Quincy, M.E.

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Quincy ME

Quincy, M.E. is an American television series that aired from October 3, 1976, to May 11, 1983, on NBC. The series stars Jack Klugman as Dr. Quincy, a strong-willed, very principled Los Angeles County medical examiner who often got involved in investigations far beyond his official duties. Quincy's determination to uncover the truth and his compassionate nature towards the victims of the cases he worked on set him apart from many other characters in similar procedural dramas of the time.

Plot

The show focuses on Dr. R. Quincy, M.E. (Medical Examiner), who works in the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. Quincy is not your typical coroner; he goes above and beyond to solve crimes and ensure justice is served, often clashing with his boss, Dr. Robert Asten (played by John S. Ragin), and LAPD Homicide Detective Lt. Frank Monahan (played by Garry Walberg). The series blends elements of mystery, drama, and occasionally humor, as Quincy uses forensic science, sharp instincts, and sometimes unconventional methods to solve his cases.

Characters

• Dr. R. Quincy (Jack Klugman): The main character, a passionate and dedicated medical examiner.
• Dr. Robert Asten (John S. Ragin): Quincy's boss, the director of the Department of Medical Services.
• Lt. Frank Monahan (Garry Walberg): A police detective who often works with Quincy on homicide investigations.
• Sam Fujiyama (Robert Ito): Quincy's loyal assistant and a skilled lab technician.
• Danny Tovo (Val Bisoglio): Owner of Danny's, Quincy's favorite restaurant and bar.
• Lee Potter (Lynette Mettey): Quincy's girlfriend in the early seasons.

Production

Created by Glen A. Larson and Lou Shaw, Quincy, M.E. was notable for being one of the first series to use forensic science as a central theme, paving the way for future shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and NCIS. The series was produced by Universal Television. It was filmed in various locations around Los Angeles, with the coroner's office scenes shot at the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.

Legacy

Quincy, M.E. is often credited with popularizing forensic science among the general public, influencing both public perceptions of the field and inspiring many to pursue careers in forensic pathology and related disciplines. The show's mix of drama, mystery, and real-world science helped it stand out during its run and has maintained a dedicated fan base in the years since it ended.

Episodes

The series ran for 8 seasons, totaling 148 episodes. It started with a 90-minute pilot, followed by episodes that varied in length from 60 to 90 minutes. The show's format allowed for in-depth exploration of social issues, public health concerns, and ethical dilemmas, making it not just entertaining but also informative.

Impact on Popular Culture

Quincy, M.E. has had a lasting impact on popular culture, particularly in how television portrays forensic science and medical examiners. It has inspired a number of procedural dramas that focus on the scientific aspects of crime solving. The character of Quincy, with his dedication to justice and his willingness to challenge authority, has become an archetype in crime and medical dramas.