Quincy, M.E. Season 4 Episode 21 An Ounce of Prevention

Quincy, M.E. was a popular American medical crime drama that aired from 1976 to 1983. The show featured a forensic pathologist named Dr. Quincy, played by Jack Klugman, who works for the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office and is involved in solving crimes by uncovering evidence through autopsies.

Season 4, Episode 21, titled "An Ounce of Prevention," follows Dr. Quincy as he investigates the death of a young man named Scott Franklin, who died while participating in a drug rehabilitation program. Scott had a history of drug abuse and had been in and out of rehab for several years. His parents had enrolled him in a new program, hoping that it would finally help him overcome his addiction.

Dr. Quincy is called in to perform an autopsy on Scott's body, and he discovers that the cause of death was an overdose of a prescription medication that was used to help with the withdrawal symptoms of drugs. The program's director insists that the medication was administered according to protocol and that Scott must have somehow obtained more of the drug on his own. However, Dr. Quincy is suspicious and begins to investigate further.

He discovers that the program's staff is overworked and under-trained, and that there have been several other incidents of overdoses and drug-related deaths in similar programs across the country. He realizes that the rehabilitation industry has become a lucrative business, and that some facilities are more concerned with making money than actually helping people.

Dr. Quincy confronts the program's director and presents his findings, but the director refuses to admit any wrongdoing. However, Dr. Quincy is determined to get justice for Scott and the other victims. He teams up with a reporter named Fran Belding, who has been investigating the drug rehabilitation industry, to expose the truth and hold those responsible accountable.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Quincy faces several obstacles, from stonewalling administrators to threats from those who want to keep the truth hidden. However, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice, never backing down in the face of adversity.

In the end, Dr. Quincy and Fran are able to uncover a widespread pattern of negligence and greed in the rehabilitation industry, and their investigation leads to significant changes in regulations and oversight. The episode serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of profit-driven health care, and the importance of fighting for justice for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Overall, "An Ounce of Prevention" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode of Quincy, M.E. that continues to resonate with viewers today. It showcases Dr. Quincy's unwavering commitment to the truth and his tireless efforts to bring justice to those who have been wronged.