By Their Faith (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"Faith can heal many things—but science must still determine who and how we truly help." ~ Dr. Quincy, in By Their Faith
Episode Overview
By Their Faith aired on NBC on **January 7, 1981**, as the seventh episode of Season 6. Dr. Quincy and Sam are sent to San Ramos, Mexico, where a young girl is believed to heal the sick by channeling the powers of a saint’s buried bones. But when a boy dies after one such visit, Quincy must determine if science—or faith—is behind the phenomenon.
Application of The QME Episode Laws
✅ **Law 1: Uncover truth and justice** Quincy investigates the death using toxicology, rejecting superstition in favor of scientific fact.
✅ **Law 2: Explore social and ethical issues** The episode examines blind belief in miracles, contrasting it with the need for medical accountability and media ethics.
✅ **Law 3: Handle complex topics with sensitivity** While the story critiques unproven faith healing, it respectfully portrays the villagers' beliefs and their need for hope.
✅ **Law 4: Demonstrate scientific accuracy** Quincy’s radiocarbon dating of bones and toxic soil analysis ground the episode firmly in real forensic science.
Episode Synopsis
A young girl is hailed as a faith healer in San Ramos after she leads people to a cave containing what are believed to be the bones of a saint. When a boy dies after receiving her "healing," the archbishop calls Quincy for an objective autopsy. Quincy and Sam travel to the site and begin to suspect that the so-called miracles may be the result of natural—or dangerous—causes. They discover toxic heavy metals in the cave soil, likely absorbed through skin contact, explaining the illnesses and deaths. Quincy urges the church to shut down the site and redirect followers toward proper medical treatment. Meanwhile, he challenges a tabloid journalist for spreading misinformation that endangered lives.
Main Cast
- Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
- Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
- John S. Ragin as Dr. Robert Asten
- Val Bisoglio as Danny Tovo
- Garry Walberg as Lt. Frank Monahan
- Joseph Roman as Sgt. Brill
Guest Cast
- René Enríquez
- Gino Conforti
- Ian Abercrombie
- Joaquín Martínez
- Jeff Pomerantz
- Jean Gilpin
Case File Summary
Victim: Male patient (minor), deceased after cave visit Cause of Death: Heavy-metal toxicity from cave environment Scientific Evidence: Autopsy, toxicology screen, radiocarbon dating of skeletal remains Outcome: Shrine closed, media accountability emphasized
Forensic Science Insight
- **Toxicology** identified dangerous levels of lead and arsenic in the cave environment.
- **Radiocarbon dating** proved the “saintly” bones were centuries old but not miraculous.
- **Environmental forensic analysis** showed geological contamination as the source of the “miraculous” effect.
Themes & Tropes
- **Science vs. Faith** – balancing religious belief with scientific evidence
- **Journalistic Ethics** – dangers of sensationalism in life-or-death situations
- **Cultural Sensitivity** – respect for tradition while protecting public health
- **Forensic Pathology as Justice** – science uncovers truth even in sacred places
Reception & Ratings
Though not widely reviewed, By Their Faith is often remembered for its unique blend of science and spiritual inquiry. It’s praised by Quincy fans for addressing difficult issues with intelligence and empathy.
- IMDb user rating: 7.2/10 ([IMDb – By Their Faith](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681760/))
- Rotten Tomatoes: Listed under Season 6, praised for unique subject matter ([Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/quincy_m_e_/s06/e07))
Trivia
- One of the few Quincy episodes shot partially on location outside Los Angeles.
- The use of radiocarbon dating was among the most scientifically advanced topics depicted in the series at the time.
- This episode’s moral message was cited in medical ethics discussions at UCLA in the early 1980s.
Cultural Impact
By Their Faith marked a rare network TV attempt in the early '80s to merge themes of religion, folklore, and forensic medicine. It exemplifies how *Quincy, M.E.* tackled public misconceptions and offered scientifically grounded, socially responsible storytelling.
← Welcome to Paradise Palms • By Their Faith • Stain of Guilt Season 6 Overview: Full Episode List
See Also
External Links
- [IMDb – By Their Faith](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681760/)
- [Rotten Tomatoes – Season 6, Episode 7](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/quincy_m_e_/s06/e07)
- [Quincy Examiner Fan Wiki](https://quincyexaminer.com/wiki)