Memories of Allison (Quincy, M.E.)
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Episode Quote
“Her memories are the key—if we ignore them, we miss her truth.” ~ **Dr. Quincy**
Episode Overview
Memories of Allison (S7 E1) first aired on NBC on October 28, 1981. Quincy encounters a traumatized woman suffering from post‑traumatic amnesia at a job fair. As he helps her piece together her identity, it's revealed someone is targeting her—turning memory recovery into a life‑or‑death forensic puzzle. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Application of The QME Episode Laws
This episode robustly demonstrates the **QME Episode Laws**:
✅ Law 1 – Uncover truth & bring justice Quincy unravels the suppressed crime by using Allison’s fragmented memories to expose the attacker, securing justice for her—despite her survival. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
✅ Law 2 – Explore social & ethical issues It examines trauma, amnesia, and the struggle for personal identity under threat—highlighting the responsibility of society and law enforcement to protect vulnerable survivors.
✅ Law 3 – Handle complex topics sensitively Psychological trauma and memory loss are treated with compassion; Allison is portrayed with dignity and empathy, not exploitation. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
✅ Law 4 – Scientific accuracy in forensics The episode realistically portrays memory recovery techniques, psychological evaluation, and crime linkage using behavioral forensics—not just dead bodies. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Episode Synopsis
At a high school job fair, Quincy and Sam observe Allison Sirella collapse after fleeing an unseen threat. She’s hospitalized with amnesia. Quincy investigates: hospital staff confirm no physical cause; psychological evaluation suggests deep trauma. Suddenly, an assassin attempts to kill Allison in her hospital room—forcing Quincy to act.
Through guided recall sessions, Quincy and behavioral profiling reveal Allison’s real name is Mary Latham. Piecing together clues from her fragmented flashbacks, they trace a crime hidden in her past. Confronting the perpetrator leads to Allison’s rescue and legal protection, completing a forensic case without an autopsy.
Plot Summary
A living victim becomes the centerpiece of a forensic case: unveiling suppressed memories, identifying the assailant, and preventing her murder. Quincy’s scientific method adapts to living testimony, showing the reach of medical‑legal investigation.
Main Cast
- **Jack Klugman** as Dr. R. Quincy
- **Robert Ito** as Sam Fujiyama
- **Garry Walberg** as Lt. Monahan
- **Val Bisoglio** as Danny Tovo
- **John S. Ragin** as Dr. Asten
Guest Cast
- **Sharon Acker** as Allison Sirella / Mary Latham
- **Joseph Roman** as Sgt. Brill
- **Ivor Francis** as Dr. Holston
- **Virginia Capers**, **Paul Picerni**, **Frank Aletter**, **John Nolan**, among others :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Case File Summary
Victim/Survivor: Allison Sirella (real name Mary Latham) Incident: Amnesia following psychological trauma and attempt on life Key Findings: Memory fragments matched behavioral evidence and flashback clues Outcome: Attacker identified via psychological forensics; Allison placed under protection
Forensic Science Insight
- Accurate depiction of post‑traumatic amnesia and memory retrieval therapy
- Use of cognitive profiling and behavioral analysis to reconstruct crime
- Demonstrates Quincy’s ability to investigate without autopsy, relying on living forensic science
Themes & Tropes
- **Identity & Memory** – Recovery of self through forensic science
- **Survivor as Witness** – Living victim drives the mystery
- **Science of the Mind** – Psychology meets medical‑legal investigation
- **Ethical Care for Trauma Victims** – Quincy balances science with humane support
Reception & Ratings
IMDb rates the episode approximately 7.3/10, with praise for Sharon Acker’s performance and the emotionally compelling twist on Quincy’s usual post‑mortem format. It is noted as “different… featuring a crime and mystery… but the victim is still alive.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Trivia
- One of the few *Quincy* episodes featuring a living victim as central to the investigation. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Featured the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City during the job fair sequence. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
See Also
External Links
- [IMDb page for “Memories of Allison”](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681805/)
- [Rotten Tomatoes – Season 7 overview](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/quincy_m_e_/s07)
- [The Quincy Examiner – episode entry](https://www.quincyexaminer.com/wiki/index.php?title=Memories_of_Allison)