Sullied Be Thy Name (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"He died of a heart attack… but the real question is who moved him—and why."
~ Lt. Monahan
Episode Overview
Sullied Be Thy Name aired on **May 6, 1977** as part of Season 2 on NBC. Quincy investigates the death of a priest discovered in a prostitute's bed.
Table of Contents
Episode Synopsis
Father Torrell, a prominent anti-pornography crusader, succumbs to a heart attack. He's found in the arms of a call girl, and Lt. Monahan—his close friend—cries foul play. Quincy confirms natural death but discovers the corpse was moved. Suspicion turns toward Charles Desskasa, a sleazy magazine publisher the priest was targeting
Plot Summary
- Quincy conducts an autopsy and declares a heart attack.
- Monahan suspects foul play and demands deeper investigation.
- Quincy uncovers signs the body was relocated postmortem.
- Quincy and Monahan confront Desskasa and associates.
- The truth emerges: a cover-up aimed to discredit the priest, not murder him.
- The real motive is revealed — aimed at character assassination, not homicide.
Main Cast
- Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
- Garry Walberg as Lt. Frank Monahan
- Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
- John S. Ragin as Dr. Robert Asten
Guest Cast
- John Saxon as Charles Desskasa
- Joseph Campanella as Jules Draper
- E.J. Peaker as Michelle
- Linden Chiles as Monsignor Banion
- Caroline McWilliams as Beverly
- Eddie Firestone as Thayler
Case File Summary
Victim: Father Torrell, Catholic priest Cause of Death: Natural (myocardial infarction) Core Mystery: Was the body moved to frame him as hypocritical?
Forensic Science Insight
- Autopsy confirms heart attack as cause of death—no toxins found.
- Analysis of body temperature and stage of rigor reveals relocation after death.
- Forensic pathology differentiates between homicide and staged scene.
Themes & Tropes
- Reputation attack vs homicide – target is framed by scandal, not murder.
- Corruption vs morality – clash between religious figures and pornographic media.
- Institutional loyalty – Monahan’s personal connection adds emotional depth.
Reception & Ratings
The episode holds a **6.9/10 IMDb** rating from over 10,000 votes :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Reviews describe it as an intriguing albeit somewhat derivative investigation of scandal and conspiracy
Trivia
- The magazine publisher Desskasa is a thinly veiled parody of Penthouse’s Bob Guccione
- Filmed in Marina del Rey, CA
- Quincy is initially resistant to reopening the investigation, a rare role-reversal with Monahan leading the questioning
The QME Episode Laws in Action
1. **Law 1 – Truth & Justice**: Quincy clarifies that no murder occurred while ensuring Torrell's integrity is restored. 2. **Law 2 – Social/Ethical Issues**: The episode grapples with media influence, privacy, and moral crusades against pornography. 3. **Law 3 – Complex Topics with Sensitivity**: Tackles religious reputations and moral hypocrisy without sensationalism, showing restraint. 4. **Law 4 – Scientific Accuracy**: The determination that the body was moved is grounded in valid forensic science, reinforcing episode credibility.
← An Unfriendly Radiance • Sullied Be Thy Name • Valleyview Season 2 Overview: Full Episode List
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Forensic pathology
- Topics: Pornography, Religious scandals in media
- NBC
- 1977 in television
External Links
- [IMDb – Sullied Be Thy Name (tt0681841)]