Science for Sale (Quincy, M.E.): Difference between revisions

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Created page with "{{Infobox television episode | title = Science for Sale | titlecard = Science_for_Sale_Titlecard.png | series = Quincy, M.E. | season = 7 | episode = 7 | airdate = November 24, 1982 | airtime = 60 minutes | runtime = approx. 51 minutes without commercials | production_number = 131 | writer = Diana Marcus, Chris Abbott, Nancy Faulkner (teleplay: Erich Collier) | director..."
 
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{{Infobox television episode
{{Infobox television episode    
| title              = Science for Sale
| title              = Science for Sale
| titlecard          = Science_for_Sale_Titlecard.png
| titlecard          = QME_ScienceForSale_Titlecard.png
| series            = Quincy, M.E.
| series            = Quincy, M.E.
| season            = 7
| season            = 7
| episode            = 7
| episode            = 20
| airdate            = November 24, 1982
| airdate            = February 17, 1982
| airtime            = 60 minutes
| airtime            = 60 minutes  
| runtime            = approx. 51 minutes without commercials
| runtime            = approx. 49 minutes without commercials
| production_number  = 131
| production_number  = 57014
| writer            = Diana Marcus, Chris Abbott, Nancy Faulkner (teleplay: Erich Collier)
| writer            = Steve Greenberg & Aubrey Solomon
| director          = Ray Danton
| director          = Ray Danton
| Music_by          = Stu Phillips
| Music_by          = Bruce Broughton
| guest_star        = Lane Smith as Dr. Carl Kellerman; Suzanne Rogers as Alice McKenzie; Jason Wingreen as Dr. Adams; Julie Adams as Mrs. McKenzie; Dennis Patrick as Dr. Kellerman Sr.; Frank Campanella as Hospital Administrator
| guest_star        = Eddie Albert as Dr. Frank Ransom 
| victim            = Alice McKenzie + secondary victims
| victim            = Unnamed patient volunteer; young male athlete
| autopsy_findings  = Viral infection consistent with genetically‑engineered pathogen; contamination spread via contact
| autopsy_findings  = Death caused by a chemically induced stroke linked to unauthorized drug trials
| prev              = [[Sleeping Dogs (Quincy, M.E.)|S08E06 – "Sleeping Dogs"]]
| prev              = [[Holding Pattern (Quincy, M.E.)]]
| next              = [[Next Stop, Nowhere (Quincy, M.E.)|S08E08 – "Next Stop, Nowhere"]]
| next              = [[Seldom Silent, Never Heard (Quincy, M.E.)]]
| network_logo      = nbc2.png
| network_logo      = nbc2.png  
| network            = [[NBC]]
| network            = [[NBC]]  
| production_company = Universal Television / MCA
| production_company = Universal Television / MCA
}}
}}


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<div style="text-align:center; margin-top:10px;">
[[File:Science_for_Sale_Screencap_Lab.png|480px|center|thumb|alt=Quincy examining viral cultures in "Science for Sale"|Screencap from ''Science for Sale'']]
[[File:QME_ScienceForSale_LabScene.png|480px|center|thumb|alt=Scene from 'Science for Sale' showing Quincy investigating fraudulent drug research|Quincy investigates the deadly cost of unethical science in ''Science for Sale'']]
</div>
</div>


== Episode Quote ==
== Episode Quote ==
'''"Medicine for cancer, but death for everyone else."'''   
'''"Medical research should serve humanity, not profit margins."'''   
~ **Dr. Quincy**, in ''[[Science for Sale (Quincy, M.E.)]]''
~ '''Dr. Quincy''', in ''[[Science for Sale (Quincy, M.E.)]]''


== Episode Overview ==
== Episode Overview ==
''Science for Sale'' is the seventh episode of Season 7, airing on [[NBC]] November 24, 1982 :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. A promising cancer serum engineered from SV40-type viral vectors turns into a deadly contagion, killing patients—and anyone who comes in contact with them. Quincy races to identify the outbreak, contain the pathogen, and expose corporate negligence behind the genetic manipulation.
''Science for Sale'' is the twentieth episode of Season 7 of [[Quincy, M.E.]], originally airing on [[NBC]] on February 17, 1982. The episode delves into unethical pharmaceutical testing and features guest star Eddie Albert as Dr. Frank Ransom, a respected medical researcher whose ethics are called into question.


== Table of Contents ==
== Table of Contents ==
Line 37: Line 37:


== Application of The QME Episode Laws ==
== Application of The QME Episode Laws ==
**Law 1 – Quincy Must Be Right** 
Quincy’s thorough investigation doesn’t stop at the outbreak—he ensures accountability lies with the pharmaceutical research team and their corporate sponsors.


