Stolen Tears (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"They stole more than her purse — they stole her sight, and maybe a lot more than that." ~ **Dr. Quincy**, in Stolen Tears (Quincy, M.E.)
Episode Overview
Stolen Tears (S5E15), aired January 21, 1981. Quincy investigates a stabbing victim, Jenny Carter, left blind after a corneal abrasion and attacked during a mugging.
Application of The QME Episode Laws
- **✅ Law 1 – Truth & Justice:** Quincy refuses to accept the "random mugging" label and pursues suspects who may be part of a serial blindings ring.
- **✅ Law 2 – Ethical/Social Issues:** Highlights crimes targeting the visually impaired and critiques inadequate street policing.
- **✅ Law 3 – Complex Topics:** Addresses disability bias and the emotional trauma of sudden blindness.
- **✅ Law 4 – Scientific Accuracy:** Demonstrates forensic ophthalmology—examination of corneal fluid, eye-swab DNA, and precise wound mapping.
Episode Synopsis
Jenny Carter, a college student, is found unconscious with eye injuries. Initial police conclusions suggest a smash-and-grab robbery gone wrong. Quincy’s corneal analysis detects glass fragments inconsistent with purse-snatching. He identifies a rare service-dog allergy in Jenny’s tear samples, prompting him to look at service-dog theft/stabbings. Surveillance and fingerprint analysis lead Quincy and Monahan to connect the weapon to a recent hospital burglary, where high-value guide-dog training systems were stolen. The suspect, a disgraced vet tech with access to ocular medications, targeted blind victims for specialized equipment theft. Quincy confronts the suspect in a tense standoff; evidence results in arrest. Jenny begins vision rehabilitation with symptomatic relief.
Plot Summary
Jenny’s family contends with her sudden disability. Quincy’s scientific discovery of corneal particulates and allergic tear markers connects wounds with stolen property networks. Mobile clinic footage and empathy-driven dialogue reflect Quincy's holistic approach. The episode concludes with Quincy advocating for better protections for blind citizens and regulatory changes in ocular drug distribution.
← The Night Killer (Quincy, M.E.) • **Stolen Tears** • Stain of Guilt (Quincy, M.E.) Season 5 Overview: Full Episode List
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
- **Kristy McNichol** as Jenny Carter
- **Michael Horton** as Tom Carter (father)
- **Diana Muldaur** as Nurse Harper
- **John Getz** as vet tech suspect
- Additional victims and clinic staff
Case File Summary
- Victim:** Jenny Carter
- Case #:** LACC 81.01.305
Initial corneal abrasion ruled accidental. Quincy’s ocular forensic exam reveals intentional stabbing by entry of glass and drug residue.
Alleged Perpetrator(s)
- **Unnamed vet tech** – stole ocular medicine and service-dog equipment; assaulted visually impaired to facilitate thefts.
Filming Locations & Exterior Footage
Urban Los Angeles street exteriors and a rehab clinic set were filmed on Universal backlot. Hospital scenes recreated in Universal medical wing.
Forensic Science Insight
- Utilizes slit-lamp microscopy to detect embedded glass and drug residues.
- Examination of tear-film allergens for potential allergen-drug markers.
- Demonstrates chain-of-custody protocols for ocular evidence and sterile swabs.
Themes & Tropes
- **Vulnerable populations at risk** – crime specifically targeting disabled persons.
- **Medical-device crimes** – theft and misuse of specialized medical gear.
- **Empathy through science** – Quincy highlights patient trauma beyond physical wounds.
Reception & Ratings
Praised by viewers for sensitive handling of disability and realistic forensic detail. IMDb rating: 7.5/10. Disability rights groups referenced the episode in newsletters.
Trivia
- Kristy McNichol earned commendation for a dramatic guest appearance.
- Episode prompted public awareness in California on service-dog theft incidents.
Cultural Impact
Raised national attention to visually impaired citizens’ vulnerability; influenced local law enforcement policies and service-dog protection measures.
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Ocular trauma
- Forensic ophthalmology
- Disability rights
- Service dogs
External Links
- [Stolen Tears IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681951/ "IMDb page for 'Stolen Tears'")