Snake Eyes (Part 1) (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"He was electrocuted, all right—but someone made sure the safety was off." ~ Dr. Quincy
Episode Overview
Snake Eyes was broadcast as two separate 60 minute episodes of Quincy, M.E.. It aired on NBC on November 12, 1976, and centers on a suspicious workplace death at a Las Vegas-style casino. Initially ruled accidental, Quincy’s investigation uncovers industrial negligence and deliberate sabotage, framing the show’s enduring critique of institutional power.
Table of Contents
Episode Synopsis
A young maintenance worker at a casino is found dead near a live electrical panel. Though initial assessments point to accidental electrocution, Quincy notices inconsistencies during the autopsy—specifically, that the victim’s protective gloves had been tampered with, leaving them non-insulated. His findings lead him to question casino management and investigate possible industrial sabotage.
As Quincy pushes the investigation forward, he faces pressure from both local authorities and casino lawyers who want the matter buried. With the help of Sam Fujiyama, Quincy reconstructs the final moments of the victim’s life and traces forensic clues to prove the death was not only preventable—it was criminal. The episode concludes with a regulatory crackdown and the arrest of a supervisor involved in the cover-up.
Plot Summary
Quincy is called to a scene at the Bellpoint Casino where a worker has died in a supposed electrical accident. At first glance, the death appears to be due to carelessness around high-voltage systems. However, Quincy's autopsy reveals that the protective gloves issued to the employee were altered to eliminate insulation—ensuring fatal exposure.
Investigating deeper, Quincy uncovers a pattern of safety violations and discovers that the casino had silenced previous worker complaints. Interviews with colleagues and a whistleblowing safety officer lead Quincy to a supervisor implicated in prior OSHA citations. The gloves' modification is traced to a specific maintenance locker, tying the crime to management-level intent.
Quincy's unwavering pursuit of the truth leads to a grand jury investigation, exposing not just the immediate culprit but also the culture of negligence and intimidation that allowed the death to occur.
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
- Joseph Roman as Sgt. Brill
- Dennis Weaver as Dr. Roy Freeman
- Nehemiah Persoff as Casino Director Lou Brenner
- Joann Pflug as Mrs. Valarie Pines
- Noble Willingham as OSHA Inspector Danny Cole
Case File Summary
Victim: Unnamed electrical technician Case #: LACC-76.11.118
- Cause of death:** Electrocution via high-voltage circuit.
- Key evidence:** Modified gloves, damaged ground fault interrupter, unreported safety violations.
Alleged Perpetrator
- Lou Brenner – casino operations head who ordered the glove modifications to cut costs and suppress incident reporting.
Forensic Science Insight
- **Autopsy Clues:** Burn patterns, arc wounds, and lack of internal charring suggested premeditated tampering.
- **Safety Gear Analysis:** Gloves shown to have microscopic insulation breakdown not consistent with wear-and-tear.
- **Scene Reconstruction:** Demonstrated deliberate rerouting of electrical wiring to create unsafe conditions.
- **Expert Testimony:** Quincy explains electropathology in court, describing how electrical current exits the body through weak tissue, confirming the cause and timeline of death.
Themes & Tropes
- Workplace Accountability – highlights systemic failures in industrial safety.
- Science vs. Authority – Quincy goes against casino executives and dismissive police.
- Forensic Crusader – Quincy as protector of the working class.
- Sabotage and Corruption – shows how greed can override duty of care.
- Underdog Justice – focuses on advocating for the voiceless victim.
Reception & Ratings
Snake Eyes was praised for addressing the controversial topic of occupational death and corporate cover-up. It drew an estimated 16.2 million households during its original broadcast.
- IMDb user rating: 7.2/10 ([IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0696062/))
- Critics commended its realistic forensic detail and Klugman’s impassioned performance.
- Cited in academic texts about forensic drama evolution and media portrayals of industrial crime.
Cultural Impact
This episode remains a standout for tackling corporate negligence—a relatively rare topic in 1970s TV. It predates modern series like Erin Brockovich and Silkwood in tone and message. The use of forensic science as a tool for exposing systemic wrongdoing helped cement Quincy, M.E. as a socially conscious drama well ahead of its time.
QME Episode Laws in Action
- ✅ **Law 1: Seek the truth and bring justice** – Quincy’s autopsy uncovers sabotage, clearing the victim’s name and exposing criminal neglect.
- ✅ **Law 2: Social & ethical struggle against systems** – The episode critiques workplace safety oversight and the profit-driven decisions that endanger lives.
- ✅ **Law 3: Complex issues approached with respect** – The script treats occupational death with gravity, presenting workers' rights sympathetically.
- ✅ **Law 4: Forensic accuracy** – Scientific realism is central, including detailed electropathology, gear analysis, and expert court testimony.
Trivia
- Dennis Weaver appears in a guest role between filming for McCloud.
- Jack Klugman consulted a real coroner on electrical injuries before filming.
- The modified glove prop was based on an actual OSHA incident file from 1975.
- This episode marks the final appearance of Season 1’s title card format.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles County Coroner's Office (interiors)
- Constructed casino stage on Universal backlot
- Exterior power substation near Burbank used for final confrontation
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Forensic pathology
- Occupational safety and health
- NBC
- 1976 in television
External Links
- [IMDb – Snake Eyes](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0696062/)
- [Quincy, M.E. Episode Guide on epguides.com](https://epguides.com/quincy/)
- [Reddit: Quincy, M.E. Fan Discussions](https://www.reddit.com/r/QuincyME/)
- [OSHA Historical Fatality Reports Archive (relevant background)](https://www.osha.gov/data/fatalities)