Tissue of Truth (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
'"Every breath might be your last—so we measure them all."
― Dr. Quincy, Tissue of Truth
Episode Overview
Tissue of Truth aired on NBC on October 28, 1977. Quincy races against time and diminishing oxygen supply to locate a kidnapped teenage boy buried underground after the abductor dies in a car crash. Detective work hinges on forensic clues—a half-eaten apple and oxygen consumption rates. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Table of Contents
Application of The QME Episode Laws
✅ **Law 1 – Seek truth and justice:** With the abductor dead and the boy’s location unknown, Quincy uses science to save Bobby’s life—an immediate pursuit of justice. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
✅ **Law 2 – Explore social/ethical issues:** The episode navigates the moral urgency of saving a child under life-threatening conditions, spotlighting ethical forensic decision-making. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
✅ **Law 3 – Handle complex topics sensitively:** Kidnapping, suffocation, and family trauma are portrayed with emotional depth and respect for human stakes. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
✅ **Law 4 – Forensic accuracy:** Quincy analyzes the apple core oxygen use and estimates oxygen depletion scientifically to calculate the rescue window—employing accurate forensic physiology. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
This episode exemplifies *Quincy, M.E.*’s dedication to scientific detail fused with social urgency.
Episode Synopsis
Abductor Steve Burns dies in a car crash moments after kidnapping Bobby Stoddard. With only limited clues—an apple core and a small oxygen tank—Quincy must deduce the burial site before oxygen runs out, using forensic calculations to orchestrate a successful rescue.
Plot Summary
After a ransom drop goes wrong, Bobby’s kidnaper crashes and dies, leaving no location. Quincy examines the apple Bobby ate to estimate oxygen draw, calculates burial depth, and cross-references local soil density and geography. Police dig at Quincy’s coordinates, rescue Bobby just before oxygen depletion, and reunite him with his family.
← *Death Casts a Vote* • **Tissue of Truth** • *Holding Pattern* Season 3 Overview: Full Episode List :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Main Cast
- **Jack Klugman** as Dr. R. Quincy
- **Robert Ito** as Sam Fujiyama
- **Garry Walberg** as Lt. Monahan
- **John S. Ragin** as Dr. Asten
Guest Cast
- **Steve Burns** as the Kidnapper
- **Val Bisoglio** as Danny Tovo
- **Lenka Peterson** as Mrs. Stoddard
Case File Summary
Victim: Bobby Stoddard (kidnap victim) Case #: LACC 77.10.280
Quincy calculates oxygen consumption to locate Bobby underground and prevent fatal suffocation.
Additional Victims
None.
Alleged Perpetrators
- Kidnapper (deceased) – motive: ransom.
Filming Locations and Exterior Footage
Series-used forest/glade locations for burying site—likely in Los Angeles exteriors. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Forensic Science Insight
- **Oxygen consumption analysis** from half-eaten apple used to estimate respiratory rate.
- **Burial depth and soil density** calculations inform dig site location.
- **Time-critical rescue** demonstrates applied forensic physiology under pressure.
Themes & Tropes
- **Science as salvation** – forensic methods directly save a life.
- **Child endangerment urgency** – elevates emotional stakes.
- **Analytical heroism** – Quincy’s intellect triumphs over chance.
Reception & Ratings
IMDb rating: **7.6/10**, praised as a “taut, well-written and exciting” episode and notable for its scientific edge. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Reddit Fan Commentary
> “Unlike the average episode… this one is much more scientific in nature.” > “Taut, well‑written and exciting from start to finish.” :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Trivia
- Inspired by the real-life 1968 Barbara Mackle kidnapping, where oxygen supply calculations were key. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- The apple core clue is an iconic image later referenced by fans.
Cultural Impact
An early example of forensic science used proactively to save lives. The episode has influenced later rescue dramas that rely on forensic timing and environmental analysis.
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Forensic pathology
- Kidnapping in fiction
- 1977 in television