To Kill in Plain Sight (Quincy, M.E.)
| To Kill In Plain Sight | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Episode Quote
'"Justice is not about what you see on the surface. It’s about what’s hidden in plain sight." ~ Dr. Quincy, in To Kill In Plain Sight (Quincy, M.E.)
Episode Overview
To Kill In Plain Sight is the 22nd episode of the fifth season of the forensic crime drama series Quincy, M.E.. It originally aired on NBC on April 5, 1979. The episode follows Dr. Quincy as he investigates a suspicious death initially ruled a suicide but later uncovered as a murder cleverly disguised to evade detection.
Table of Contents
Application of The QME Episode Laws
To Kill In Plain Sight exemplifies the guiding principles of the **QME Episode Laws**:
✅ **Law 1:** The episode pursues the truth behind the apparent suicide of Susan Wagner, striving to bring justice to a victim whose death was nearly obscured by deception.
✅ **Law 2:** It explores social issues related to domestic abuse and the challenges faced by victims in seeking help, highlighting the ethical dimensions of the investigation.
✅ **Law 3:** The narrative handles delicate topics such as suicide staging and manipulation with sensitivity and respect, avoiding sensationalism.
✅ **Law 4:** The episode emphasizes scientific accuracy in autopsy and forensic pathology, including gunshot analysis and toxicology reports.
Together, these elements reinforce *Quincy, M.E.*'s hallmark of socially conscious storytelling grounded in rigorous forensic science.
Episode Synopsis
Susan Wagner is found dead in her apartment, the scene suggesting suicide by gunshot. However, Dr. Quincy’s autopsy reveals inconsistencies, including a sedative overdose and unusual gunshot residue patterns. As Quincy digs deeper, he uncovers evidence that Susan’s death was staged to look like suicide by someone close to her. Quincy navigates institutional resistance and attempts at cover-up to expose the true killer.
Plot Summary
The episode opens with the discovery of Susan Wagner’s body, with police closing the case as suicide. Dr. Quincy, however, notices that toxicology reports reveal unusually high sedative levels, which, combined with ballistic inconsistencies, cast doubt on the ruling. Quincy investigates Susan’s personal life and finds signs of domestic trouble and threats from her estranged husband.
With the help of Lt. Monahan and Sam Fujiyama, Quincy uncovers hidden evidence including a misfired weapon and forensic traces suggesting someone else fired the fatal shot. The episode climaxes with a confrontation that reveals the perpetrator’s attempt to kill Susan in plain sight while making it appear self-inflicted.
← S05E21 – "The Only One Who Really Knew" • To Kill In Plain Sight • S05E23 – "One More Day" Season 5 Overview: Full Episode List
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
- Joseph Roman as Sgt. Brill
Guest Cast
- Stefanie Powers as Susan Wagner
- Additional guest stars portray police officers, family members, and witnesses.
Case File Summary
Victim: Susan Wagner Case #: LACC 79.04.195
Susan Wagner’s death was initially classified as suicide by gunshot. Autopsy findings and forensic inconsistencies led Dr. Quincy to uncover evidence pointing to homicide staged to appear self-inflicted.
Alleged Perpetrator
- Estranged husband (unnamed in episode) – responsible for staging Susan’s death.
Filming Locations and Exterior Footage
Authentic Los Angeles locations were used for exterior shots, including residential neighborhoods and the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.
Entrance to Los Angeles County Coroner's Office filming location Typical Los Angeles residential area used in filming
Forensic Science Insight
- Detailed ballistics examination highlighting gunshot residue patterns and firearm mechanics.
- Toxicology reports revealing sedative overdose contributing to victim incapacitation.
- Autopsy analysis demonstrating wound trajectories inconsistent with self-inflicted injuries.
- Use of fingerprint and trace evidence to challenge the initial ruling.
Themes & Tropes
- Domestic Violence and Abuse – underscoring the hidden dangers victims face.
- Staged Crime Scenes – exploring methods criminals use to mislead investigators.
- Persistence of Truth – Quincy's unwavering commitment to justice.
- Institutional Challenges – conflicts with police assumptions and administrative pressures.
Reception & Ratings
The episode was praised for its gripping narrative and strong performances, particularly by Stefanie Powers. The forensic details and sensitive handling of domestic abuse were noted as standout elements. IMDb user rating approximates 7.3/10.
Trivia
- Stefanie Powers was known for her later role in Hart to Hart and brought emotional depth to this guest role.
- The episode’s title reflects the deceptive nature of the crime being visible yet unnoticed.
- Several forensic techniques shown were cutting-edge for 1979 television.
Cultural Impact
To Kill In Plain Sight contributed to raising awareness about domestic abuse and the importance of forensic scrutiny in suspicious deaths. It reinforced *Quincy, M.E.*'s reputation as a pioneering forensic drama with social consciousness.
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Forensic pathology
- Domestic violence
- NBC
- 1979 in television
External Links
- [IMDb page for To Kill In Plain Sight](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681865/ "IMDb Quincy, M.E. Episode To Kill In Plain Sight")
- [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")