Admin at 15:22, 4 August 2025

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	\| victim = Charles Richardson		\| victim = Charles Richardson
	\| autopsy_findings = Carbon monoxide poisoning; findings inconsistent with suicide		\| autopsy_findings = Carbon monoxide poisoning; findings inconsistent with suicide
	\| prev = [[Baby ~~Rattlesnake~~ (Quincy, M.E.)]]		\| prev = [[Baby Rattlesnakes (Quincy, M.E.)]]
	\| next = [[Give Me Your Weak (Quincy, M.E.)]]		\| next = [[Give Me Your Weak (Quincy, M.E.)]]
	\| network_logo = nbc2.png		\| network_logo = nbc2.png

Admin at 15:21, 4 August 2025

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← Older revision		Revision as of 11:21, 4 August 2025
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	\| victim = Charles Richardson		\| victim = Charles Richardson
	\| autopsy_findings = Carbon monoxide poisoning; findings inconsistent with suicide		\| autopsy_findings = Carbon monoxide poisoning; findings inconsistent with suicide
	\| prev = [[Baby ~~Rattlesnakes~~]]		\| prev = [[Baby Rattlesnake (Quincy, M.E.)]]
	\| next = [[~~Dead Stop~~]]		\| next = [[Give Me Your Weak (Quincy, M.E.)]]
	\| network_logo = nbc2.png		\| network_logo = nbc2.png
	\| network = [[NBC]]		\| network = [[NBC]]

Admin at 04:02, 15 July 2025

2025-07-15T04:02:33Z

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	{{Infobox television episode		{{Infobox television episode
	\| title = A Ghost of a Chance		\| title = A Ghost of a Chance
	\| titlecard = Quincy_Season7_Ep02_Titlecard.~~jpg~~		\| titlecard = Quincy_Season7_Ep02_Titlecard.webp
	\| series = Quincy, M.E.		\| series = Quincy, M.E.
	\| season = 7		\| season = 7

Admin: Created page with "{{Infobox television episode | title = A Ghost of a Chance | titlecard = Quincy_Season7_Ep02_Titlecard.jpg | series = Quincy, M.E. | season = 7 | episode = 2 | airdate = October 13, 1982 | airtime = approx. 50 minutes (1 hour slot) | production_number = 70202 | writer = Stephen Kandel | director = Walter Grauman | guest_star = Jack Ging as Steve Perry | victim..."

2025-07-15T03:59:32Z

Created page with "{{Infobox television episode | title = A Ghost of a Chance | titlecard = Quincy_Season7_Ep02_Titlecard.jpg | series = Quincy, M.E. | season = 7 | episode = 2 | airdate = October 13, 1982 | airtime = approx. 50 minutes (1 hour slot) | production_number = 70202 | writer = Stephen Kandel | director = Walter Grauman | guest_star = Jack Ging as Steve Perry | victim..."

New page

{{Infobox television episode
| title = A Ghost of a Chance
| titlecard = Quincy_Season7_Ep02_Titlecard.jpg
| series = Quincy, M.E.
| season = 7
| episode = 2
| airdate = October 13, 1982
| airtime = approx. 50 minutes (1 hour slot)
| production_number = 70202
| writer = Stephen Kandel
| director = Walter Grauman
| guest_star = Jack Ging as Steve Perry
| victim = Charles Richardson
| autopsy_findings = Carbon monoxide poisoning; findings inconsistent with suicide
| prev = [[Baby Rattlesnakes]]
| next = [[Dead Stop]]
| network_logo = nbc2.png
| network = [[NBC]]
| production_company = Universal Television / MCA
}}

<div style="text-align:center; margin-top:10px;">
[[File:A_Ghost_of_a_Chance_S7E02_Screencap.jpg|480px|center|thumb|alt=Screencap from 'A Ghost of a Chance' showing Dr. Quincy examining evidence|Screencap from ''A Ghost of a Chance'']]
</div>

== Episode Quote ==
'''"Sometimes the truth is like a ghost — unseen, but haunting."''
~ '''Dr. Quincy''' in ''[[A Ghost of a Chance]]''

== Episode Overview ==
''A Ghost of a Chance'' is the second episode of the seventh season of [[Quincy, M.E.]]. Originally aired on [[NBC]] on October 13, 1982, the episode follows Dr. Quincy as he investigates a suspicious death initially ruled a suicide but soon reveals evidence suggesting foul play.

