The Final Gift (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"Why, after surviving a crash like that, did he end up dying of poison? That’s what I want to know." ~ Dr. Quincy, in The Final Gift (Quincy, M.E.)
Episode Overview
The Final Gift is the twentieth episode of Season 5 of Quincy, M.E., originally aired March 20, 1980 on NBC. The episode follows Quincy as he investigates the death of a crash survivor, ultimately uncovering arsenic poisoning and the possibility of foul play.
Table of Contents
Application of The QME Episode Laws
✅ Law 1: A Quincy, M.E. story must always seek to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victim. Quincy questions the seemingly accidental death of his friend and discovers it was not caused by trauma but by deliberate poisoning.
✅ Law 2: A Quincy, M.E. story must explore the social and ethical issues surrounding the case, and particularly the struggle for justice against powerful systems. The episode touches on themes of trust, sabotage, and hidden motives behind workplace relationships and accidents.
✅ Law 3: A Quincy, M.E. story must never shy away from complex or controversial topics, but always approach them with sensitivity and respect. This episode deals with the emotional impact of surviving trauma, only to be victimized in a more sinister way.
✅ Law 4: A Quincy, M.E. story must strive for scientific accuracy in its medical and forensic investigations. Quincy uses toxicological analysis to uncover the presence of arsenic in the bloodstream, exemplifying the series’ commitment to forensic science.
Episode Synopsis
After a small cargo plane crashes, one of the injured survivors, Quincy’s friend Charlie, appears to be recovering. However, another survivor, Max, dies suddenly in the hospital. Suspecting something unnatural, Quincy performs an autopsy and discovers arsenic poisoning. His investigation points toward foul play and a hidden motive behind the tragedy.
Plot Summary
Quincy is pulled into the case when a crash victim, whom he knows personally, dies mysteriously after initially surviving. While doctors suspect internal injuries, Quincy insists on a full post-mortem. Toxicological reports confirm his suspicion: the cause of death is arsenic poisoning. As Quincy digs deeper, he begins to unravel a twisted motive involving professional jealousy and betrayal. The tragic accident becomes the perfect cover for murder—until Quincy applies pressure and reveals the truth.
← T.K.O. (Quincy, M.E.) • The Final Gift • Deadly Arena (Quincy, M.E.) Season 5 Overview: Full Episode List
Main Cast
- Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
Guest Cast
- Joseph Campanella as Charlie
- Ellen Bry as Max
- (Other guest cast: Unknown or uncredited)
Case File Summary
Victim: Max (survived plane crash, died afterward) Case #: LACC 80.03.202
Max's death was initially attributed to internal trauma from the crash. However, Dr. Quincy’s toxicology analysis uncovered arsenic poisoning, which revealed a homicide masked as accidental death.
Additional Victims
None identified in this episode.
Alleged Perpetrator(s)
- Identity not definitively confirmed in public summaries; likely someone close to the victim with access to his food or medical supplies.
Filming Locations and Exterior Footage
- Studio and backlot production by Universal Television
- No confirmed on-location scenes known
Forensic Science Insight
- Detection of arsenic post-mortem illustrates the importance of toxicology in suspicious deaths.
- Quincy’s insistence on further tests even after presumed natural causes reinforces the show's scientific integrity.
- Highlights limitations of visual trauma diagnostics without full laboratory support.
Themes & Tropes
- Tragedy as Cover – The use of an unrelated disaster to conceal murder.
- Forensic Revelation – Clues hidden in bloodwork and chemistry solve the case.
- Emotional Stakes – Quincy’s personal connection elevates the urgency of the case.
- Silent Killers – Poison as an undetectable method of murder.
Reception & Ratings
- IMDb rating: 8.0/10 (IMDb)
- Fans regard the episode as a clever twist on the "accidental death" trope.
- Praised for its emotional tension and scientific depth.
Trivia
- This is one of the few episodes where Quincy personally knows the victim.
- The episode shares thematic similarities with later crime dramas such as CSI and Bones.
- Ellen Bry would later appear in other TV crime procedurals.
Cultural Impact
The Final Gift contributes to the legacy of Quincy, M.E. as one of television’s earliest and most thoughtful forensic dramas. It balances personal loss with scientific discovery and reinforces the show’s commitment to truth and justice through methodical investigation.