magic. The conversation also touches on the antagonistic scenes between Janis and Jen, as well as the cut scene with Mason. Speculation on Janis' character and potential storylines is explored, along with the potential return of Scott Bacula to the show. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of art and empathy. Takeaways -The casting process for Janis involved Georgina receiving an email from her agent and then having conversations with the showrunner to understand the character's background and motivations. -Janis's isolation and state of mind contribute to her overall demeanor and actions in the show. She is torn between her love for quantum leap and the ethical questions surrounding it. -Janis's relationship with Beth is complex, with tension and a sense of betrayal. Janis is more aligned with Al and his work, while Beth wants to keep Janis away from the project. -Georgina enjoyed playing Janis and exploring the character's secrets and motivations. She appreciated the opportunity to be part of a sci-fi/fantasy world and bring the character to life on screen. Trust in the writing is crucial for actors to bring their characters to life. -The relationship between characters can evolve and change as the story progresses. -Cut scenes and potential storylines offer opportunities for further character development. -Art has the power to foster empathy and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Matt

05:14 Casting Process for Janis

09:50 Gap between Classic Series Ending and Revival Series Beginning

16:37 Isolation and State of Mind of Janis

19:34 Interaction with Caitlin in 'Paging Doctor Song'

23:06 Knowing Janis's Secret

26:17 Janis's Actions in Episode Three

29:16 Janis's Role in the Project and Relationship with Beth

32:31 Janis as Al's Daughter

35:49 Building the Mother-Daughter Relationship on Screen

37:35 The Dynamic of Acting and Trusting the Writing

41:00 Working with Ernie Hudson and the Relationship Between Janis and Magic

44:11 Antagonistic Scenes with Jen and Addison

46:43 Cut Scene with Mason and the Humorous Side of Janis

49:55 Speculation on Janis's Character and Potential Storylines

52:49 The Evolution of Janis's Character and the Possibilities for the Show

57:21 The Birthright of Janis and the Potential Return of Scott Bacula

59:43 Speculation on Janis's Neurodivergence

01:04:01 The Importance of Art and Empathy

01:06:32 The Power of Ben's Character and the Opportunity for Empathy

01:08:07 Closing Remarks and Goodbyes