Aftermath (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"We collect the bodies, but the questions must follow… or the tragedy becomes someone’s profit." ~ Dr. Quincy, in Aftermath
Episode Overview
"Aftermath" aired on NBC on **February 7, 1979** as the 16th episode of season 4. Following a passenger jet crash outside Los Angeles, Quincy and Sam oversee body identifications and uncover alarming medical and industrial concerns beneath the tragedy :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Application of The QME Episode Laws
✅ **Law 1 – Seek truth & bring justice:** Beyond identifying crash victims, Quincy digs deeper into patterns of cancer among survivors—championing the memory and rights of the deceased :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
✅ **Law 2 – Social/ethical issues vs powerful systems:** He confronts airline and insurance industry reluctance, pushing them to face the danger of transporting hazardous substances and recognizing unidentified individuals’ insurable status :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
✅ **Law 3 – Complex/controversial topics treated with sensitivity:** The show handles grief, bureaucratic indifference, and public safety with appropriate solemnity, giving each victim dignity amid procedural urgency.
✅ **Law 4 – Scientific precision in forensic pathology:** Quincy uses toxicology, pathology, and statistical patterns—tracing flammable gas exposure and a rare cancer cluster—to drive change beyond the morgue.
Episode Synopsis
A passenger jet makes an emergency crash landing outside LA. Quincy and Sam trek to the wreckage—managing victim recovery, scene integrity, and logistical chaos. Back at LACC, Quincy observes a disturbing pattern: survivors and some dead share rare cancer markers. He next examines a cargo manifest and toxicology reports, revealing the plane carried a flammable but legally permitted gas that may have contaminated air systems aboard. While airline executives brush off the findings, Quincy presses an insurance company to identify a man's remains so his widow can claim benefits. His persistence ultimately leads to expanded safety protocols for airborne substances and proper family closure.
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
- **John Larch**, **George Gaynes**, **Burr DeBenning**, **Richard Eastham** :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Case File Summary
Victims: Multiple crash victims—some with identical rare cancers Findings: Correlation between cancer and exposure to transported gas Outcomes: Airline safety concerns raised; insurance claim resolved properly
Forensic Science Insight
- Epidemiological pattern analysis across crash victims
- Cargo investigation and toxic exposure diagnostics
- Medicolegal identification for insurance and family closure
Themes & Tropes
- **Science vs corporate denial** – Quincy battles industry pushback
- **Public tragedy to systemic reform** – turning accident into awareness
- **Human dignity in death** – ensuring identification and justice
Reception & Ratings
Critics noted the episode’s unusual blend of disaster tragedy with emerging environmental and health safety concerns :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. IMDb doesn’t list specific ratings, but the story is remembered for its depth and emotional resonance.
Trivia
- Guest actors included character stalwarts John Larch and George Gaynes :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- The airline safety critique aligns with Quincy’s broader legacy advocating for preventive health legislation.
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Aircraft disaster investigations
- Epidemiology and toxic exposure
External Links
- [IMDb – Aftermath](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681752/)
- [Rotten Tomatoes – Quincy Season 4](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/quincy_m_e_/s04)
- [TV Guide – Quincy Season 4 episodes](https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/quincy-me/episodes-season-4/1000032744/)