Quincy, M.E.: The Final Season

Was Jack Klugman some kind of god? Based on the evidence, signs point to "yes." And much of the evidence lies in QUINCY, one of my all-time favorite shows and one which can rightfully claim to be the godfather (grandfather?) of every forensic television show since.QUINCY, which ran from 1974 - 1982, was the story of, well, Dr. Quincy (no first name ever given!), a brilliant surgeon who turned into a forensic pathologist following the death of his wife due to inoperable cancer. Obsessed by his job, and spurred by a social conscience which would have shamed Cesar Chavez, Quincy spent eight years using his "medical detective" skills to solve crimes, while at the same time fighting every imaginable injustice. Aiding and abetting him, and often getting trampled beneath his tireless feet, were his nettlesome but lovable boss Dr. Asten (John S. Ragin), his long-suffering sidekick Sam Fujiyama (Robert Ito), crabby homicide detective Frank Monahan (Garry Walberg) and his partner Sgt. Brill (Joe Roman), and finally, his friend an ex-con, the restaurant owner Danny Tovo (Val Bisoglio). Quincy, however, was the undisputed star of the show, portrayed by the veteran actor Klugman as a fiery, crusty, hot-tempered muckraker whose passion for the truth overrode everything else in his life except for his passion for the ladies. At its worst, the show was cheesy, patronizing, obvious, and silly, reflecting a lot of the weaknesses and limitations put on TV writers during that era; but even AT its worst it had more passion and sincerity than any dozen modern shows you care to name. And it was seldom, seldom at its worst.Season Eight was, I'm sad to say, the last of QUINCY, but unlike many modern shows which have grown long in the tooth, QUINCY didn't lose any steam as it approached its end. In fact, it showed a remarkable flexibility in its ultimate season. As a rule, the show divided its stories between straight-ahead mysteries and "causes" episodes, which were generally about some specific societal injustice the producers wanted to discuss, but in this case a third element was introduced: Quincy meeting a woman who finally gets him to settle back down again and get married.Of the many outstanding episodes in this season, my favorites are:"Baby Rattlesnakes" - A drive-by shooting that kills a young girl gets Quincy neck-deep in issues involving juvenile offenders and their treatment under the law. Gregory Sierra (of "Barney Miller," "Sanford & Son" and "Miami Vice" guest stars, and the story introduces Dr. Emily Hanover (Anita Gilette) as Quincy's future love interest."Ghost of a Chance" - Quincy suspects one of his former mentors, played by Jose Ferrier, is allowing other surgeons to operate under his name, a practice called "ghost surgery.""Next Stop, Nowhere" - one of the most notorious QUINCY episodes ever pits Quince against punk rock music. You just have to see this one to believe it, it's fabulous."Across the Line" - a cop going down for a bad shooting pleads with Quincy to take a second look at the evidence."Guilty Until Proven Innocent" - a blistering expose of the deeply flawed federal grand jury process sees an old pal of Quincy's put under the Justice Department's microscope for the crimes of his family."Beyond the Open Door" - Quincy ridicules Monohan's employment of a psychic on a murder case, but has cause to start wondering as the bodies pile up."On Dying High" - Quincy tackles celebrity drug use in a surprisingly honest look at the open-air drug culture of the rich and famous."Murder on Ice" - A "Ten Little Indians" episode traps Quincy and Emily in a snowbound cabin with a vengeful killer. A talky, drawn-out ending doesn't ruin an otherwise fine piece of mystery and suspense."An Act of Violence" - For the first time in his career, Quincy finds himself on the receiving end of a brutal attack, leaving him a traumatized mess who can't follow his own advice.Of course the notable thing about Season Eight is Quincy's marriage, which is handled in a two-part episode midway through the season, following a short and intense courtship. Personally I find the character of Emily Hanover annoying, and the whole idea of Quincy giving up his boat and bachelorhood to live in some godless apartment with that shrew to be depressing, but I guess the producers equated "settling down" with some kind of closure. And speaking of closure, the season's last episode, a failed backdoor pilot for a spin-off medical series, doesn't feature any of the regular cast except Klugman, and he only in the opening and closing moments of the show.Having said all that, I can state with some authority that QUINCY was just as strong breaking the tape as it was coming out of the gate -- a little stronger, actually, and fans of the show won't be disappointed by its final season. Personally I could have used a few more years of Jack Klugman throwing fits at every injustice that passed beneath his giant nose, but I'm grateful for what we have. Long live Quincy!

I am waiting with great anticipation for the release of the eighth and final season of "Quincy". I had not seen the show in many, many years and purchased Seasons 1 and 2 several months ago. Since that time I have purchased Season 3 and I am enjoying that one right now. I must tell you that the re-mastering job done on each of these episodes is absolutely first rate. Last week I threw caution to the wind and decided to order the last five seasons of the series from Amazon. Oddly enough, I never watched "Quincy" during it's heyday in prime time but got hooked on the series when it went into syndication back in the 1980's. You can always count on great writing and superb acting from the outstanding cast that producer Glen A. Larson assembled for this long running dramatic series. Furthermore, unlike most prime time series these days this is a family friendly show. There is little sexual innuendo here, no vulgar language and any violence is kept to a minimum. Jack Klugman was very proud of this show and puts his heart and soul into each and every episode. Finally, the addition of Anita Gillette as Dr. Emily Hanover adds another dimension to the show. Quincy had not had a romantic interest in several seasons. I look forward to seeing "Quincy, M.E.: The Final Season" because as I recall the quality did not diminish one little bit. Very highly recommended!

I knew I wanted the entire series but was amazed to learn it was on for eight years! Who knows why but the Odd Couple was not funny to me.so my first acquaintance with Jack Klugman was as Quincy. I've seen the first 3 seasons and know why forensics is so fascinating to us now. BUT JACK WAS FIRST! Every week his Foot in His Mouth, Painted into a Corner Human Foibles provide the laughs. But at the end of the show we all wish we had someone in our life with his wisdom, compassion and willingness to take on every sad situation he believes he can make better. His "Boss" has my sympathy and I'm always touched when he surprises me by firmly coming to Quincy's defense. That's when we know Quincy's behavior will never break their bond. However and by whoever it was decided to release this series to DVD, I am most grateful. I intend to donate them to a Independent Living / Assisted Living Facility where I have several friends. Clarece McCullough

100% pleased Thank You

Love it. A must have.

I love the authentic science and medicine since today we see so much quackery and propaganda. I also enjoy the relaxing fact that sex, nudity, bad language, and gore are not a part of the show! It gets more difficult all the time to find good quality shows that are not offensive! And Hollywood seems intent of political suicide, limiting the shows I can enjoy even further! So, yes, Quincy is a pleasure to watch. Good drama with likeable characters and important plots.

I love this show and I am happy to have these DVD's in my collection. It arrived in the stated time frame with no issues. I am satisfied with my purchase.

I remember Quincy, it's to be able to watch the old TV shows

Awesome Series. Great actor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Fast shipping 👍

One of the Great TV shows of all Time, probably My Favourite, took over a year to get all of the 8 Seasons and l am Happy, worth all the effort. Regards Brett.

Quincy was such a great show. And, very innovative for it's time. Jack Klugman was amazing in the lead role, with a great supporting cast. So glad to have all 8 seasons on DVD.

Very pleased with the dvd and Quincy M.E. is a great series, The Best

I love this series, I have the whole set.