Across the Line (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
'"Justice isn’t just about following rules. Sometimes you have to cross a line to do what’s right." ~ Dr. Quincy, in Across The Line (Quincy, M.E.)
Episode Overview
Across The Line is the 11th episode of season 7 of the television series Quincy, M.E.. It originally aired on NBC on February 21, 1982. The episode focuses on the forensic investigation of a police shooting that raises questions about the official version of events.
Table of Contents
Application of The QME Episode Laws
Across The Line exemplifies the **The QME Episode Laws**:
✅ Law 1: A Quincy, M.E. story must always seek to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victim. Dr. Quincy rigorously investigates the shooting of James W. Holloway, uncovering forensic evidence that contradicts the police report.
✅ 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 confronts issues of police accountability, institutional loyalty, and the complexities of law enforcement ethics.
✅ Law 3: A Quincy, M.E. story must never shy away from complex or controversial topics, but always approach them with sensitivity and respect. It sensitively handles the controversial topic of police use of force while presenting multiple perspectives.
✅ Law 4: A Quincy, M.E. story must strive for scientific accuracy in its medical and forensic investigations. Forensic pathology, ballistic trajectories, and gunshot residue testing are portrayed with accuracy to reveal the truth behind the shooting.
Episode Synopsis
James W. Holloway is shot and killed during a confrontation with police officers. Official reports claim the shooting was justified; however, Dr. Quincy’s autopsy reveals inconsistencies, including multiple gunshot wounds and defensive injuries inconsistent with the officers’ statements. Gunshot residue tests on Holloway's hands are negative, suggesting he did not fire a weapon. As Quincy investigates, tensions rise between police officials and the medical examiner’s office. The episode explores themes of justice, accountability, and forensic truth.
Case File Summary
- Victim: James W. Holloway
- Case #: Not publicly available
- Autopsy Findings: Multiple gunshot wounds, defensive wounds, no gunshot residue on victim's hands.
Alleged Perpetrator(s)
- Officer Carl McNeil (portrayed by John Bennett Perry)
- Other officers involved, unnamed.
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
- Joseph Roman as Sgt. Brill
Guest Cast
- John Bennett Perry as Officer Carl McNeil
Filming Locations and Exterior Footage
Authentic Los Angeles locations, including police precincts and urban neighborhoods, were used for exterior scenes.
Forensic Science Insight
- Ballistic trajectory analysis contradicted the official shooting account.
- Gunshot residue testing showed victim did not fire a weapon.
- Defensive wounds indicated a struggle prior to the shooting.
Themes & Tropes
- Justice vs. Institutional Loyalty – explores tension between law enforcement solidarity and pursuit of justice.
- Moral Ambiguity – presents ethical complexity around police shootings.
- Forensic Truth – science as arbiter in disputed cases.
Reception & Ratings
The episode was recognized for its thoughtful and early portrayal of police-involved shootings with forensic detail.
Trivia
- John Bennett Perry guest-starred as Officer Carl McNeil.
- The episode aired amid growing public discourse on police accountability in the early 1980s.
Cultural Impact
Across The Line helped pave the way for more nuanced depictions of law enforcement and forensic investigations on television.
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Police accountability
- Forensic pathology
- NBC
- 1982 in television
External Links
- [Official Quincy Examiner site](https://www.quincyexaminer.com "Visit The Quincy Examiner Official Website anytime")
- [IMDb page for Across The Line](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0684193/ "IMDb - Across The Line")
- [Quincy, M.E. episode guide on TV.com](https://www.tv.com/shows/quincy-me/ "TV.com Quincy Guide")
- [Reddit Quincy Fan Community](https://www.reddit.com/r/QuincyME/ "Reddit Quincy, M.E. Discussion")