An Unfriendly Radiance
| An Unfriendly Radiance | |
|---|---|
| Series | Quincy, M.E. |
| Season | |
| Episode | |
| Air date | |
| Written by | |
| Directed by | |
| Guest stars | |
| Previous episode | [[]] |
| Next episode | [[]] |
An Unfriendly Radiance is the tenth episode of the second season of the American medical mystery series Quincy, M.E.. It originally aired on April 29, 1977, on NBC :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Plot
While off duty, Dr. Quincy is called when a car‑crash victim, Donald Bigelow, arrives with unusually high radiation levels in his blood. Although he sustained a head wound in the accident, Quincy’s investigation reveals that the radiation exposure preceded the crash. As Quincy probes deeper, suspicion falls on Bigelow’s companion, Ray Sanchez, initially arrested for manslaughter. Quincy uncovers a complex plot involving stolen reactor designs, corporate conspiracy, and deliberate exposure :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Cast
- Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
- John S. Ragin as Dr. Robert Asten
- Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
- Garry Walberg as Lt. Frank Monahan
- Joby Baker as Donald Bigelow
- Ronald Joseph as Ray Sanchez
- James Wainwright as Arthur Lanz
- Casey Kasem as Sy Wallace (café patron) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Themes
This episode explores themes of industrial espionage, corporate ethics, and the danger of hidden contamination. It underscores the pivotal role of forensic science in revealing crimes disguised within medical or environmental accidents :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Production
Directed by Corey Allen and written by Rudolph Borchert, “An Unfriendly Radiance” is production code 46911. The episode is noted for its detailed forensic investigation of radiation exposure and features a cameo by radio personality Casey Kasem :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Reception
Fans and critics responded positively to the episode’s scientific depth and procedural narrative. It was praised for its suspenseful plot and strong performances, particularly for bringing a real-world concern—radiation hazards—into dramatic focus :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Memorable Quotes
> **Dr. Quincy:** "Radiation doesn’t lie—and neither does the corpse." > *(paraphrased courtroom line)* > **Lt. Monahan:** "Radiation from a car crash? Doesn’t add up." > **Quincy (to a corporate exec):** "You may have stolen plans—but you also stole a life."
Legacy
“An Unfriendly Radiance” remains a standout in the series for its methodical approach to forensic pathology and corporate wrongdoing. It's regularly cited by fans as a classic example of *Quincy, M.E.* tackling timely, hard-hitting subjects through scientific detective work.