**Law 2 – There Must Be a Social/Ethical Issue**  
✅ '''Law 1: A Quincy, M.E. story must always seek to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victim.'''  
Delves into **bioethics**, corporate irresponsibility, and human experimentation without informed consent.
Quincy investigates the unexplained death of a young man who was part of a clinical drug trial. His pursuit of truth exposes a pattern of medical negligence.


**Law 3 – Quincy Must Tackle a Complex, Difficult Topic**  
✅ '''Law 2: A Quincy, M.E. story must explore the social and ethical issues surrounding the case.'''  
Explores the moral ambiguity of medical advancement versus public safety and the unforeseen consequences of biotechnology.
This episode highlights the corruption within the medical research field—especially the exploitation of test subjects for profit under the guise of science.


**Law 4 – Quincy Must Apply Forensic Science**  
✅ '''Law 3: A Quincy, M.E. story must never shy away from complex or controversial topics.'''  
Uses **virology**, **pathogen tracing**, and **antibody assays** to trace contagion sources and inoculate victims.
The episode courageously tackles medical ethics, informed consent, and the consequences of research fraud in vulnerable populations.
 
✅ '''Law 4: A Quincy, M.E. story must strive for scientific accuracy in its investigations.''' 
Medical autopsy findings and documentation of drug toxicity in tissue samples are explored through Quincy’s rigorous forensic process.


== Episode Synopsis ==
== Episode Synopsis ==
Quincy investigates multiple deaths stemming from a clinical trial of a novel anti-cancer serum. The serum, intended to harness SV40 viral vectors, spreads contagion beyond its intended targets. Quincy, assisted by Dr. Kellerman and hospital teams, uncovers gene-splicing errors turning hope into hazard. Facing threats from corporate figures keen to suppress the truth, Quincy tests environmental samples and serum residues. Ultimately, he exposes those responsible, halts production, and ensures a warning is issued to protect public health.
Dr. Quincy becomes suspicious when a young man dies after being admitted to the hospital with stroke-like symptoms. Though the hospital rules it a freak occurrence, Quincy and Sam’s autopsy uncovers traces of experimental chemicals in the patient's bloodstream. Digging deeper, Quincy links the patient to an unapproved drug trial supervised by Dr. Frank Ransom (Eddie Albert), a once-revered researcher now aligned with a for-profit pharmaceutical sponsor.
 
Quincy uncovers that the trial bypassed key ethical protocols, including informed consent. Further investigation reveals that several other participants suffered adverse effects. Ransom, initially defensive, begins to show signs of moral conflict, especially when Quincy provides evidence that one death could have been prevented if earlier symptoms had not been ignored.
 
With assistance from Lt. Monahan, Quincy confronts both the pharmaceutical company and the hospital board. The trial is shut down, and Dr. Ransom publicly renounces the study’s funding sources, testifying at a medical ethics hearing in the final scene.


== Plot Summary ==
== Plot Summary ==
A woman undergoing treatment dies under mysterious circumstances. Quincy’s tests confirm infection by a genetically modified virus. As more cases emerge, Quincy traces the source to a corporate-run clinical trial. Despite intimidation attempts, he compiles clear virological and epidemiological proof, pushing authorities to withdraw the serum from circulation and hold perpetrators accountable.
* Quincy investigates a mysterious death in a hospital setting.
* Finds evidence of chemical-induced stroke from unregulated clinical trial.
* Confronts hospital administration and pharmaceutical interests.
* Forces whistleblower testimony and saves future patients from harm.


== Episode Navigation ==
== Episode Navigation ==
[[Sleeping Dogs (Quincy, M.E.)]] • **Science for Sale** • [[Next Stop, Nowhere (Quincy, M.E.)]]
[[Holding Pattern (Quincy, M.E.)]] • '''Science for Sale''' • [[Seldom Silent, Never Heard (Quincy, M.E.)]] 
''Season 7 Overview:'' [[Quincy, M.E. (Season 7)|Full Episode List]]


== Main Cast ==
== Main Cast ==
* '''Jack Klugman''' as Dr. R. Quincy
* '''Jack Klugman''' as Dr. R. Quincy
* '''Robert Ito''' as Sam Fujiyama
* '''Robert Ito''' as Sam Fujiyama
* '''Val Bisoglio''' as Danny Tovo 
* '''John S. Ragin''' as Dr. Asten
* '''John S. Ragin''' as Dr. Robert Asten
* '''Garry Walberg''' as Lt. Frank Monahan
* '''Garry Walberg''' as Lt. Frank Monahan
* '''Joseph Roman''' as Sgt. Brill


