Hot Ice, Cold Hearts (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"You don’t just find a cardiac arrest—you uncover the heart someone stole." ~ Dr. Quincy in Hot Ice, Cold Hearts
Episode Overview
“Hot Ice, Cold Hearts” is the fourth episode of Season 1 of Quincy, M.E.. It aired on NBC on **January 2, 1977**, as a 90-minute entry in the NBC Mystery Movie series. Quincy and Sam investigate a diver whose body conceals both poison and millions worth of museum-quality jewels.
Table of Contents
Synopsis
While aboard his sailboat during Independence Day celebrations, Quincy and Lee help rescue a critically injured diver found near the harbor. The diver dies en route to the hospital. An autopsy reveals a rare toxin was used to kill him—and that valuable jewels were surgically placed within the body.
The investigation uncovers:
- A jewel-smuggling ring connected to a recent Latin American museum theft
- Murder disguised as natural death via rare fish venom
- Pressure from federal agents and criminal interests
- Quincy facing physical danger amid the conspiracy
Plot Summary
The case revolves around smuggled jewels hidden inside the victim’s chest and the use of toxin for murder. Quincy clashes with law enforcement and eventually uncovers the perpetrators after surviving a stabbing attempt. His forensic work and bravery bring justice and aid in recovering the stolen gems.
← S01E03 – "A Star Is Dead" • Hot Ice, Cold Hearts • S01E05 – "Snake Eyes, Part 1" Season 1 Overview: Full Episode List
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. Robert Astin
- Joseph Roman as Sgt. Brill
Guest Cast
- Stuart Whitman as Sheriff Parsons
- Fernando Lamas as Moreno
- Robert Alda as Professor Wren
- Andrew Prine as Alex Kale
- Mariana Hill as Lisa
- Hubert Noël as Jacques
- Maria Elena Cordero as Maria
- Ron Hasson as Juan
- Patti Chandler as Ann
Forensic Science Insight
- **Toxin Identification:** Uses toxicology to detect marine venom.
- **Body Cavity Smuggling:** Shows hidden gemstones via medical surgery.
- **Forensic Emergency Response:** Quincy provides life-saving intervention.
- **Lab Work Integration:** Highlights collaboration between coroner’s office and toxicology team.
Themes & Tropes
- International crime and corruption
- Quincy confronting systemic obstacles
- Science-based justice overcoming bureaucracy
- Elevated personal stakes through physical danger
Reception & Ratings
The episode was well-received, with IMDb rating it **7.3/10**. Its exotic plot, suspense, and realistic forensic details earned praise from fans and critics alike.
Trivia
- One of the first instances in which Quincy is endangered physically.
- The jewel-smuggling concept drew from real 1970s cases.
- Fernando Lamas portrays a villain—an atypical dark role in his career.
- Robert Alda (Alan Alda’s father) appears as Professor Wren.
Cultural Impact
Hot Ice, Cold Hearts helped expand the *Quincy* universe beyond local crime to international intrigue, reinforcing the series as a pioneer in forensic crime drama.
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Forensic pathology
- Jewel smuggling
- NBC Mystery Movie
- 1977 in television