Gone But Not Forgotten (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
“That’s my favorite place to be… in the minority, standing by the evidence.” — Dr. Quincy, in Gone But Not Forgotten
Episode Overview
Gone But Not Forgotten is the 18th episode of Season 3 of Quincy, M.E. It premiered on NBC on February 17, 1978 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Quincy investigates the suspicious death of eccentric millionaire Stanley Troy, whose seemingly secure penthouse and controlled guest list mask a deadly conspiracy.
Table of Contents
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.** Though security footage and a suspect’s confession make the case appear solved, Quincy’s persistence and forensic skepticism expose discrepancies, ensuring Troy’s death is accurately investigated.
✅ **Law 2: A Quincy, M.E. story must explore the social and ethical issues surrounding the case, and particularly the struggle for justice against powerful systems.** The episode critiques business corruption and the power of corporations to influence investigations, showing Quincy pushing back against a system biased toward protecting the wealthy.
✅ **Law 3: A Quincy, M.E. story must never shy away from complex or controversial topics, but always approach them with sensitivity and respect.** Despite tackling themes of corporate malfeasance and class privilege, the narrative treats all involved with professionalism and avoids caricature, focusing on evidence and accountability.
✅ **Law 4: A Quincy, M.E. story must strive for scientific accuracy in its medical and forensic investigations.** Quincy’s analysis of wound trajectories, autopsy timelines, and surveillance blind spots highlights forensic precision—particularly the revelation that a single letter-opener wound does not match multiple suspects.
Episode Synopsis
Stanley Troy, an eccentric billionaire, is found dead in his high-security penthouse with a letter opener lodged in his chest. The only visitor recorded is Ben Mular, an ex-con with a known vendetta who confesses. Quincy, however, uncovers forensic inconsistencies in the trajectory and time of death, suspecting accomplices. He partners with newspaper editor Bert Phillips (portrayed by Joan Van Ark) to piece together Troy’s financial entanglements and corporate secrets.
Despite pressure from Troy’s corporation to conclude the case, Quincy and Bert reveal a larger conspiracy involving multiple people. Forced to prosecute as a group effort, their findings secure justice and demonstrate Quincy’s refusal to let a powerful entity obscure the truth.
Main Cast
- **Jack Klugman** as Dr. R. Quincy
- **Robert Ito** as Sam Fujiyama
- **Garry Walberg** as Lt. Frank Monahan
- **John S. Ragin** as Dr. Robert Asten
Guest Cast
- **John Colicos** as Harlan Standish (suspected conspirator)
- **Ramon Bieri** as Ben Mular (ex-convict)
- **Joan Van Ark** as Bert Phillips (newspaper editor) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- **Nate Esformes**, **Patricia Smith**, **Walter Mathews**, others in supporting roles :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Case File Summary
- **Victim**: Stanley Troy
- **Cause of Death**: Penetrating chest wound by letter opener
- **Case Type**: Homicide with multiple perpetrators
- **Investigation Findings**: Forensic evidence contradicts single-suspect scenario, implicating a conspiracy
- **Outcome**: Multiple arrests based on coordinated forensic and journalistic collaboration
Filming Locations and Exterior Footage
Location shoots around Los Angeles included Troy’s penthouse set (studio), and real-world exteriors like the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office and local newsrooms to lend authenticity to forensic and press scenes :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Forensic Science Insight
- Tracing the entry angle and depth of the prophylactic wound indicated multiple hands involved.
- Time-of-death discrepancies between witness statements and forensic timing cast doubt on initial alibis.
- Analysis of surveillance camera footage and blind spots added critical context.
- Toxicology and wound pattern examination disproved the notion of a lone killer.
Themes & Tropes
- **Corporate Cover-up** – Businesses attempting to bury evidence for reputation management
- **Journalism as Accountability** – Press plays a key role alongside forensics
- **Forensic Precision Triumphs** – Chemistry, ballistics, and pathology hold decisive sway
- **Quincy, the Outlier** – Quincy stands firm against pressure to simplify the case
Reception & Ratings
The episode was well-received by audiences and critics alike, noted for its procedural complexity and timely critique of corporate influence in the justice system :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- **IMDb rating**: 7.6/10 based on ~1,100 votes :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- **Episode Hive** listed it among Season 3’s top entries (rated 7.5/10) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Trivia
- The victim, Troy, was loosely inspired by reclusive industrialist types like Howard Hughes :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- John Colicos, known for commanding roles, played a pivotal conspirator here.
- Quincy’s collaboration with a newspaper editor marked one of the series’ few explicit media-forensics partnerships.
Cultural Impact
Gone But Not Forgotten exemplifies *Quincy, M.E.*’s unique blend of forensic science and social critique. Its portrayal of media presence in legal processes prefigured later crime dramas where forensic teams and journalists intersect to uncover deeper truths.
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Forensic pathology
- Corporate crime
- NBC
- 1978 in television
External Links
- Gone But Not Forgotten on IMDb :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- TV Guide – Quincy S3 episode list :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Quincy Examiner episode guide :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- discussion of the episode :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}