Snake Eyes (Part 2) (Quincy, M.E.)

Snake Eyes, Part 2
Series Quincy, M.E. Season 1 Episode 12 Airdate February 2, 1979 Airtime 60 minutes (approx. 45 minutes without commercials) Runtime Production No. 312 Writer James D. Parriott Director William A. Graham Music by Guest Star(s) Robert Reed as Lt. Michael Kincaid; Michael Pataki as Sonny Lavelle Victim Tommy Ross Autopsy Findings Gunshot wounds; evidence of staged accident Network NBC Production Company Universal Television / MCA Previous Episode Snake Eyes, Part 1 Next Episode pending Previous Season Next Season

Screencap from "Snake Eyes, Part 1" showing Quincy at the crime scene

Screencap from Snake Eyes, Part 1

Episode Quote

'"Justice isn’t just about finding a culprit — it’s about revealing the truth no one wants to see." ~ Dr. Quincy, in Snake Eyes, Part 2

Episode Overview

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Episode Synopsis

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Plot Summary

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Main Cast

• Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
• Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
• Garry Walberg as Lt. Monahan
• Robert Reed as Lt. Michael Kincaid
• Michael Pataki as Sonny Lavelle

Guest Cast

• Norman Burton as Boxing Commissioner
• Julie Cobb as Sheila Ross (Tommy's sister)
• Stan Ivar as Dr. Parker

Case File Summary

Victim: Tommy Ross Case #: LACC 79.02.145

Tommy Ross’s death initially ruled a car accident is revealed by Quincy to be a homicide disguised to look like a crash. The investigation exposes corruption and illegal gambling in the boxing world.

Forensic Science Insight

• Careful autopsy revealing bullet wounds masked by trauma highlights forensic pathology challenges.
• Analysis of bullet fragments matched to firearm confirms homicide despite staged accident.
• Forensic toxicology screens rule out alcohol or drugs affecting victim’s driving.
• Scene tampering detected by forensic analysis of skid marks and crash debris inconsistencies.

Application of the Quincy Episode Laws

1. **Law 1:** The episode drives Quincy to uncover the hidden truth behind Tommy Ross’s death, seeking justice for the victim against powerful adversaries.
2. **Law 2:** The story critically examines the unethical practices and corruption in professional boxing and illegal gambling industries.
3. **Law 3:** The episode addresses the controversial issue of corruption in sports with respect and depth, avoiding sensationalism.
4. **Law 4:** Medical and forensic investigations are depicted with scientific accuracy, showcasing realistic autopsy and evidence analysis procedures.

Themes & Tropes

• Corruption in Sports – exposing the dark side of boxing promotion.
• David vs. Goliath – Quincy fights against powerful, entrenched interests.
• Cover-up and Intimidation – attempts to silence whistleblowers and investigators.
• Forensic Science as Truth Revealer – detailed autopsy disproves official narrative.

Reception & Ratings

The two-part “Snake Eyes” episodes were well-received, praised for combining intense drama with social commentary on sports corruption. IMDB rates Part 1 at 7.8/10, reflecting positive audience feedback for its gritty storyline.

Trivia

• Robert Reed, famous for "The Brady Bunch," guest stars as Lt. Kincaid.
• The boxing scenes were filmed at a real gym in Los Angeles known for training professional fighters.
• The storyline was inspired by real-life cases of corruption in 1970s boxing.

Cultural Impact

“Snake Eyes” is remembered as a significant two-part arc that pushed the boundaries of TV crime drama, highlighting systemic corruption and the role of forensic science in justice.

See Also

• Quincy, M.E.
• List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
• Forensic pathology
• Boxing
• Corruption in sports
• NBC

External Links

• [IMDb: Snake Eyes, Part 1](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0684162/)
• [Quincy, M.E. episode guide on epguides.com](https://epguides.com/quincy/)
• [Quincy, M.E. fan forum discussion on “Snake Eyes”](https://www.quincyexaminer.com/forum)