The always well-dressed Dr. Robert Asten (played by John S. Ragin) is the head of the Forensic Medicine Institute of Los Angeles and, thus, the boss of Dr. Quincy. As head of the Institute, he is responsible for ensuring that all regulations are complied with and engages his employees in working correctly and efficiently in order to avoid unnecessary costs.

He therefore asks his employees to always work for the fast and cost-compliant completion of an autopsy. The very order-loving and organized Asten hates beyond measure if his employees begin unauthorized investigation without his permission.

Dr. Asten has problems in this department especially with Dr. Quincy, since he pursues investigations disregarding eventual costs simply because he believes that something is wrong with the deceased.

It is often Quincy’s assistant, Sam Fujiyama, who stands between the two contending parties, while Quincy conducts his research. Dr. Asten is not the only one who feels this way. It is often a wise idea not to speak to Lieutenant Monahan about Quincy when he once again exceeds his authority and tries to do the work of the police alongside his real tasks.

Although Dr. Asten hates it when the costs are driven up, he has no problems with taking all the credit for the successful completion of Quincy’s cases. Under these circumstances, he is naturally always supported by his staff.

The interaction of Quincy and Dr. Asten is in large part responsible for the inherent humour of the series, as it is shown again and again how the clever Quincy repeatedly tricks his superior into pursuing investigations in a case.

Nevertheless, they are all there when it comes to celebrate the successful conclusion of a case in Danny's Restaurant.

You may find all episodes of the series Quincy M.E. here.