A Matter of Principle (Quincy, M.E.): Difference between revisions
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Episode Quote
'"Principle is the compass that guides a man's actions, even when the world tries to bend him otherwise." ~ Dr. Quincy, in A_Matter_of_Principle_(Quincy,_M.E.)
Episode Overview
A Matter of Principle is the third episode of the first season of the Quincy, M.E. series. It aired on NBC on October 17, 1976. The episode explores themes of medical ethics and professional integrity after the suspicious death of a physician raises questions about malpractice and cover-ups within the medical community.
Table of Contents
Application of The QME Episode Laws
A Matter of Principle demonstrates the core values outlined by **The QME Episode Laws**, emphasizing truth-seeking, ethical complexity, and forensic accuracy.
✅ Law 1: A Quincy, M.E. story must always seek to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victim.** Quincy investigates Dr. Peter Ross's death, initially ruled an accident, ultimately revealing deliberate poisoning and a hidden conspiracy to protect reputations at all costs.
✅ Law 2: A Quincy, M.E. story must explore social and ethical issues surrounding the case, particularly struggles against powerful systems.** This episode confronts medical community politics and the pressure to conceal professional failings, highlighting ethical conflicts that resonate beyond the immediate case.
✅ Law 3: A Quincy, M.E. story must never shy away from complex or controversial topics but approach them with sensitivity and respect.** Addressing medical malpractice and professional accountability, the episode balances tension with respectful portrayal of the difficult realities in healthcare.
✅ Law 4: A Quincy, M.E. story must strive for scientific accuracy in its medical and forensic investigations.** Forensic details, including cyanide detection, toxicology reports, and autopsy findings, are presented realistically, reflecting contemporary forensic science practices.
Episode Synopsis
Dr. Peter Ross, a respected but controversial physician, is found dead in his office, presumed to have died from a fall during a medical emergency. However, Quincy suspects foul play when toxicology reveals cyanide poisoning. As Quincy digs deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of professional jealousy, unethical medical practices, and attempts to suppress damaging evidence.
Quincy's investigation is complicated by resistance from hospital administrators and medical boards eager to protect the institution's reputation. Quincy teams with Sam Fujiyama to analyze trace evidence, revealing that the poison was administered deliberately.
Tensions escalate as Quincy confronts Dr. James Quinn, a colleague with a motive to silence Ross after uncovering malpractice. The episode culminates in exposing a cover-up that risks patient safety and medical ethics for the sake of career preservation.
Plot Summary
The episode opens with the discovery of Dr. Ross’s body by a nurse, initially ruled an accidental death. Quincy, attending the autopsy, notes discrepancies inconsistent with an accident. Toxicology tests confirm cyanide presence, turning the case into a homicide investigation. Quincy faces institutional roadblocks but persists in his forensic and ethical pursuit of truth, ultimately bringing the perpetrator to justice and highlighting the dangers of compromised medical integrity.
← Go_Fight_City_Hall…_to_the_Death_(Quincy,_M.E.) • A Matter of Principle • Who's_Who_in_Neverland?_(Quincy,_M.E.) Season 1 Overview: Full Episode List
Main Cast
- Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
- Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
- John S. Ragin as Dr. Robert Asten
- Garry Walberg as Lt. Monahan
Guest Cast
- John Anderson as Dr. James Quinn
- Anne Helm as Nurse Sandra Malone
- Roy Jenson as Hospital Administrator Carl Harris
- George Wyner as Dr. Leonard Mills
Case File Summary
Victim: Dr. Peter Ross Case #: LACC 76.10.837
Dr. Ross's death was initially considered an accident, but forensic evidence uncovered cyanide poisoning, exposing a deliberate murder tied to medical malpractice cover-up.
Additional Victims
None.
Alleged Perpetrator
- Dr. James Quinn (portrayed by John Anderson) – physician implicated in administering poison to silence Dr. Ross and protect hospital interests.
Filming Locations and Exterior Footage
Filming took place at various authentic locations around Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles County Hospital exteriors and interiors, providing realistic medical settings. Scenes depicting hospital corridors were filmed on Universal Studios backlots adapted to resemble a medical facility.
Los Angeles County Hospital exterior filming location for Quincy, M.E. Universal Studios backlot hallway used as hospital corridor
Product Placement
Notable product placement includes the use of 1970s Polaroid cameras during crime scene documentation and Rexall-brand hospital supplies visible in multiple scenes, reflecting authentic period details.
Forensic Science Insight
- Cyanide poisoning detection through blood and tissue analysis reflects real-world toxicology protocols.
- Autopsy findings such as pinpoint hemorrhages and chemical residue highlight forensic pathology techniques.
- Trace evidence collection and analysis of medical equipment surface contamination illustrate investigative thoroughness.
Themes & Tropes
- Medical Ethics vs. Careerism – the tension between moral duty and self-preservation.
- Institutional Cover-up – protection of reputation at the expense of justice.
- Persistence of Truth – Quincy’s unwavering commitment to uncovering facts.
- Science as Equalizer – forensic evidence overcoming professional bias.
Reception & Ratings
The episode received commendation for its thoughtful exploration of medical ethics, supported by strong performances from the main and guest cast. IMDb user ratings average 7.2/10 for this episode. Contemporary reviews praised its engagement with complex moral questions rarely addressed on television at the time.
Trivia
- John Anderson’s portrayal of Dr. Quinn marked one of his earliest TV antagonist roles.
- The episode’s depiction of cyanide poisoning drew on consulting toxicologists to ensure scientific accuracy.
- Hospital set design incorporated real medical equipment donated by Los Angeles County Hospital.
Cultural Impact
A Matter of Principle contributed to *Quincy, M.E.*’s reputation for blending forensic science with socially relevant narratives, paving the way for future medical dramas tackling ethical dilemmas in healthcare.
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Medical ethics
- Forensic toxicology
- Los Angeles County Hospital
- NBC
- 1976 in television
External Links
- [Official Quincy Examiner page for A Matter of Principle](https://quincyexaminer.com/wiki/index.php?title=A_Matter_of_Principle_(Quincy,_M.E.))
- [IMDb page for A Matter of Principle](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074042/episodes?season=1&episode=3)
- [Quincy, M.E. episode guide on TV.com](https://www.tv.com/shows/quincy-me/episodes/season-1/)
- [Reddit Quincy Fan Community](https://www.reddit.com/r/QuincyME/)