== Guest Cast ==
== Guest Cast ==
* '''Lane Smith''' as Dr. Carl Kellerman – lead virologist 
* '''Eddie Albert''' as Dr. Frank Ransom
* '''Suzanne Rogers''' as Alice McKenzie – initial patient 
* '''Barry Jenner''' as Dr. Paul Bennington
* '''Jason Wingreen''' as Dr. Adams – head of hospital trials 
* '''Tricia O'Neil''' as Janet Corwin (Hospital Administrator)
* '''Julie Adams''' as Mrs. McKenzie 
* '''Tom Ewell''' as Charles Gantry (Pharma executive)
* '''Dennis Patrick''' as Dr. Kellerman Sr. 
* '''Frank Campanella''' as Hospital Administrator :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}


== Case File Summary ==
== Case File Summary ==
'''Victim:''' Alice McKenzie (initial death) + secondary infected contacts  
'''Victim:''' Unnamed male subject in drug study  
'''Case #:''' LACC 82.131  
'''Cause of Death:''' Cerebral hemorrhage triggered by experimental pharmaceutical agent  
'''Preliminary Diagnoses:''' Viral pneumonia, rapid organ failure 
'''Case #:''' LACC 82.02.764
'''Forensic Tests:''' Viral cultures, serum antibody titers, tissue histology 
'''Conclusion:''' Death caused by genetically enhanced SV40 virus from serum; outbreak contained after recall and legal action


== Alleged Perpetrator(s) ==
== Additional Victims ==
* '''Dr. Carl Kellerman''' – created genetically-modified serum without appropriate safeguards 
* Multiple undocumented test subjects suffered adverse reactions.
* '''PharmaCorp (unnamed) executives''' – concealed trial results to protect profits
* A teenage female patient is hospitalized due to the same experimental compound.


== Victims ==
== Alleged Perpetrators ==
* **Alice McKenzie** Contracts the infection directly from serum 
* '''Dr. Paul Bennington''' young researcher lacking oversight, ignored red flags.
* **Secondary victims** Include hospital staff and family members via contact
* '''Charles Gantry''' pharmaceutical executive who pressured study approval.
 
== Pictures ==
[[File:Science_for_Sale_VirusTest.png|thumb|Quincy observes viral culture assay results]] 
[[File:Science_for_Sale_HospitalScene.png|thumb|Quincy and Dr. Kellerman discuss quarantine measures]]


== Filming Locations and Exterior Footage ==
== Filming Locations and Exterior Footage ==
Shot primarily at sets depicting L.A. hospitals and the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. Prominent scenes filmed at studio labs near downtown Los Angeles. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
* Scenes shot in and around [[Los Angeles County Hospital]]
 
* Exterior shots of [[UCLA Medical Center]] used for research facility
== Forensic Science Insight ==
* Interior lab scenes recreated on Universal backlot
* **Virology & Pathogen Identification:** Demonstrates viral isolation and molecular identification techniques 
* **Epidemiology:** Traces infection chain using contact tracing and environmental swabbing 
* **Medical Ethics:** Highlights lack of informed consent and engineered pathogen risks
 
== Themes & Tropes ==
* ''Mad Science'' – well-intended research gone disastrously wrong 
* ''Corporate Cover-Up'' – conflicts between profit and public safety 
* ''Medical Whistleblowing'' – Quincy as truth-seeker in biotech scandal 
* ''Containment Drama'' – race to prevent epidemic
 
== Reception & Ratings ==
Rotten Tomatoes lists this as a standout for tackling biotechnology ethics, but lacks critic score :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. IMDb tags it as “clinically chilling” and credits Jack Klugman’s performance. Trakt rates approximately 7.0/10 :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
 
== Trivia ==
* Among the first mainstream shows to highlight dangers of viral manipulation. 
* Episode inspired by real-world debates around SV40 contamination in vaccines (1950s–60s).
 
== Cultural Impact ==
''Science for Sale'' presaged later medical-crime dramas like ''House'' and ''CSI'' that tackled bioethics and research malpractice. It reinforced Quincy’s legacy as a forensic pathologist engaged with evolving scientific risks.
 
