Memories of Allison

Memories of Allison

Template:Infobox television episode

Memories of Allison
Series	Quincy, M.E.
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Episode
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Memories of Allison is the first episode produced for Season 6 of the television series Quincy, M.E.. Although some syndication logs list it as part of Season 7, it originally aired on NBC on October 28, 1981. The episode stars Jack Klugman as Dr. Quincy and guest stars Sharon Acker as a woman suffering from post-traumatic amnesia.

Plot

While attending a high school job fair, Dr. Quincy and his assistant Sam Fujiyama witness a woman in distress who collapses on an escalator. Hospitalized and suffering from psychological trauma, she is unable to recall her name or past. Quincy becomes personally involved in unraveling her story. As details emerge, it becomes clear that someone is trying to kill her—and that her fractured memories hold the key to a violent crime long buried.

Cast

• Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
• Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
• Sharon Acker as Allison Sirella / Mary Latham
• Garry Walberg as Lt. Frank Monahan
• Val Bisoglio as Danny Tovo
• John S. Ragin as Dr. Robert Asten
• Joseph Roman as Sgt. Brill
• Ivor Francis as Dr. Holston
• Virginia Capers – role unspecified
• Paul Picerni as Dr. Phillips
• Frank Aletter as Stuart / Hugh Boudreau
• Fritzi Burr as Maybelle
• Chris Petersen – role unspecified
• John Nolan as Bartender

Production

• Writer: Sam Egan
• Director: Georg Fenady
• Production Number: 45572
• Studio: Universal Television / MCA
• Network: National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
• Original Airdate: October 28, 1981 (Season 6, Episode 1 by production)
• Runtime: 90 minutes (broadcast slot), approx. 73 minutes actual content

This episode was a tonal departure from the usual format, incorporating psychological suspense and thriller elements more than forensic lab work.

Reception

IMDb users rate the episode 7.3/10. Critics and fans praised Acker's emotionally complex performance and Klugman's portrayal of Quincy as more personally invested than usual. The psychological tension and the unfolding memory mystery earned the episode lasting fan recognition.

Trivia

• One of the few episodes where Quincy investigates a living person rather than a postmortem victim.
• Incorporates memory repression and mental health themes.
• The Fairmont Century Plaza (2025 Avenue of the Stars, Century City) is used prominently as a filming location.
• Despite its Season 6 production, it has often been rebroadcast and cataloged as a Season 7 episode in syndication.

QME Episode Laws

This episode strongly embodies the core principles known as the QME Episode Laws, championed by Jack Klugman:

• Law 1: A Quincy, M.E. story must always seek to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victim.

Memories of Allison centers entirely on discovering a long-suppressed crime and bringing its consequences to light.

• Law 2: A Quincy, M.E. story must explore the social and ethical issues surrounding the case.

This episode highlights issues around mental health treatment, trauma, and the credibility of victims.

• Law 3: A Quincy, M.E. story must never shy away from complex or controversial topics.

The episode handles trauma and identity with seriousness and empathy.

• Law 4: A Quincy, M.E. story must strive for scientific accuracy.

It includes depictions of memory recall therapy and behavioral analysis.

External Links

• "Memories of Allison" at IMDb
• Episodes