A Small Circle of Friends (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"We're dealing with more than one death — we're dealing with a disease that can spread like wildfire, and these kids are sleeping in the same beds."' ~ Dr. Quincy
Episode Overview
A Small Circle of Friends is **Season 3, Episode 12** (the 49th episode overall) of the series Quincy, M.E.. It originally aired on NBC on January 18, 1979 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. In this episode, Quincy investigates the death of a young athlete at an elite prep school and uncovers a potential outbreak of penicillin‑resistant gonorrhea :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Application of The QME Episode Laws
- Law 1:** Quincy pursues not just the cause of death, but also prevention of further harm to others.
- Law 2:** The episode addresses social and ethical issues around sexually transmitted infections in youth and trust within closed communities.
- Law 3:** It handles the sensitive topic of teenage sexuality and public health responsibly, balancing drama with medical nuance.
- Law 4:** Scientific accuracy is maintained via forensic pathology around gonorrheal infection, resistant bacteria, and epidemiological tracing.
Episode Synopsis
Quincy is called in after a talented female athlete collapses and dies at a prestigious prep school. An autopsy reveals she suffered heart failure triggered by penicillin-resistant gonorrhea. Realizing the potential for an outbreak, Quincy conducts interviews and forensic testing, identifying classmates and teammates who may be carriers. Guest‑star James Keach helps portray a suspect linked to multiple exposures :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Quincy works to contain the threat and educate school administration.
Plot Summary
Dr. Quincy is summoned to the prep school when a prom‑queen‑type student dies unexpectedly. The autopsy points to complications from untreated gonorrhea—specifically a strain resistant to penicillin. Concerned about contagion, Quincy traces contacts, tests dormitory roommates, and investigates athletic team interactions. He collaborates with local public health officials to prevent further spread, confronting institutional resistance and parental secrecy. Ultimately, Quincy successfully identifies the infection’s carrier, prompting quarantine measures and educational outreach at the school.
← S04E11 • ***A Small Circle of Friends*** • S04E13 Season 4 Overview: Full Episode List
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
- **James Keach** as the suspected carrier
- **Cecilia Hart**, **Jo Ann Pflug**, **Raymond St. Jacques**, **Kathryn Leigh Scott** in supporting roles :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Case File Summary
Victim: unnamed female student, prep school athlete Case #: LACC 78.012 (placeholder)
A fatal heart complication resulting from penicillin-resistant gonorrhea. Quincy uncovers a silent but dangerous outbreak among peers.
Additional Victims
- Multiple classmates exposed to infection
- Potential future fatalities if untreated
Alleged Perpetrator(s)
- No criminal perpetrator; instead, the “perpetrator” is the asymptomatic carrier facilitating disease spread within a close “circle of friends.”
Filming Locations and Exterior Footage
Scenes were filmed on location at institutional interiors and boarding‑school style sets. Realistic dorm and medical-office footage underscores the claustrophobic risk of contagion.
Forensic Science Insight
- Autopsy reveals gonococcal endocarditis and antibiotic-resistant infection.
- Microbial culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing used to confirm penicillin resistance.
- Contact tracing mirroring real‑world epidemiological methods.
- Highlights public health challenges when common infections become treatment-resistant.
Themes & Tropes
- Epidemic in Miniature’’ – contained outbreak within a social circle
- Silence and Secrecy’’ – teens and parents reluctant to disclose sexual history
- Scientific Investigation – medical detective work solving social issues
- Institutional Pushback – school reluctant to disrupt reputation
Reception & Ratings
The episode earned a 7.4/10 rating among viewers, noted for tackling the taboo subject of antibiotic resistance and adolescent sexuality in prime‑time television :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. Though few critics reviewed the episode at the time, Quincy fan forums later cited it as courageous for its era and praised Klugman’s performance.
Trivia
- One of the earliest network‑TV dramas to feature antibiotic‑resistant bacteria as a plot device.
- Highlights public health education alongside forensic investigation.
- James Keach's guest role was widely praised in fan circles.
Cultural Impact
A Small Circle of Friends presaged later medical‑drama treatment of resistant germs and STIs. It remains notable in Quincy’s legacy for blending forensic pathology with epidemiology and adolescent social commentary.
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Forensic pathology
- Antibiotic resistance
- Public health education
External Links
- [IMDb page for A Small Circle of Friends](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681747/ "IMDb Quincy S4E12")
- [Rotten Tomatoes info on S4E12](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/quincy_m_e_/s04/e12 "Rotten Tomatoes")
- [Quincy Examiner page on this episode](https://www.quincyexaminer.com/51021-3/ "The Quincy Examiner")