Quincy, M.E.

Debuting in the United States in 1976 as part of the Mystery Movie anthology series, Quincy, M.E. quickly proved itself a cut above the rest. Its popularity soon earned it a regular primetime slot, and the show – known simply as Quincy in Britain – went on to enjoy a successful near-decade run, combining forensic investigation with social commentary and a likeable central character who defied expectations.

At the heart of the series was veteran actor Jack Klugman, shedding his familiar image as the slovenly Oscar Madison from The Odd Couple to take on the role of Dr Quincy, a compassionate and determined medical examiner with a penchant for poking his nose where it didn’t officially belong. Once a successful doctor in private practice, Quincy had traded in a comfortable life to work for the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, driven by a desire to seek justice for those who could no longer speak for themselves.

Klugman brought warmth, urgency and a dogged energy to the role, making Quincy a truly distinctive lead. Rarely content to stay in the lab, Quincy would routinely defy orders to chase leads, question witnesses and uncover the truth behind suspicious deaths. His unorthodox methods often irritated his bureaucratic superior Dr Robert Asten (John S. Ragin) and the sceptical police chief Frank Monahan (Garry Walberg), but his instincts – and his conscience – rarely failed him. Assisting Quincy in the lab was the ever-loyal Sam Fujiyama, played with understated charm by Robert Ito.

Created by Glen A. Larson, the series stood out for its willingness to engage with real-world issues, particularly in its later years. Topics such as drug abuse among teenage athletes, environmental hazards, medical negligence and even elder care were tackled with a degree of seriousness that was rare for a procedural drama of the time. These episodes often saw Quincy taking on a near-crusading role, fighting not just for the dead, but for the vulnerable living as well.

Away from the job, Quincy relaxed at Danny’s Place, a cosy bar owned by Val Bisoglio’s ever-friendly Danny. His personal life saw him dating Lee Potter (Lynette Mettey) before eventually marrying psychiatrist Emily Hanover (Anita Gillette), adding a touch of romantic continuity to the later seasons. Intriguingly, Quincy’s first name was never revealed – though his business card once hinted at the initial “R”.

Quincy remains a compelling blend of detective fiction, medical drama and moral inquiry – a trailblazer in its field, and a showcase for one of television’s most enduring and principled protagonists.