Have always been quite fond of 'Murder She Wrote'. It is a fun and relaxing watch that makes you think as you try to unwind in the evening. If one wants more complex, twisty mysteries with lots of tension and suspense 'Murder She Wrote' may not be for you, but if you want something light-hearted and entertaining but still provide good mysteries 'Murder She Wrote' fits the bill just fine.
"Dear Deadly" is towards the better half of Season 11's episodes. It's not an episode that will blow the mind, but it entertains and intrigues enough. Story-wise there's not a huge amount special, some of it derivative of other similar-themed episodes (murder and behind the scenes tensions with media companies) from 'Murder She Wrote'. There also could have been a better denouement than here.
It's not badly acted, ridiculous or confusing actually. Just that, to me, the identity of the killer was not a huge shock and considering the rest of the story it was a bit of a plain one and not especially clever or explosive.
Some of the cast do enliven the proceedings though. Can't go wrong with Angela Lansbury in the lead, showing once again why Jessica Fletcher is one of her best and most fondly remembered roles.
Eileen Brennan, John Rhys-Davies and Laurence Luckinbill are especially good in support. Daphne Ashbrook and Rosanna Huffmann also fare well. Nobody is terrible here, far from it, all are competent but the rest of the cast are on the bland side with not as much to work with.
Production values as always are slick, stylish and suitably cosy. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune. The writing is thoughtful and amiable as well as having an endearing cosiness. The tensions behind the scenes are done intriguingly and don't feel too soapy or melodramatic and the story is paced well and has enough to keep one interested if not always guessing.
Overall, not great but pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
"Dear Deadly" is towards the better half of Season 11's episodes. It's not an episode that will blow the mind, but it entertains and intrigues enough. Story-wise there's not a huge amount special, some of it derivative of other similar-themed episodes (murder and behind the scenes tensions with media companies) from 'Murder She Wrote'. There also could have been a better denouement than here.
It's not badly acted, ridiculous or confusing actually. Just that, to me, the identity of the killer was not a huge shock and considering the rest of the story it was a bit of a plain one and not especially clever or explosive.
Some of the cast do enliven the proceedings though. Can't go wrong with Angela Lansbury in the lead, showing once again why Jessica Fletcher is one of her best and most fondly remembered roles.
Eileen Brennan, John Rhys-Davies and Laurence Luckinbill are especially good in support. Daphne Ashbrook and Rosanna Huffmann also fare well. Nobody is terrible here, far from it, all are competent but the rest of the cast are on the bland side with not as much to work with.
Production values as always are slick, stylish and suitably cosy. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune. The writing is thoughtful and amiable as well as having an endearing cosiness. The tensions behind the scenes are done intriguingly and don't feel too soapy or melodramatic and the story is paced well and has enough to keep one interested if not always guessing.
Overall, not great but pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox