Last Day, First Day (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"The truth can be buried for a day, but it always finds a way to rise on the next." ~ Dr. Quincy, in Last Day, First Day (Quincy, M.E.)
Episode Overview
Last Day, First Day is the 15th episode of season 5 of the Quincy, M.E. series. It aired on NBC on January 14, 1981. The episode follows Dr. Quincy as he investigates the suspicious death of Michael R. Townsend, initially ruled an accident, but whose autopsy reveals foul play involving a staged fall.
Table of Contents
Application of The QME Episode Laws
Last Day, First Day embodies the core principles of **The QME Episode Laws**:
✅ **Law 1:** The episode pursues uncovering the truth behind Townsend's death and seeks justice for the victim.
✅ **Law 2:** It tackles the social issue of workplace safety negligence and the human cost of corporate irresponsibility.
✅ **Law 3:** The story sensitively handles complex themes of grief, denial, and moral culpability without sensationalism.
✅ **Law 4:** The forensic pathology procedures shown, including detailed autopsy and toxicology tests, maintain scientific accuracy.
Episode Synopsis
Michael R. Townsend, a construction foreman, is found dead beneath scaffolding at a building site. The death is initially ruled accidental due to a fall. However, Dr. Quincy’s autopsy reveals multiple blunt force injuries inconsistent with a simple accident, along with defensive wounds indicating a struggle. As Quincy investigates, he uncovers tensions among the workers and management, hinting at possible foul play to cover up safety violations.
Plot Summary
Townsend’s death is reported as an accident, but Quincy’s examination shows signs of violence. He interviews coworkers and management, revealing a pattern of ignored safety warnings and strained relations. Quincy discovers that Townsend was preparing to blow the whistle on the company’s hazardous work conditions. After confronting company executives and navigating resistance, Quincy’s forensic findings help expose the truth: Townsend was murdered to silence him before his planned testimony. The episode concludes with the perpetrators facing justice.
← The Last Touch (Quincy, M.E.) • Last Day, First Day • Smoke Screen (Quincy, M.E.) Season 5 Overview: Full Episode List
Main Cast
- Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
- Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
- John S. Ragin as Dr. Asten
- Garry Walberg as Lt. Monahan
Guest Cast
- Harry Morgan as Dr. Stanley Feldman
- William Windom as Charles R. Bennett
- Katherine Cannon as Lisa Townsend
- James Sutorius as Michael R. Townsend
Case File Summary
Victim: Michael R. Townsend Case #: LACC 81.01.052
Victim died from multiple blunt force injuries inconsistent with an accidental fall; evidence of struggle found.
Alleged Perpetrator
- Charles R. Bennett – company manager accused of orchestrating cover-up and assault.
Filming Locations and Exterior Footage
Filming took place at a Los Angeles construction site and various industrial locations, using authentic sites to lend realism to the setting.
Forensic Science Insight
- Examination of blunt force trauma patterns to differentiate accident from assault.
- Identification of defensive wounds indicating victim attempted to resist attacker.
- Toxicology screening to rule out impairment contributing to death.
- Reconstruction of fall and injury biomechanics.
Themes & Tropes
- Workplace Negligence and Accountability – exposing dangerous labor practices.
- Silenced Whistleblower – dangers faced by those who challenge authority.
- Persistence of Truth – Quincy’s dogged determination prevails.
- Science as a Shield – forensic evidence protects the innocent and condemns the guilty.
Reception & Ratings
The episode received favorable reviews for combining a tense murder mystery with relevant social commentary on workplace safety.
Trivia
- Harry Morgan, guest starring as Dr. Feldman, later became famous for his role in M*A*S*H.
- The episode includes a brief product placement for a popular construction safety helmet brand of the era.
- Jack Klugman worked closely with stunt coordinators to realistically portray on-site investigations.
Cultural Impact
Last Day, First Day contributed to public awareness about workplace safety and whistleblower risks, reflecting early 1980s social concerns.
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Forensic pathology
- Workplace safety
- Whistleblower protection
External Links
- [IMDb page for Last Day, First Day](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0684146/ "IMDb – Last Day, First Day")
- [Quincy Examiner forum discussion](https://www.quincyexaminer.com/forum/thread_lastdayfirstday "Quincy Forum – Last Day, First Day")