EPISODE QUOTE

One way or another, your wall of silence is coming down!

~ Quincy to fraternity members in planning session
EPISODE DETAILS

Original Broadcasting Network:
National Broadcasting Company
Production Studio: Universal/MCA
Episode Production: 56835
Original Episode Airdate: May 12, 1982
Airtime: 60 minutes (actually 51 min.)
Director: Jeri Taylor
GUEST STARRING/STARRING
  • Carol Eve Rossen as Brenna Stadler
  • Robert Hogan as Kenneth Stadler
  • Timothy Patrick Murphy as Nick Stadler
  • Timothy Wead as Angus
  • Carl Freed as Bo
  • Steve Antin as Gar Wyserwitz
  • James A. Watson Jr. as Deputy DA Jim Barnes
  • Skip Homeier as Bill Ingersoll
  • Rosemary Murphy as Dr. Diana Green
RE-OCCURRING CAST

Jack Klugman as Quincy, M.E., Lynette Mettey as Lee (as Lee Potter), Garry Walberg as Lt. Frank Monahan, Val Bisoglio as Danny Tovo, John S. Ragin as Dr. Robert Astin, Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama, Joseph Roman as Sgt. Brill, the rest of the cast listed alphabetically:

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS: LACC CASE #: 82.??? – NOTES

The cause of death initially appears to be drowning due to a collegial swimming accident. However further examination and exhuming of the body reveal restraints at the wrist at the time of death (estimated to be between 12 and 4 am).

SUPPLEMENTAL L.A.C.C. CASE  NOTES – SUBSEQUENT VICTIMS

Nothing new to report at this time. No new/additional victims are known at this time. Case closed.

ALLEGED PERPETRATOR(S}

Unknown individually but collectively college hazing fraternity – best possible perpetrator at this time.

EPISODE SYNOPSIS

The episode begins with a car pulling up to a lake where two fraternity brothers, Angus and Bo, open the trunk of their car to reveal three heavily intoxicated frat pledges. The pledges, still drunk from their “drinky poos,” are instructed by Angus and Bo to swim out to a floating marker as part of their initiation. Because they didn’t finish their drinks, they must swim with their hands tied together. As they struggle in the water, one of the pledges named Gar cries for help, and another pledge, Carey Stadler, goes back to assist him. Tragically, Carey drowns in the process. Despite the efforts of frat brother Bo to revive him, Carey dies on the shore.

Sgt. Brill and Lt. Monahan notify the Stadler family about Carey’s death. However, discrepancies arise upon further investigation by Dr. Quincy’s team at the Los Angeles Coroner’s office. The time of death, the body’s position, and the location suggest that Carey’s drowning did not occur in a swimming pool but rather in a lake or pond. Quincy decides to dig deeper into the case.

Seeking guidance, Quincy visits Dean Bill Ingersoll, who asks Quincy to deliver a commencement speech at the college graduation. Quincy, hesitant due to the ongoing investigation, takes time to consider the offer. Quincy also consults with Sgt. Brill and Lt. Monahan but lacks evidence to implicate the fraternity members directly.

Quincy visits the fraternity house to confront the students and expose the inconsistencies in their story. He warns them that the evidence he’s gathering will expose the truth behind Carey’s death, potentially leading to perjury charges. An anonymous call leads Quincy to request an exhumation of Carey’s body, revealing that his wrists were tied. Quincy connects Nick Stadler, Carey’s brother, with Dr. Diana Green for counseling, helping the family deal with their grief.

As the police investigation continues, Quincy visits the police station and recognizes the anonymous voice as Gar’s. This revelation helps the police uncover more about what really happened.

The episode concludes with Quincy realizing the more significant societal issue of college hazing and its dangers. Quincy delivers a solemn commencement speech to the graduating class, reflecting on the need for change and highlighting the importance of preventing such tragedies in the future.

FILMING LOCATIONS AND EXTERIOR FOOTAGE

Local filming locations in and around Los Angeles included the City Court House, LA Police Department, and LA Coroner’s Office established for this television series along with the larger pond on the Universal Studios Backlot was featured as the pond where the victim initially drowned.


TRIVIA
  • This episode sheds light on the serious issue of college hazing and the tragic consequences it can lead to.
  • The performances of the guest stars, especially Jack Klugman and Carol Eve Rossen, were widely praised for their emotional depth and authenticity.
NIT PICKS
  • more to come
PRODUCT PLACEMENTS AND KNOWN SPONSORSHIPS
EXTERNAL LINKS

SELECTED SCREENSHOTS
PROMOTIONAL TIE-INS