Hit and Run at Danny's (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"It’s not enough to show she drank—she didn’t cause that accident." ~ Dr. Quincy
Episode Overview
Hit and Run at Danny’s aired on **March 11, 1977**. Quincy investigates a hit‑and‑run outside his friend Danny’s bar, uncovering identity fraud and bar liability under new legislation. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Episode Synopsis
At Danny’s, Quincy’s girlfriend Ginny and her friend Robbi Parker attend turtle races. Later, Robbi leaves, is abducted, then later found dead in a submerged car—linked to a hit‑and‑run that injured a local football player. Danny faces potential closure due to liability laws for serving alcohol. Quincy’s autopsy reveals Robbi had plastic surgery and no seat‑belt bruising, suggesting someone else was driving. He works to identify her true identity and expose a cover‑up. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Plot Summary
- A man is hit and seriously injured in Danny’s parking lot.
- Robbi Parker is found dead in the submerged vehicle; police assume DUI.
- Danny faces legal jeopardy under new California dram‑shop laws.
- Quincy’s autopsy reveals plastic surgery and absence of seat‑belt marks.
- Identity discrepancies and hidden passengers point to foul play.
- Quincy pieces together the truth, clearing Danny and revealing the criminal conspiracy.
Main Cast
- Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
- Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
- John S. Ragin as Dr. Asten
- Garry Walberg as Lt. Frank Monahan
Guest Cast
- Val Bisoglio as Danny Tovo
- Elizabeth Robinson as Robbi Parker / Carrie Taylor
- Carl Betz as Attorney Paul Barkley :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Jan Shutan as Ginny
- Jack Colvin as Legget
- Clyde Kusatsu as Hokaido
- H.M. Wynant as FBI Agent Maxwell
- Additional cast: Joe Maross, Renne Jarrett, Bob Minor, Martin Rudy :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Case File Summary
Victims: Robbi Parker (alias Carrie Taylor) — presumed driver; unnamed pedestrian (local football player) Cause of Death: Submersion and trauma in car wreck Core Issue: Misidentification, injury liability law, and covering a crime
Forensic Science Insight
- Autopsy shows no seat-belt bruise despite wreck—indicates fraud. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Plastic surgery results complicate identification—Quincy employs forensic anthropology.
Themes & Tropes
- Bar liability – dram‑shop law places bartender responsibility at forefront
- Identity–fraud cover‑up – hiding the victim’s true identity prolongs the mystery
- Criminal conspiracy – use of federal agents and altered IDs hints at deeper organized wrongdoing
Reception & Ratings
The episode holds an IMDb rating of **7.3/10**, with mixed reviews: praised for its forensics but criticized for being "far‑fetched" and "confusing". :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Trivia
- The turtle race scene at Danny’s became a memorable quirky opener.
- The quote from Anatole France’s *The Red Lily* is used in Quincy's dialogue. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- New California dram‑shop law provides key narrative tension.
The QME Episode Laws in Action
According to the four guiding principles:
- **Law 1 – Truth & Justice:** Quincy relentlessly works to clear Danny’s name and identify the real victim and driver.
- **Law 2 – Social/Ethical Issues:** The episode highlights bartender liability and consequences of casual alcohol service.
- **Law 3 – Complex Topics:** Addresses identity fraud, DUI laws, and conspiracy with sensitivity and clear forensic reasoning.
- **Law 4 – Scientific Accuracy:** Autopsy findings (seat‑belt bruise, plastic surgery) are grounded in realistic forensic practice.
← The Two Sides of the Truth • Hit and Run at Danny’s • Has Anybody Here Seen Quincy? Season 2 Overview: Full Episode List
See Also
External Links
- [IMDb – Hit and Run at Danny’s (tt0681790)]