Snake Eyes (Part 2) (Quincy, M.E.)

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Snake Eyes, Part 2
Episode title card
Series Quincy, M.E.
Season 1
Episode 6
Airdate February 2, 1979
Airtime 60 minutes
Runtime approx. 45 minutes without commercials
Production No. 45574
Writer James D. Parriott
Director William A. Graham
Music by
Guest Star(s) Robert Reed as Lt. Michael Kincaid; Michael Pataki as Sonny Lavelle
Victim Tommy Ross
Autopsy Findings Gunshot wounds; evidence of staged accident
Network Network logo
NBC
Production Company Production company logo
Universal Television / MCA
Previous Episode Snake Eyes (Part 1)
Next Episode ...The Thigh Bone's Connected to the Knee Bone...
Previous Season
Next Season



Screencap from "Snake Eyes, Part 1" showing Quincy at the crime scene
Screencap from Snake Eyes, Part 1

Episode Quote

'"Justice isn’t just about finding a culprit — it’s about revealing the truth no one wants to see." ~ Dr. Quincy

Episode Overview

"Snake Eyes: Part 2" is the second installment of a two-part storyline in Quincy, M.E. during its second season. It originally aired on February 4, 1977.[1][2][3]

Episode Synopsis

The mysterious illness continues to spread through a hotel/casino resort, and anxious guests are trying to flee. Quincy and his colleagues must contain the situation to prevent a potential epidemic, while he races to uncover the cause—amidst growing panic and interference from mob interests.[1][4]

Plot Summary

Quincy, along with Dr. Asten, Sam Fujiyama, and others, struggle to keep resort guests calm and contained as more people fall ill. The mounting deaths push Quincy into a desperate quest to identify the source of the illness before it spirals out of control. They suspect Legionnaires' disease, but there's also concern that the outbreak may be deliberately orchestrated by criminal elements seeking to capitalize on the chaos. The urgency intensifies when the mob's interest in the resort becomes apparent—raising the stakes as Quincy must solve the mystery before catastrophe strikes.[5][4][6]


Main Cast

  • Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
  • Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
  • Garry Walberg as Lt. Monahan
  • Robert Reed as Lt. Michael Kincaid
  • Michael Pataki as Sonny Lavelle

Guest Cast

  • Norman Burton as Boxing Commissioner
  • Julie Cobb as Sheila Ross (Tommy's sister)
  • Joann Pflug as Mrs. Valarie Pines
  • Stan Ivar as Dr. Parker

Case File Summary

Victim: Tommy Ross Case #: LACC 79.02.145

Tommy Ross’s death initially ruled a car accident is revealed by Quincy to be a homicide disguised to look like a crash. The investigation exposes corruption and illegal gambling in the boxing world.

Forensic Science Insight

  • Careful autopsy revealing bullet wounds masked by trauma highlights forensic pathology challenges.
  • Analysis of bullet fragments matched to firearm confirms homicide despite staged accident.
  • Forensic toxicology screens rule out alcohol or drugs affecting victim’s driving.
  • Scene tampering detected by forensic analysis of skid marks and crash debris inconsistencies.

Application of the Quincy Episode Laws

  1. **Law 1:** The episode drives Quincy to uncover the hidden truth behind Tommy Ross’s death, seeking justice for the victim against powerful adversaries.
  2. **Law 2:** The story critically examines the unethical practices and corruption in professional boxing and illegal gambling industries.
  3. **Law 3:** The episode addresses the controversial issue of corruption in sports with respect and depth, avoiding sensationalism.
  4. **Law 4:** Medical and forensic investigations are depicted with scientific accuracy, showcasing realistic autopsy and evidence analysis procedures.

Themes & Tropes

  • Corruption in Sports – exposing the dark side of boxing promotion.
  • David vs. Goliath – Quincy fights against powerful, entrenched interests.
  • Cover-up and Intimidation – attempts to silence whistleblowers and investigators.
  • Forensic Science as Truth Revealer – detailed autopsy disproves official narrative.

Reception & Ratings

The two-part “Snake Eyes” episodes were well-received, praised for combining intense drama with social commentary on sports corruption. IMDB rates Part 1 at 7.8/10, reflecting positive audience feedback for its gritty storyline.

Trivia

  • Robert Reed, famous for "The Brady Bunch," guest stars as Lt. Kincaid.
  • The boxing scenes were filmed at a real gym in Los Angeles known for training professional fighters.
  • The storyline was inspired by real-life cases of corruption in 1970s boxing.

Cultural Impact

“Snake Eyes” is remembered as a significant two-part arc that pushed the boundaries of TV crime drama, highlighting systemic corruption and the role of forensic science in justice.

See Also

External Links

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