The Law Is a Fool (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
'"If the law isn’t just, it can be a fool — and the innocent suffer." ~ Quince in The Law Is a Fool (Quincy, M.E.)
Episode Overview
The Law Is a Fool is the 11th episode of the seventh season of the American TV series Quincy, M.E.. It originally aired on NBC on January 5, 1983. The episode features a kidnapping case involving the granddaughter of a former Congressman and explores psychological manipulation and the legal system’s challenges.
Table of Contents
Application of The QME Episode Laws
The Law Is a Fool exemplifies the **The QME Episode Laws**, foundational to the series narrative framework.
✅ Law 1: A Quincy, M.E. story must always seek to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victim. Dr. Quincy relentlessly pursues the truth behind the kidnapping and the manipulative tactics of the perpetrator, fighting to protect the innocent child.
✅ Law 2: A Quincy, M.E. story must explore social and ethical issues, particularly struggles against powerful systems. The episode confronts the challenges posed by legal loopholes and the manipulative mindsets that exploit justice systems.
✅ Law 3: A Quincy, M.E. story must never shy away from complex or controversial topics but approach them with sensitivity. The psychological dimensions of the kidnapper’s behavior and the emotional toll on the family are handled thoughtfully.
✅ Law 4: A Quincy, M.E. story must strive for scientific accuracy in its medical and forensic investigations. Forensic science is integral in profiling the perpetrator and unraveling the case.
Together, these principles reinforce the series' commitment to truthful, socially conscious, and scientifically grounded storytelling.
Episode Synopsis
In The Law Is a Fool, a 7-year-old girl is kidnapped by a narcissistic psychopath who threatens that her death will be "Divine Retribution," blaming her grandfather, a former Congressman, and Dr. Quincy for her fate. Quincy applies his forensic skills and psychological insight to navigate the complex case and save the child.
Case File Summary
- Victim:
- Case #:
- Autopsy Findings:
Alleged Perpetrator(s)
- — A narcissistic individual responsible for the kidnapping and psychological manipulation.
Main Cast
- Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
- Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
- Garry Walberg as Lt. Frank Monahan
- John S. Ragin as Dr. Robert Asten
- Joseph Roman as Sgt. Brill
- Val Bisoglio as Danny Tovo
- Lew Ayres as Professor
Filming Locations and Exterior Footage
Local filming locations in and around Los Angeles included the City Courthouse, Los Angeles Police Department, and Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, lending authenticity to the series' visuals.
Forensic Science Insight
- The episode realistically portrays psychological manipulation and the challenges of legal exploitation.
- Dr. Quincy's forensic expertise is key in analyzing evidence and profiling the perpetrator.
Themes & Tropes
- Psychological Manipulation — Exploration of the kidnapper’s narcissistic tactics.
- Legal Loopholes — Challenges in securing justice within a flawed legal system.
- Forensic Expertise — Emphasizes the role of scientific analysis in crime solving.
Reception & Ratings
- The episode was positively received for its psychological depth and engaging story.
- IMDb rating: ([IMDb page](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681859/))
Trivia
- Lew Ayres, famous for earlier classic film roles, guest stars as a law professor.
- The episode marked a deeper psychological exploration in the series' final season.
Cultural Impact
The Law Is a Fool contributed to the evolving crime drama genre by highlighting the intersection of forensic science and psychology.
See Also
External Links
- [Official Quincy, M.E. website](https://www.quincyexaminer.com "Visit The Quincy Examiner Official Website anytime")
- [IMDb page for The Law Is a Fool](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681859/ "IMDb Quincy Episode")
- [Quincy, M.E. episode guide on TV.com](https://www.tv.com/shows/quincy-me/ "TV.com Quincy Guide")
- [Reddit Quincy Fan Community](https://www.reddit.com/r/QuincyME/ "Reddit Quincy, M.E. Discussion")