Valleyview (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
"When death seems too easy, medicine becomes murder."
~ Dr. Quincy
Episode Overview
Valleyview originally aired on **May 13, 1977** as part of Season 1 on NBC :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. The story examines suspicious deaths at a respected convalescent home, raising ethical and forensic challenges around euthanasia and eldercare.
Table of Contents
Episode Synopsis
An elderly man, Howard Phillips, dies in a sanatorium of an apparent heart attack. His grandson, David Phillips (Ed Begley Jr.), suspects foul play and pays for an autopsy. Quincy discovers no disease to explain the death. Soon, two more residents—a young woman and a nurse—die under similar circumstances. The trail leads Quincy to uncover a potential "mercy killer" operating under the guise of compassionate care :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Plot Summary
- Quincy performs autopsy on Howard Phillips; finds no natural cause.
- David Phillips funds investigation, citing his grandfather’s frailty.
- Two more deaths at Valleyview with no clear cause.
- Autopsy findings suggest clinical intervention rather than natural decline.
- Quincy and Asten discover assistance from staff may be accelerating death.
- The suspected mercy killer is identified; brought to justice.
Main Cast
- **Jack Klugman** as Dr. R. Quincy
- **Robert Ito** as Sam Fujiyama
- **John S. Ragin** as Dr. Robert Asten
- **Garry Walberg** as Lt. Frank Monahan
Guest Cast
- **Ed Begley Jr.** as David Phillips
- **Christopher Connelly** as Paul Colby
- **Carolyn Jones** as Nurse Grayson
- **Robert Webber** as Dr. Franklin
- **Jason Evers** as Dr. James
- **Ben Frank** as Mr. Schroeder
- **Danna Hansen** as Nurse’s Aide
- **Joan Goodfellow** as Miss Gordon
- **Anthony Eisley** as Jerry Friedman
Case File Summary
Victims: Howard Phillips; Anne Freedman; Nurse Grayson
Cause of Death: Clinical euthanasia - no natural pathology
Core Issue: Ethical violation and misuse of medical authority
Forensic Science Insight
- Autopsies revealed lack of natural disease and tampering with life-support systems.
- Repeated deaths pointed to a pattern only detectable via forensic correlation.
- Demonstrates how pathology can expose intentional medical malpractice :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Themes & Tropes
- Mercy killing – euthanasia versus homicide
- Institutional betrayal – trust in care providers turned criminal
- Family advocacy – the grandson’s role drives justice
Reception & Ratings
The episode holds an IMDb rating of **7.4/10** based on 1,131 votes :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Critics praised the blend of medical mystery and ethical inquiry.
Trivia
- Jack Klugman, Robert Webber, and Ed Begley Sr. all appeared together in the original film *Twelve Angry Men* :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- A speaker boom mic shadow is visible on lockers in one scene :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
The QME Episode Laws in Action
✅ Law 1 – Seek Truth & Justice: Quincy uncovers a pattern of euthanasia disguised as natural death and ensures legal accountability.
✅ Law 2 – Ethical/Social Issues: Raises debates over mercy killing in elder care and the moral implications of clinician intervention.
✅ Law 3 – Complex Topics: Tackles controversial euthanasia with sensitivity, emphasizing patient autonomy and injustice.
✅ Law 4 – Scientific Accuracy: Autopsy protocols and forensic indicators of intervention are depicted with realistic detail.
← Sullied Be Thy Name • Valleyview • Let Me Light the Way Season 2 Overview: Full Episode List
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Forensic pathology
- Euthanasia in media
- NBC
- 1977 in television
External Links
- [IMDb – Valleyview (tt0681873)]