Last of the Dinosaurs (Quincy, M.E.)

Last of the Dinosaurs
Episode title card
Series [[Quincy, M.E.]] Season 2 Episode 12 Airdate December 16, 1977 Airtime 60 minutes Runtime Production No. 30212 Writer Leonard Stadd Director Ray Danton Music by Guest Star(s) Carolyn Jones as Sybil Preston; Cameron Mitchell as Will Preston; Kario Salem, John Anderson Victim Will Preston (Western movie star) Autopsy Findings Evidence of blunt trauma; undiagnosed diabetic condition masked cause of death Network NBC Production Company Glen A. Larson Productions / Universal Television Previous Episode The Deadly Connection Next Episode Crib Job Previous Season Next Season

Quincy examining Preston’s body

Quincy examines Will Preston’s body after his untimely death

1. 1. Episode Quote

“To call this a natural death would be to insult natural law.” ~ ___Dr. Quincy___, upon discovering forensic discrepancies.

1. 1. Episode Overview

Last of the Dinosaurs—Season 3, Episode 12 of Quincy, M.E.—originally aired December 16, 1977. Quincy investigates the mysterious death of his idol, Western star Will Preston, uncovering that a seemingly natural demise masks foul play.

1. 1. Application of The QME Episode Laws

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

Quincy refuses to accept Preston’s death as natural—even a hero deserved a proper investigation. His rigorous inquiry brings the murderer to justice.

• • ✅ Law 2: A Quincy, M.E. story must explore social and ethical issues…**

[Optional law: the burden of celebrity and invasion of privacy.] Quincy navigates the pressure of public opinion surrounding a beloved icon’s death.

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

The episode highlights press scrutiny and the corrosive effect of fame on personal relationships, handled with care and insight.

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

Quincy identifies diabetic complications through forensic pathology alongside signs of blunt trauma—demonstrating medical precision and layered cause analysis.

1. 1. Episode Synopsis

Will Preston is discovered dead at home. Initial police reports indicate no foul play, but Quincy’s autopsy reveals signs of head trauma inconsistent with a simple fall. Further investigation uncovers confusing witness statements and Preston’s secret diabetic condition, complicated by an unsanctioned medical injection. Quincy and Lt. Monahan clash over interpretation until Quincy reconstructs events, exposing Preston’s assistant (guest character) as having intentionally administered a harmful dose. The episode ends with a confession and resolution through scientific proof.

1. 1. Plot Summary

Will Preston, revered Western actor, dies suddenly. Quincy observes subtle skull fracture lines and heart swelling—signs not matching initial reports. A history of diabetes and unprescribed insulin adds ambiguity. Interviewing family and staff—particularly Preston’s devoted assistant—Quincy uncovers suppressed details. Ultimately, clear forensic evidence links the assistant to an intentional overdose complicated by cover-up attempts. Science triumphs over celebrity façade.

1. 1. Episode Navigation

← The Deadly Connection • Last of the Dinosaurs • Crib Job Season 3 Overview: Full Episode List

1. 1. Main Cast

• Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
• Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
• Garry Walberg as Lt. Monahan
• John S. Ragin as Dr. Asten

1. 1. Guest Cast

• Cameron Mitchell as Will Preston
• Carolyn Jones as Sybil Preston
• Kario Salem – assisting technician
• John Anderson – family friend/neighbor

1. 1. Case File Summary

Victim: Will Preston Case #: LACC 77.12.180

A beloved actor found dead under ambiguous circumstances. Quincy’s autopsy reveals diabetic shock and head trauma, ultimately exposing foul play masked as natural cause.

1. 1. Forensic Science Insight

• Demonstrates the interplay between chronic conditions (diabetes) and acute injury in autopsy pathology.
• Highlights need to distinguish between natural illness and inflicted trauma.
• Shows Quincy’s reliance on medical logs and medication vials to trace toxic dosage.

1. 1. Themes & Tropes

• Celebrity Investigation – Celebrity status complicates evidence collection and pressure.
• Hidden Illness – Diabetic condition used as misdirection.
• Reluctant Suspect – Trust in assistant fractured by forensic findings.
• Forensic Deduction – Science unmasks motive and method.

1. 1. Reception & Ratings

Airing on December 16, 1977, the episode received positive responses for its blend of drama and science—IMDb rates it 7.3/10 :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. Critics praised its portrayal of fame clashing with forensic truth, and fan commentary noted its satisfying resolution through evidence rather than spectacle.

1. 1. Trivia

• Western star Will Preston’s home used the same location featured previously in an episode of Columbo :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
• Carolyn Jones, playing Preston’s wife, was credited here as a “Special Guest Star.”

1. 1. Cultural Impact

This episode typifies Quincy’s influence on blending celebrity culture with forensic pathology, prefiguring the modern true-crime genre’s focus on high-profile cases and scientific rigor.

1. 1. See Also

• Quincy, M.E.
• Forensic pathology
• Celebrity death investigations
• 1977 in television

1. 1. External Links

• [IMDb page for Last of the Dinosaurs]
• [Quincy, M.E. episode guide on TV.com]