== See Also ==
* [[Quincy, M.E.]]
* [[List of Quincy, M.E. episodes]] 
* [[Forensic pathology]]
* [[Virology]] 
* [[Bioethics]]


== External Links ==
<div style="text-align:center; margin
* [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681826/ IMDb: ''Science for Sale''] :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} 
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincy%2C_M.E._season_8#Episode_131 IMDb overview] :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} 
* [https://www.quincyexaminer.com/57014-7/ Quincy Examiner episode page] :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
a

Revision as of 08:04, 22 July 2025

Science for Sale
Episode title card
Series Quincy, M.E.
Season 7
Episode 20
Airdate February 17, 1982
Airtime 60 minutes
Runtime approx. 49 minutes without commercials
Production No. 57014
Writer Steve Greenberg & Aubrey Solomon
Director Ray Danton
Music by
Guest Star(s) Eddie Albert as Dr. Frank Ransom
Victim Unnamed patient volunteer; young male athlete
Autopsy Findings Death caused by a chemically induced stroke linked to unauthorized drug trials
Network Network logo
NBC
Production Company Production company logo
Universal Television / MCA
Previous Episode Holding Pattern (Quincy, M.E.)
Next Episode Seldom Silent, Never Heard (Quincy, M.E.)
Previous Season
Next Season



Scene from 'Science for Sale' showing Quincy investigating fraudulent drug research
Quincy investigates the deadly cost of unethical science in Science for Sale

Episode Quote

"Medical research should serve humanity, not profit margins." ~ Dr. Quincy, in Science for Sale (Quincy, M.E.)

Episode Overview

Science for Sale is the twentieth episode of Season 7 of Quincy, M.E., originally airing on NBC on February 17, 1982. The episode delves into unethical pharmaceutical testing and features guest star Eddie Albert as Dr. Frank Ransom, a respected medical researcher whose ethics are called into question.

Table of Contents

Application of The QME Episode Laws

Law 1: A Quincy, M.E. story must always seek to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victim. Quincy investigates the unexplained death of a young man who was part of a clinical drug trial. His pursuit of truth exposes a pattern of medical negligence.

Law 2: A Quincy, M.E. story must explore the social and ethical issues surrounding the case. This episode highlights the corruption within the medical research field—especially the exploitation of test subjects for profit under the guise of science.

Law 3: A Quincy, M.E. story must never shy away from complex or controversial topics. The episode courageously tackles medical ethics, informed consent, and the consequences of research fraud in vulnerable populations.

Law 4: A Quincy, M.E. story must strive for scientific accuracy in its investigations. Medical autopsy findings and documentation of drug toxicity in tissue samples are explored through Quincy’s rigorous forensic process.

Episode Synopsis

Dr. Quincy becomes suspicious when a young man dies after being admitted to the hospital with stroke-like symptoms. Though the hospital rules it a freak occurrence, Quincy and Sam’s autopsy uncovers traces of experimental chemicals in the patient's bloodstream. Digging deeper, Quincy links the patient to an unapproved drug trial supervised by Dr. Frank Ransom (Eddie Albert), a once-revered researcher now aligned with a for-profit pharmaceutical sponsor.

Quincy uncovers that the trial bypassed key ethical protocols, including informed consent. Further investigation reveals that several other participants suffered adverse effects. Ransom, initially defensive, begins to show signs of moral conflict, especially when Quincy provides evidence that one death could have been prevented if earlier symptoms had not been ignored.

With assistance from Lt. Monahan, Quincy confronts both the pharmaceutical company and the hospital board. The trial is shut down, and Dr. Ransom publicly renounces the study’s funding sources, testifying at a medical ethics hearing in the final scene.

Plot Summary

  • Quincy investigates a mysterious death in a hospital setting.
  • Finds evidence of chemical-induced stroke from unregulated clinical trial.
  • Confronts hospital administration and pharmaceutical interests.
  • Forces whistleblower testimony and saves future patients from harm.

Episode Navigation

Holding Pattern (Quincy, M.E.)Science for SaleSeldom Silent, Never Heard (Quincy, M.E.) Season 7 Overview: Full Episode List

Main Cast

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

Guest Cast

  • Eddie Albert as Dr. Frank Ransom
  • Barry Jenner as Dr. Paul Bennington
  • Tricia O'Neil as Janet Corwin (Hospital Administrator)
  • Tom Ewell as Charles Gantry (Pharma executive)

Case File Summary

Victim: Unnamed male subject in drug study Cause of Death: Cerebral hemorrhage triggered by experimental pharmaceutical agent Case #: LACC 82.02.764

Additional Victims

  • Multiple undocumented test subjects suffered adverse reactions.
  • A teenage female patient is hospitalized due to the same experimental compound.

Alleged Perpetrators

  • Dr. Paul Bennington – young researcher lacking oversight, ignored red flags.
  • Charles Gantry – pharmaceutical executive who pressured study approval.

Filming Locations and Exterior Footage

<div style="text-align:center; margin

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