Even Odds (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
“They thought they could silence me with a gun—well, I’m not so easy to kill.”
~ **Dr. Quincy**
Episode Overview
Even Odds (S3 E6) originally aired on NBC on November 9, 1978. During a robbery-homicide investigation, Quincy is shot and critically wounded by the fleeing suspect. While Quincy lies unconscious, Sam, Asten, and Lt. Monahan must carry his forensic lead—and after Quincy recovers, the team races to match bullet evidence to bring the perpetrator to justice. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Application of The QME Episode Laws
Even Odds exemplifies all four **QME Episode Laws**:
✅ Law 1 – Uncover Truth & Bring Justice Despite being shot, Quincy insists his own case proceed—so injuries don’t block justice. His determination ensures the shooter is found using forensic ballistics, giving voice to his own near-death experience and the victim of robbery.
✅ Law 2 – Explore Social & Ethical Issues The episode examines gun violence and its unpredictability, as well as the moral implications of violence against first responders. Quincy’s wounding becomes a lens for examining societal fear and accountability.
✅ Law 3 – Tackle Complex Topics with Sensitivity The storyline remains respectful of trauma, illustrating the psychological and physical cost of violence without sensationalism, maintaining empathy for Quincy and the broader community.
✅ Law 4 – Scientific Accuracy Accurate forensic ballistics testing saves the case—pattern matching the bullet from Quincy’s shoulder to the suspect's firearm, with chain-of-custody details emphasized in lab and courtroom sequences.
Episode Synopsis
Quincy investigates a downtown convenience-store robbery turned murder. As he analyzes evidence, a fleeing suspect (Fred Ward) opens fire, striking Quincy in the shoulder. He is rushed to surgery. While Quincy recovers, Sam, Dr. Asten, and Lt. Monahan process the crime scene and recover the murder weapon.
Upon regaining consciousness, Quincy insists on reviewing the ballistic findings himself. The team confirms the bullet in Quincy’s X-ray matches the recovered weapon. Quincy uses this proof to confront the suspect, who is hiding under an alias. The confrontation culminates in an arrest where Quincy’s resilience is as vital as the ballistics in securing conviction.
Plot Summary
A medical examiner becomes a crime victim—but his determination, supported by forensic science and teamwork, transforms personal violence into a push for accountability and public safety.
Main Cast
- **Jack Klugman** as Dr. R. Quincy
- **Robert Ito** as Sam Fujiyama
- **Garry Walberg** as Lt. Frank Monahan
- **Val Bisoglio** as Danny Tovo
- **John S. Ragin** as Dr. Asten
Guest Cast
- **Fred Ward** as armed suspect
Case File Summary
Case #: 78‑ROBB‑11 Victims: Robbery victim, Quincy (wounded) Key Evidence: Ballistic match between bullet fragment in Quincy and suspect's revolver Outcome: Shooter arrested and charged; Quincy’s recovery underscores resilience and procedure
Forensic Science Insight
- Shows accurate chain-of-custody: bullet fragment extracted from wound is matched in lab
- Demonstrates use of comparative ballistics and firearms identification
- Includes X-ray visualization of the bullet lodged in Quincy’s shoulder
Themes & Tropes
- **Violence Against Authority** – Quincy's shooting raises stakes for professional vulnerability
- **Science as Justice** – Ballistics science solves what eyewitnesses cannot
- **Trauma and Resilience** – Quincy’s recovery represents both personal and procedural victory
- **Team Collaboration** – While Quincy is incapacitated, his team steps up
Reception & Ratings
Though not widely reviewed, fans note the episode for its intense personal stakes—Quincy’s shooting being rare among procedurals of the era. IMDb and Trakt report ratings around **7.6/10** :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Trivia
- Guest actor **Fred Ward**, later known for rugged film roles, appears here in one of his earliest TV parts :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- This is the only *Quincy* episode where Dr. Quincy is shot and treated as a patient—underscoring unique personal jeopardy.
See Also
External Links
- [IMDb: “Even Odds”](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681777/)
- [Rotten Tomatoes Season 4 summary](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/quincy_m_e_/s04/e06)
- [Quincy Examiner fan page](https://www.quincyexaminer.com/wiki/index.php?title=Even_Odds)