Many years ago, when "Quincy" aired in its original run, I hated "Touch of Death" and thought among the worst shows in the series. Now, decades later, I feel pretty much the same way--plus am irritated by how irresponsible the show was as well.
The show begins on a movie set. Some martial arts movie is being filmed when suddenly the lead keels over...dead! At first, folks assume the action star had a heart attack but Quincy, like always, wants to investigate further. The problem is that the dead man's father is NOT going to consent to the autopsy, as he's a Buddhist priest and thinks this will violate their religious beliefs. But, being a case where Quincy can order the autopsy anyway, he does this. However, to complicate things, the dead man is Sam's cousin--and family pressures result in him going on a leave of absence. So, Quince is forced to use a new assistant (a very young and adorable Joanna Kerns).
So far in the show, this plot only mildly irritated me, as it was obviously meant to cash in on the recent and mysterious death of Bruce Lee. But, when a bizarre (and AMAZINGLY STUPID) theory about this being a murder, the show goes way off the deep end. First, the theory was just plain dumb--really dumb. Second, the murderer admitted to the killing even though there was no evidence they did it (you'd call this a Perry Mason moment)!!! Third, this show served to add fuel to irresponsible speculation about Lee--a man whose death, though strange, has been thoroughly investigated and explained. Overall, irresponsible and stupid. If you don't believe me, at one point, Quincy is actually attacked by a ninja--a ninja in Los Angeles!!!! A definite low-point in the series.
The only thing I liked in this one? When Quincy goes to Monahan with his crazy theory and Monahan says, in essence, that most of Quincy's crazy theories pan out--so he'll investigate without arguing--the first time this ever happened on the show!