Death Casts a Vote (Quincy, M.E.)

Death Casts a Vote
Series Quincy, M.E. Season 2 Episode 5 Airdate October 21, 1977 Airtime 60 minutes Runtime Production No. 48009 Writer William Froug Director Ron Satlof Music by Guest Star(s) Joaquín Martínez as Beto Cruz; Robert F. Simon as Mr. Brady; Migdia Varela as Felicia; James Gregory as Tony Gordon Victim David Brady (union organizer) Autopsy Findings Carbon monoxide inhalation; toxicology shows higher-than-expected levels; no self-inflicted disease Network NBC Production Company Glen A. Larson Productions / Universal Television Previous Episode A Question of Time (Quincy, M.E.) Next Episode Tissue of Truth (Quincy, M.E.) Previous Season Next Season

Tire of victim’s car in garage

Crime scene: victim's car in garage

Episode Quote

'"He died inside his own car—but someone made sure it looked like his decision, not theirs."
― Dr. Quincy, Death Casts a Vote

Episode Overview

Death Casts a Vote aired on NBC on October 21, 1977. Quincy investigates the apparent suicide of union organizer David Brady in his garage via carbon monoxide poisoning. But inconsistent toxicological and forensic evidence point to murder tied to labor-union corruption and political interference. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Application of The QME Episode Laws

✅ **Law 1 – Seek truth and justice:** Despite the suicide ruling, Quincy’s autopsy reveals unusually high CO levels and absence of suicide indicators, prompting a homicide investigation and vindication for the victim. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

✅ **Law 2 – Challenge powerful systems:** The case exposes corruption within competing farm-worker unions and political players, highlighting Quincy’s battle against institutional malfeasance. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

✅ **Law 3 – Treat controversial topics respectfully:** Labor-union politics and immigrant worker struggles are handled thoughtfully, avoiding stereotypes and focusing on systemic injustice. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

✅ **Law 4 – Forensic accuracy:** Quincy analyzes carbon monoxide levels, car engine conditions, and garage environment. Methodical toxicology and CO diffusion study anchor the investigation. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Together, the episode exemplifies *Quincy, M.E.*’s blend of forensic precision and socially conscious storytelling.

Episode Synopsis

David Brady is found dead in his car inside his garage, presumed to have committed suicide by carbon monoxide. His fiancée and father challenge this conclusion. Quincy’s autopsy shows elevated CO and inconsistencies in the scene. Investigating union rivalries and political influence, Quincy uncovers evidence of murder staged as suicide to suppress Brady’s organizing efforts.

Plot Summary

Brady’s body is discovered with a hose from the exhaust into the vehicle. Initially ruled suicide, Quincy’s investigation reveals abnormal CO saturation, a locked ignition, and misaligned hose placement. Toxicology and garage measurements, coupled with union dynamics and threats from Tony Gordon’s group, lead Quincy to conclude Brady was killed. Political cover-up attempts follow, but evidence holds firm, securing justice.

Episode Navigation

← *A Question of Time* • **Death Casts a Vote** • *Tissue of Truth* Season 3 Overview: Full Episode List

Main Cast

• **Jack Klugman** as Dr. R. Quincy
• **Robert Ito** as Sam Fujiyama
• **Garry Walberg** as Lt. Monahan
• **John S. Ragin** as Dr. Asten

Guest Cast

• **Joaquín Martínez** as Beto Cruz (union ally)
• **Robert F. Simon** as Mr. Brady (father)
• **Migdia Varela** as Felicia (fiancée)
• **James Gregory** as Tony Gordon (union rival)

Case File Summary

Victim: David Brady (union organizer) Case #: LACC 77.10.270

Autopsy shows carbon monoxide poisoning inconsistent with suicide; evidence supports murder staged to suppress labor activism.

Additional Victims

None.

Alleged Perpetrators

• Union-influenced individuals aiming to remove Brady as a political threat.

Filming Locations and Exterior Footage

The garage and union office exteriors were filmed in Los Angeles, reinforcing authenticity to the investigation setting. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Forensic Science Insight

• **CO level analysis:** Detected lethal levels too high for accidental or self-induced inhalation.
• **Vehicle examination:** Hose placement and ignition analysis undermined suicide narrative.
• **Environmental testing:** Garage size and CO concentration inconsistent with self-poisoning.

Themes & Tropes

• **Labor corruption & intimidation** – highlights silencing of union reformers.
• **Science vs. staged deception** – Quincy’s forensics dismantle expert-set scene.
• **Individual courage vs. collective power** – Quincy ensures voice for the oppressed.

Reception & Ratings

IMDb rates this episode 6.7/10 based on 1,092 ratings. Reviewers note its relevance to ongoing labor and immigration issues, though pacing is described as measured rather than suspenseful. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Trivia

• The victim was a leading farm-worker advocate, reflecting real-era political tensions. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Behind the Scenes/Backstage

• Originally titled Murder By Self before being retitled Death Casts A Vote

Cultural Impact

The episode's critique of union-political corruption and methodical forensic portrayal prefigured later crime dramas exploring systemic injustices and forensic science for social justice.

See Also

• Quincy, M.E.
• List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
• Forensic pathology
• Labor unions in fiction
• 1977 in television

External Links

• IMDb: Death Casts a Vote
• TV Guide episode synopsis