Quincy is on his way to a convention and has been driving too long--so long that a small town cop notices his driving and brings him to the local jail. Quincy is not under arrest--just advised to get a good night sleep before completing his trip. During the night, someone starts a deliberated fire and four of the prisoners are killed. Naturally, Quincy survives--after all, he IS the leading man.
After the fire, the local officials investigate the incident. However, the Sheriff and doctor doing the autopsy sure seem quick to write it off as an accident--and Quincy, after examining the body, insists that it was murder. They don't listen, so Quincy (being Quincy) begins making a fuss and insists he won't let the case drop. So, soon the investigators find the guilty party (or at least someone they could pin it on)--in an apparent attempt to shut him up and get him out of town! Only later, when Quincy is at his convention, does he learn that he's been duped. What's next? See this very good episode.
It's funny, but in one scene one of the town's officials says that the town is not like "Bad Day at Black Rock". This is a reference to a great Spencer Tracy film where a stranger enters town and begins asking questions--only to have practically everyone try to kill him! Well, this is true. While the townsfolk do try to get rid of Quincy, they don't try to kill him and they aren't all 100% evil--just in a quick rush to judgment. I would score this show an 8 except for one problem--near the end there is a good cop/bad cop scene that is pretty lame and completely unbelievable. Silly...but also kind of funny.
By the way, this show is somewhat like Season Two's "Visitors in Paradise"--where Quincy and Danny go to a VERY unfriendly little town for a vacation and almost end up getting killed. What this and MANY other "Quincy" episodes teach us that the Doctor should NEVER go on vacation or to conventions, as, inevitably, someone will die or nearly die!! Quincy....STAY HOME!!!
Note: familiar character actors Edward Andrews and John Ireland star in this one.