New Blood (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"You'd think someone with that much power wouldn't leave things to chance—but death rarely plays fair." ~ Dr. Quincy, in New Blood (Quincy, M.E.)
Episode Overview
New Blood is episode 18 of season 5 of Quincy, M.E., originally aired on NBC on February 28, 1980 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Quincy, reluctantly stranded on forced leave, assists Dr. McCracken when the mysterious death of a prominent congressman draws public scrutiny.
Table of Contents
Application of The QME Episode Laws
New Blood demonstrates the four QME Episode Laws:
✅ **Law 1:** Quincy seeks truth and justice—he intervenes despite being sidelined to uncover foul play. ✅ **Law 2:** The episode scrutinizes political privilege and pressure, highlighting ethical tensions when power protects its own. ✅ **Law 3:** Politically-charged issues around a congressman's death are handled sensitively amid public and media attention. ✅ **Law 4:** Scientific rigor prevails: Quincy's forensic analysis of fall trauma challenges the official accident ruling. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Episode Synopsis
While on a mandated vacation by Dr. Asten, Quincy learns of Congressman Laurence Bridges's fatal fall down stairs in his office. Dr. McCracken, the temporary pathologist, declares it accidental. Quincy, unconvinced by the quick ruling, investigates.
Quincy meticulously reviews autopsy findings—bruise patterns, impact angles, and bone fractures—spotting inconsistencies with a pure accident. He collaborates reluctantly with McCracken, refining a hypothesis of foul play. Political aides and the press demand a clean conclusion, but Quincy’s evidence suggests otherwise.
Facing resistance, Quincy pressures authorities for re-opening the case. Eventually, his forensic presentation convinces investigators the congressman may have been pushed, ensuring a full inquiry.
Plot Summary
Quincy starts on vacation after friction with Asten. Meanwhile, McCracken handles Bridges's case with limited scrutiny. Quincy returns, analyzes autopsy results, and uncovers signs—e.g., contusions inconsistent with a staircase fall and hemorrhaging suggesting lateral impact.
He confronts McCracken and political staff, navigating bureaucratic pushback. Leveraging forensic evidence and medical charts, Quincy forces a reinvestigation, casting doubt on the official cause.
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
- Beverly Adams as Dr. McCracken
- Jane Wyatt (uncredited)
- Dennis Haysbert as Lab Assistant :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Case File Summary
Victim: Congressman Laurence Bridges Case #: LACC S5E18
A fall down office stairs initially ruled accidental is reclassified as possible homicide after Quincy’s forensic intervention.
Additional Victims
- None.
Alleged Perpetrators
- Unknown—case reopened based on chance of being pushed.
Filming Locations
Shot on studio sets in Los Angeles, with mock office interiors. Exterior establishing shots of government buildings may represent actual DC or LA landmarks.
Forensic Science Insight
- Analysis of hemorrhaging and bone fractures inconsistent with accidental falls.
- Determination of lateral impact force suggests pushing.
- Emphasis on methodical autopsy review as a tool to override political pressure.
Themes & Tropes
- **Political Power vs Forensic Truth** – Quincy challenges official statements under public pressure.
- **Reluctant Hero on Leave** – Despite vacation, Quincy intervenes ethically.
- **Scientific Evidence over Assumption** – Forensics overrides quick, simple narrative.
Reception & Legacy
Critically, the episode was noted for integrating forensic science with political intrigue. Viewers applauded Quincy’s persistence and ethical stance in high-stakes circumstances. While specific ratings aren't available, fan retrospectives praise Beverly Adams’s guest turn and Dennis Haysbert’s early appearance :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Trivia
- An early guest appearance for Dennis Haysbert, who later rose to prominence in film and television :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Beverly Adams plays Dr. McCracken, marking one of few female pathologist roles in the series.
- The episode’s politically charged subject matter mirrored real-world concerns of 1980.
Cultural Impact
While not as widely cited as some franchise entries, New Blood exemplifies Quincy’s blend of forensics and social relevance, influencing future procedurals that challenge institutional narratives.
Behind the Scenes
"New Blood" (originally titled “A Woman’s Place”) was Jeri Taylor’s first script for *Quincy, M.E.*. The episode features Quincy on a forced vacation and introduces a younger female medical examiner as his temporary replacement. Taylor’s pitch was bought by story editor Sam Egan, leading to her long-term involvement with the series. Ref: Steven Bowie @ https://classictvhistory.wordpress.com/
See Also
External Links
- IMDb – New Blood :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- New Blood on TMDB :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Rotten Tomatoes – New Blood :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- New Blood on DirecTV :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}