A Test for Living (19 Oct. 1978)

A young boy who has run away from a home for mentally handicapped children is found dead. When Quincy performs the autopsy, however, he can find no medical reason for the boy being labeled ... See full summary »

Director:

Ron Satlof

Writers:

Glen A. Larson (creator), Lou Shaw (creator),

Stars:

Jack Klugman, Garry Walberg, John S. Ragin

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Jack Klugman	...	Dr. R. Quincy, M.E.
Garry Walberg	...	Lt. Frank Monahan
John S. Ragin	...	Dr. Robert Asten
Val Bisoglio	...	Danny Tovo
Robert Ito	...	Sam Fujiyama
Joseph Roman	...	Sgt. Brill
Philip Abbott	...	Elliot Phillips
Kelly Jean Peters	...	Mary Carson
Henry Jones	...	Austin Barnes
Sam Groom	...	David Carson
Susan Powell	...	Dr. Laura Green (as Susan Gay Powell)
David Hollander	...	Timmy Carson
Jonathan Segal	...	Jeff Sellers
Michelle Stacy	...	Cindy
William Mims	...	Dr. Blenham

Storyline

A young boy who has run away from a home for mentally handicapped children is found dead. When Quincy performs the autopsy, however, he can find no medical reason for the boy being labeled mentally handicapped. He consults with an expert who suggests the boy may have been autistic instead. Quincy learns of another boy who is about to be committed to the same institution who may also be autistic, and fights to have him properly diagnosed before time runs out to get him into a proper school instead.

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Crime

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 October 1978 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Glen A. Larson Productions, Universal TV

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Doesn't Quincy ever work?!

This episode is one that really made me wonder when, if ever, does Quincy get the time to actually work?! After all, apart from an autopsy early on in the show, he doesn't work with dead folks at all but is a strong advocate for the treatment of autistic kids. As such, the show definitely comes of as preachy--a definite example of 'Soapbox Quincy'. Some folks will probably like these sort of episodes--after all, they do promote awareness of various topics that were important and just coming to public consciousness (such as domestic violence and autism). Others might be perturbed because the shows really have nothing to do with the work of any coroner. And, because they are just preachy--especially with lines like "...I pledge to see that these injustices against autistic kids be stopped". While I was happy to see the show talk about autism, it did so in a very unrealistic manner. It also had children acting very much like autistic kids BUT supposed professionals didn't recognize them as having the criteria for the diagnosis--which made little sense. Overall, a mixed bag--interesting and a nice public service show BUT also NOT really an episode of "Quincy, M.E."--more like "Quincy, MSW"!