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 The Gift Next Episode Snake Eyes, Part 2 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 1

Episode Overview

Snake Eyes, Part 1 is the 12th episode of Season 3 of Quincy, M.E., first aired on NBC on February 2, 1979. This two-part episode marks a gripping story arc where Quincy investigates the suspicious death of Tommy Ross, a promising boxer whose death was initially ruled an accident. The episode highlights issues of corruption, the dark side of the boxing industry, and the quest for justice against powerful interests.

Episode Synopsis

Tommy Ross, a young boxer with a bright future, is found dead after a mysterious car crash. The official report calls it an accident caused by reckless driving. However, Quincy suspects foul play after examining the autopsy findings, which reveal multiple gunshot wounds that were carefully concealed to simulate a car accident.

Quincy teams up with Lt. Michael Kincaid, an old acquaintance, to uncover evidence of a corrupt boxing promoter, Sonny Lavelle, who may have orchestrated Tommy’s death to protect illegal gambling interests. As Quincy delves deeper, he encounters resistance from law enforcement officials and the boxing community, who prefer to sweep the matter under the rug.

Meanwhile, Quincy’s lab assistant Sam Fujiyama aids with forensic tests to expose tampering with the crash scene evidence. The episode ends on a tense cliffhanger as Quincy discovers a threatening note warning him to drop the case.

Plot Summary

Quincy performs the autopsy on Tommy Ross, finding inconsistencies that suggest gunshot wounds were disguised by staged trauma from the crash. He confronts law enforcement officials who insist on closing the case quickly. Quincy visits the boxing gym and speaks with Tommy’s coach and peers, learning about suspicious dealings and threats Tommy received.

Despite pushback, Quincy perseveres, coordinating with Lt. Kincaid to gather physical evidence from the crash site and uncover financial irregularities linked to Lavelle. Sam's forensic analysis confirms bullet fragments inconsistent with the accident scenario.

The episode closes with Quincy receiving a cryptic warning, setting the stage for the conclusion in Part 2.

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)