Ep 1. The Last Six Hours

Quincy, M.E. season 4 episode 1 entitled “The Last Six Hours” revolves around Dr. Quincy, a coroner in charge of investigating the cause of death of a young man who died after a car accident. The young man had been driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and the car that he was driving crashed into a metal fence, causing him multiple injuries and severe brain damage. The young man is brought to the hospital, and the doctors begin working on saving his life, but after six hours, they declare him brain dead, which leaves his family in a state of shock and confusion.

The episode delves into the ethical issues surrounding organ donation and the debate about whether or not someone who is brain dead can donate organs. Dr. Quincy, being a strong advocate for organ donation, tries to convince the young man's parents to donate their son's organs and save the lives of others in need. However, the parents are hesitant and do not seem to agree with the idea, which leads Dr. Quincy to delve deeper into the situation and try to understand their perspective.

Meanwhile, Dr. Quincy is also dealing with some personal issues in this episode. He has been experiencing severe headaches and symptoms that suggest he may be suffering from an illness which could potentially affect his work. In addition to that, his relationship with his girlfriend, Lee Potter, is also growing more serious, and they are discussing their future together.

The episode is emotionally charged and deals with complex issues in a compelling manner. It shows the raw emotion of families dealing with the loss of their loved ones and the trauma of making decisions about organ donation. It also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in dealing with such situations and the need to put oneself in the shoes of others before making any judgments.

The acting performances in this episode are spectacular, particularly that of Jack Klugman, who plays the role of Dr. Quincy with a depth of emotion that is both touching and convincing. The chemistry between him and Garry Walberg, who plays his friend and colleague Lt. Frank Monahan, is also noteworthy.

Overall, “The Last Six Hours” is a thought-provoking episode of Quincy, M.E. that deals with complex ethical issues in a sensitive and nuanced manner. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in medical ethics, organ donation, and the importance of empathy in making difficult decisions.