WARNING: This article contains spoilers from NCIS New Orleans. 

NCIS New Orleans’ CCH Pounder and Scott Bakula’s paths first crossed when they starred on Quantum Leap together.

Described as eccentric and smart, Dr Loretta Wade (played by CCH Pounder) was in the CBS spin-off from the very first episode until its grand finale in 2021.

She was among one of the only original stars left in the police procedural, alongside Agent Dwayne Pride, portrayed by actor Scott Bakula.

Of course, fans will know Bakula for his unforgettable role as Dr Sam Beckett in the 1980s time-travelling series Quantum Leap.

What many may not remember, however, is when Pounder joined Bakula in Quantum Leap for an episode.

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Airing in 1990, Pounder made a guest appearance in Quantum Leap’s episode Black On White On Fire, which saw Sam (Bakula) travel back to 1965 as black medical student Ray Harper.

It is the eve of the 1965 race riots in Watts and Ray is engaged to Susan (Corie Henninger) who is white, and faces not only her dad’s wrath but his brother Lonnie (Gregory Millar) and his friends’ too.

Sam is informed by Al Calavicci (Dean Stockwell) he must keep Ray and Susan together, although she might die by the end of the riots.

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Pounder is behind Mama Harper in the emotional episode, Ray’s mum who is more supportive of her son and his relationship.

NCIS NOLA fans are more used to actress Pounder with shorter, light brunette hair, wearing her medical gown or practical trousers.

But in Quantum Leap, Pounder’s Mama Harper is dressed in typical 1960s fashion with a knee-length patterned dress and modest sleeves to cover her shoulders.

Her hair is also longer, black and curled at the ends, making her character look a lot softer in comparison to Loretta.

Since NCIS New Orleans was axed two years ago, Pounder has been keeping herself busy elsewhere.

She has appeared in The Good Fight, Full Circle and the movie Avatar: The Way of Water.

This won’t be the end of her time in the Avatar universe either as she has already been listed to star in its fourth and fifth films are scheduled to come out in 2029 and 2031 respectively.

She is also going to feature in Anansi Boys as Mrs Higgler which is currently in post-production.

NCIS New Orleans is available to watch on CBS.