Ep 12. Honor Thy Elders

Quincy, M.E. season 5 episode 12, titled "Honor Thy Elders," follows medical examiner Dr. Quincy (Jack Klugman) as he investigates the murder of an elderly woman in a nursing home. The victim, Mrs. Wilson, is found dead in her room with a pillow over her face. Her roommate, Mrs. Kellner (Jeanette Nolan), reports hearing a struggle the night before, but no one else in the facility seems to have heard anything.

As Quincy delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of deceit and betrayal within the nursing home. Many of the staff members are overworked and underpaid, leading to neglect of the residents. Quincy suspects that Mrs. Wilson may have been a victim of this neglect, but he also uncovers evidence of more sinister motives. It seems that some of the staff members had a financial stake in the deaths of the nursing home residents, as they had taken out life insurance policies on them.

Quincy faces resistance from both the staff and the residents' families as he tries to uncover the truth. Some want to protect their loved ones' reputations, while others are worried about the financial implications of being connected to a murder investigation. However, Quincy is determined to find justice for Mrs. Wilson and the other victims.

As Quincy continues his investigation, he begins to form a bond with Mrs. Kellner, who proves to be a valuable source of information. Together, they uncover a shocking conspiracy that involves not only the nursing home staff, but also a corrupt insurance agent. Quincy races against the clock to prevent any further harm to the elderly residents and bring those responsible to justice.

"Honor Thy Elders" is a powerful episode that shines a light on the often-overlooked issue of elder abuse and neglect. The show handles the subject matter with sensitivity and compassion, while still delivering a complex and engaging mystery. Jack Klugman's performance as Quincy is as always masterful, and the supporting cast is top-notch. Overall, this episode is a standout in an already excellent series.