Touch of Death (2 Dec. 1977)

Sam's cousin Tad Kimura is a rising young star in the genre of martial arts pictures. Unfortunately, he dies unexpectedly while filming his latest motion picture. Quincy prepares to perform... See full summary »

Director:

Alexander Singer

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
Mako	...	Mr. Yamaguchi
Richard Narita	...	Danny Shigeta
Frank Michael Liu	...	Tad Kimura
Irene Yah-Ling Sun	...	Mrs. Kamura
Keye Luke	...	Hitoshi Hiyato
Harold Sakata	...	Sensi
Joanna Kerns	...	Lily
Booth Colman	...	Dr. Edwards
Ric Mancini	...	Director Jim Rudolph

Storyline

Sam's cousin Tad Kimura is a rising young star in the genre of martial arts pictures. Unfortunately, he dies unexpectedly while filming his latest motion picture. Quincy prepares to perform an autopsy on the body, but it is taken before he can perform the procedure. The reason is that due to strict Buddhist beliefs, the body can't be autopsied. Quincy agrees to do an external examination, but when several questions still persist he decides to go ahead with the autopsy, which causes not only conflict within the Japanese community, but also puts a strain on his close relationship with Sam.

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Crime

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 December 1977 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple - 505 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Glen A. Larson Productions, Universal TV

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The story was based, in part, on the mysterious death of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Lee died under mysterious circumstances a few years earlier.

User Reviews

Among the dumbest "Quincy" episodes...plus, it's a bit irresponsible.

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!