Passing (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
'"It's not always what it seems — sometimes death is just the beginning of the story we have to tell." ~ Dr. Quincy, in Passing (Quincy, M.E.)
Episode Overview
Passing is the tenth episode of season 2 of the Quincy, M.E. series, originally aired on NBC on January 15, 1978. The episode centers on a tragic car accident that initially appears straightforward but soon unravels into a complex case involving corporate negligence and social injustice, showcasing Dr. Quincy’s dedication to uncovering uncomfortable truths.
Table of Contents
Application of The QME Episode Laws
Passing exemplifies the core principles of **The QME Episode Laws**, as championed by Jack Klugman, emphasizing forensic truth-seeking and socially conscious drama.
✅ **Law 1: A Quincy, M.E. story must always seek to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victim.** Though Ellen Warner’s death is initially accepted as a tragic accident, Dr. Quincy’s persistent forensic investigation reveals carbon monoxide poisoning likely caused by a defective vehicle part, turning a routine case into a pursuit of justice.
✅ **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 addresses corporate responsibility and the ethical failures of a car manufacturer, highlighting the challenges individuals face when confronting large institutions and systemic negligence.
✅ **Law 3: A Quincy, M.E. story must never shy away from complex or controversial topics, but always approach them with sensitivity and respect.** The episode sensitively portrays the family’s grief and the social implications of product safety, avoiding sensationalism while raising public awareness about consumer rights and corporate ethics.
✅ **Law 4: A Quincy, M.E. story must strive for scientific accuracy in its medical and forensic investigations.** Detailed autopsy and forensic pathology methods are showcased, including toxicology reports confirming carbon monoxide levels incompatible with an accident-only scenario, underscoring the show’s commitment to medical authenticity.
Together, these laws reinforce Passing as a socially conscious episode that blends forensic science with moral inquiry.
Episode Synopsis
Ellen Warner is found dead after a car accident on a foggy night, initially attributed to driver error and poor weather. Quincy is unconvinced and orders a thorough autopsy. Toxicology reveals acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Quincy investigates the vehicle, uncovering faulty exhaust system modifications linked to cost-cutting measures by the manufacturer.
Confronted with corporate denial and legal obstacles, Quincy pushes forward, working with Ellen’s family and legal advocates to expose the negligence. He faces resistance from officials who prefer to classify the case as an accident, but his persistence brings the truth to light, prompting a safety recall and sparking public debate on consumer protection.
Plot Summary
The episode begins with a routine accident investigation. At the autopsy, Quincy finds inconsistencies between expected trauma and actual cause of death. Further forensic testing detects high carbon monoxide levels, suggesting Ellen died before the crash.
Quincy visits the manufacturing plant and uncovers evidence of substandard exhaust system parts installed to cut costs. He interviews factory workers who admit to safety concerns being ignored. Backed by forensic evidence, Quincy confronts corporate executives, who attempt to cover up the issue.
Meanwhile, Quincy supports Ellen’s family, highlighting the human toll behind the statistics. In a climactic hearing, Quincy’s expert testimony leads to a recall and policy changes.
← Death Chain (Quincy, M.E.) • Passing • The Appraiser (Quincy, M.E.) Season 2 Overview: Full Episode List
Main Cast
- Jack Klugman as Dr. R. Quincy
- Robert Ito as Sam Fujiyama
- John S. Ragin as Dr. Robert Asten
- Garry Walberg as Lt. Monahan
Guest Cast
- Annabeth Gish as Ellen Warner (victim)
- Tom Reese as Plant Foreman Joe Davidson
- Lillian Lehman as Mrs. Warner (victim's mother)
- Richard Anderson as Corporate Executive Charles Benton
- Joan Pringle as Legal Advocate Karen Matthews
Case File Summary
Victim: Ellen Warner Case #: LACC 78.01.215
Initially presumed accident victim, Ellen Warner’s death is reclassified as resulting from acute carbon monoxide poisoning due to corporate negligence. The case underscores the importance of forensic autopsy in revealing hidden causes of death.
Additional Victims
N/A – single victim case.
Alleged Perpetrator
- Corporate negligence by the unnamed automobile manufacturer’s management, represented by Charles Benton.
Filming Locations and Exterior Footage
Filming took place on location in Los Angeles, including authentic roadway scenes along Mulholland Drive to depict the foggy accident site, and interiors at the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.
Mulholland Drive foggy location filming site Entrance to Los Angeles County Coroner's Office filming location
Forensic Science Insight
- Use of postmortem toxicology to detect carbon monoxide poisoning in a victim initially presumed to have died from trauma.
- Analysis of vehicle exhaust systems in relation to victim death causes, showing forensic pathology’s role in consumer safety.
- Autopsy findings demonstrate differentiation between traumatic injuries and toxicological causes of death.
- Highlights the importance of environmental and mechanical factors in death investigations.
Themes & Tropes
- Corporate Malfeasance – exposure of industrial cost-cutting at the expense of public safety.
- Truth Versus Cover-Up – institutional resistance to accountability.
- Forensic Medicine as a Weapon for Justice – scientific rigor overcoming institutional denial.
- Social Responsibility – ethical implications of manufacturing and regulation.
Reception & Ratings
This episode was well-received for tackling consumer safety and corporate accountability through the forensic drama lens. Critics praised Jack Klugman’s portrayal and the show’s dedication to realistic medical investigation.
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10 ([IMDb Passing Episode](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074042/episodes?season=2))
- Fans note the episode’s early focus on social issues beyond typical crime procedural fare.
Trivia
- This episode marked one of the earliest television portrayals of carbon monoxide poisoning in an automotive context.
- Annabeth Gish, who guest-starred as Ellen Warner, would later become known for roles in forensic-themed shows herself.
- Real vehicle experts were consulted during filming to ensure accuracy of automotive safety details.
- The foggy accident scene was filmed early morning to capture authentic atmospheric conditions.
Cultural Impact
Passing helped raise awareness of carbon monoxide dangers and corporate safety responsibilities during the late 1970s, preceding broader public discourse on product liability and consumer rights. It reinforced Quincy, M.E.’s role as a socially conscious forensic drama.
See Also
- Quincy, M.E.
- List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Automobile safety
- Forensic pathology
- Los Angeles
- NBC
- 1978 in television
External Links
- [Quincy, M.E. official fan site](https://www.quincyexaminer.com)
- [IMDb episode listing for "Passing"](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074042/episodes?season=2)
- [TV.com episode guide](https://www.tv.com/shows/quincy-me/episodes/)
- [Reddit Quincy fan community](https://www.reddit.com/r/QuincyME/)