== Table of Contents ==
__TOC__

== Application of The QME Episode Laws ==
''A Ghost of a Chance'' exemplifies the guiding principles of **The QME Episode Laws** that shaped the series' storytelling:

✅ **Law 1: Seek the truth and bring justice to the victim.**
Quincy challenges the suicide ruling, uncovering forensic evidence that points to homicide and ensuring justice for Charles Richardson.

✅ **Law 2: Explore social and ethical issues, especially justice against powerful systems.**
The case highlights the dangers of wrongful assumptions and the importance of persistence in uncovering corruption or cover-ups.

✅ **Law 3: Approach complex or controversial topics sensitively and respectfully.**
The episode handles themes of death investigation and institutional resistance with care.

✅ **Law 4: Strive for scientific accuracy in medical and forensic investigations.**
Quincy’s detailed autopsy and carbon monoxide analysis reflect accurate forensic science principles.

Together, these elements reinforce the series' commitment to combining drama with social conscience and scientific rigor.

== Episode Synopsis ==
Charles Richardson is found dead in his home, an apparent suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. However, Dr. Quincy discovers inconsistencies at the scene and in the autopsy findings that suggest Richardson’s death may have been staged. Quincy investigates Richardson’s recent activities and uncovers potential motives tied to financial and personal disputes. As Quincy digs deeper, he faces resistance from officials eager to close the case quickly, but his forensic expertise leads to the truth behind Richardson’s death.

== Plot Summary ==
When Charles Richardson is discovered dead in a car with the engine running inside his garage, the police rule it a suicide. Dr. Quincy, however, notices the carbon monoxide levels and other forensic details don’t match a straightforward suicide. He finds evidence of tampering with the scene and signs that Richardson was struggling before his death. Quincy interviews family and associates, revealing hidden conflicts and potential suspects. After meticulous forensic analysis and confrontations with obstructive authorities, Quincy exposes the truth — Richardson was murdered and the scene was staged to cover the crime.

== Episode Navigation ==
[[Baby Rattlesnakes]] • '''A Ghost of a Chance''' • [[Dead Stop]]
''Season 7 Overview:'' [[Quincy, M.E. (Season 7)|Full Episode List]]

== Main Cast ==
* '''Jack Klugman''' as Dr. R. Quincy
* '''Robert Ito''' as Sam Fujiyama
* '''John S. Ragin''' as Dr. Robert Asten
* '''Garrett Morris''' as Norman Ellis

== Guest Cast ==
* '''Jack Ging''' as Steve Perry
* Other guest stars as credited

== Case File Summary ==
'''Victim:''' Charles Richardson
'''Case #:''' LACC 82.10.123

Originally ruled a suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning, Quincy's thorough investigation revealed inconsistencies in toxicology and scene evidence, exposing the death as a homicide.

== Forensic Science Insight ==
* Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms and detection
* Analysis of car engine emissions and garage ventilation
* Forensic scene staging identification
* Use of toxicology reports to dispute cause of death

== Themes & Tropes ==
* The pursuit of truth against premature assumptions
* Institutional resistance to challenging accepted conclusions
* The power of forensic science to uncover hidden realities

== Reception & Ratings ==
The episode was well received for its suspenseful plot and strong forensic elements. Fans and critics praised Jack Klugman’s performance and the realistic portrayal of death investigation challenges.

== Trivia ==
* Jack Ging guest-starred as the victim’s close associate, adding depth to the narrative.
* The episode reinforced Quincy's role as a relentless seeker of truth.

== Cultural Impact ==
This episode contributed to popularizing forensic pathology on TV during the early 1980s, highlighting the importance of skepticism and scientific rigor in criminal investigations.

== See Also ==
* [[Quincy, M.E.]]
* [[List of Quincy, M.E. episodes]]
* [[Forensic pathology]]
* [[NBC]]
* [[1982 in television]]

== External Links ==
* [Official Quincy Examiner website](https://www.quincyexaminer.com)
* [IMDb page for ''A Ghost of a Chance''](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074042/episodes?season=7 "IMDb Quincy Season 7")
* [Quincy, M.E. episode guide on TV.com](https://www.tv.com/shows/quincy-me/)
* [Reddit Quincy fan community](https://www.reddit.com/r/QuincyME/)

Ghost of a Chance (Quincy, M.E.) - Revision history

Admin at 15:22, 4 August 2025

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