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== Episode Summary ==
'''Visitors in Paradise''' is the fifth episode of Season 1 of ''Quincy, M.E.'' It originally aired on February 18, 1977. What begins as a relaxing fishing vacation for Quincy in a small coastal town called Paradise quickly turns into a homicide investigation when a fellow tourist is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Facing resistance from local officials, Quincy must rely on his instincts and forensic skills to uncover the truth.

== Synopsis ==
Quincy and his friend Danny take a well-earned vacation to Paradise, a picturesque harbor town known for its tight-knit community and off-the-grid charm. Their trip is interrupted when the body of a tourist is discovered near the docks, initially ruled an accidental drowning.

However, Quincy’s quick on-site examination raises red flags:

* The victim has bruising inconsistent with a drowning accident  
* Autopsy reveals evidence of blunt force trauma to the back of the head  
* A missing piece of jewelry suggests robbery—but the locals insist nothing like that could happen in “Paradise”

As Quincy digs deeper, he encounters:

* Reluctance and obstruction from the local sheriff’s office  
* A cover-up that may involve the town’s influential developer  
* A second suspicious death that confirms a pattern

Working against time and hostility, Quincy methodically reconstructs the crime and confronts a system more concerned with protecting the town’s reputation than delivering justice.

== Cast ==
* **Dr. R. Quincy, M.E.** – Jack Klugman  
* **Danny Tovo** – Val Bisoglio  
* **Sheriff Carl Denson** – guest star: Mills Watson  
* **Claire Jeffries** – guest star: Joan Van Ark  
* **Dr. Robert Astin** – John S. Ragin (brief appearance via phone)  
* **Paul Withers** (victim) – uncredited  
* **Mayor Judson** – guest star: Morgan Woodward

== Themes ==
* Small-town politics and law enforcement obstruction  
* The tension between truth and reputation  
* Quincy’s dedication to justice—even on vacation  
* The limits of jurisdiction and medical authority

== Notable Facts ==
* One of the first episodes to feature Quincy working outside of Los Angeles, establishing the show’s format flexibility.  
* The Paradise set was filmed in part at Ventura Harbor, California.  
* The theme of resistance from local authorities would return in several future episodes.

== Reception ==
“Visitors in Paradise” was praised for its suspense and its portrayal of Quincy as a moral compass even when far from his usual setting. Jack Klugman’s confrontation with the town’s sheriff was cited as a standout moment of the episode.

== Memorable Quotes ==
* “I came here for trout—not a cover-up.” – Quincy  
* “Justice doesn’t stop at the county line.” – Quincy

== See Also ==
* [[Season 1 Episodes]]  
* [[Quincy’s Out-of-Town Cases]]  
* [[Episodes Involving Small-Town Corruption]]

[[Category:Episodes]]  
[[Category:Season 1 Episodes]]  
[[Category:Quincy, M.E.]]  
[[Category:Vacation Episodes]]  
[[Category:Small-Town Crime]]