Science for Sale (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"Medicine for cancer, but death for everyone else." ~ **Dr. Quincy**, in Science for Sale (Quincy, M.E.)
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.
Table of Contents
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**
Delves into **bioethics**, corporate irresponsibility, and human experimentation without informed consent.
- Law 3 – Quincy Must Tackle a Complex, Difficult Topic**
Explores the moral ambiguity of medical advancement versus public safety and the unforeseen consequences of biotechnology.
- Law 4 – Quincy Must Apply Forensic Science**
Uses **virology**, **pathogen tracing**, and **antibody assays** to trace contagion sources and inoculate victims.
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.
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.
Sleeping Dogs (Quincy, M.E.) • **Science for Sale** • Next Stop, Nowhere (Quincy, M.E.)
Main Cast
- Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
- Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
- Val Bisoglio as Danny Tovo
- John S. Ragin as Dr. Robert Asten
- Garry Walberg as Lt. Frank Monahan
- Joseph Roman as Sgt. Brill
Guest Cast
- Lane Smith as Dr. Carl Kellerman – lead virologist
- Suzanne Rogers as Alice McKenzie – initial patient
- Jason Wingreen as Dr. Adams – head of hospital trials
- Julie Adams as Mrs. McKenzie
- Dennis Patrick as Dr. Kellerman Sr.
- Frank Campanella as Hospital Administrator :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Case File Summary
Victim: Alice McKenzie (initial death) + secondary infected contacts Case #: LACC 82.131 Preliminary Diagnoses: Viral pneumonia, rapid organ failure 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)
- Dr. Carl Kellerman – created genetically-modified serum without appropriate safeguards
- PharmaCorp (unnamed) executives – concealed trial results to protect profits
Victims
- **Alice McKenzie** – Contracts the infection directly from serum
- **Secondary victims** – Include hospital staff and family members via contact
Pictures
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}
Forensic Science Insight
- **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
External Links
- IMDb: Science for Sale :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- IMDb overview :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Quincy Examiner episode page :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
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