Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) Murder at the Oasis (1985) User Reviews

Unorganized Crime Sneaks into a Desert Ranch House

[WeatherViolet · 7/10 · 27 November 2009]

When Peggy Shannon (Piper Laurie) welcomes dear old friend Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) to visit Desert Palms, California, disagreements and murder do not lag very far behind.

Singer Johnny Shannon (Ed Ames) and his loyal friend and warm-up act, Comedian Buster Bailey (Joey Bishop), and Johnny's Bodyguard, Lou Ross (Jack O'Halloran) share the high-surveillance ranch house as comrades with mob ties.

Son, Mickey Shannon (Joseph Bottoms), and daughter, Terry Shannon (Linda Purl), also share the one-story residence, into which Terry sneaks for the night Vic LaRosa (Joseph Cali), who also has ties to organized crime.

Near the tennis courts at the Desert Palms Country Club, Johnny openly disapproves of his daughter's associating with Vic LaRosa, much to Terry's dismay and objection, while Chico Miller (David Bowman) and Gus (John Miranda) also exchange anything but pleasantries with Johnny.

Detective Sergeant Barnes (Ken Howard) is often called upon as a Shannon family friend to referee among various mêlées, including a murder investigation after Buster Bailey discovers a body in the den the next morning.

Jessica conducts an investigation of her own amid clues regarding the surveillance system and an altercation near the border crossing when one of the suspects attempts to flee the country.

The cast is rounded out by Mark Costello as CHP Officer, Fred Ponzlov as Waiter, and Michael Griswold as Guard, in this "Murder at the Oasis." Joey Bishop, who has been acting in film and, especially on television, since 1950, has unfortunately since passed.

Where's the Oasis?

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 16 November 2017]

Jessica finds time to visit old friend Peggy Shannon, who's ex husband Mickey is somewhat of a local celebrity, a Musical composer and somewhat of a bully towards his kids, Terry and Johnny. Johnny has failed to impress his father, by being somewhat meek and mild mannered, whilst his daughter messes around with dubious tennis pro Vic LaRosa. Unbeknown to Mickey, Vic has sneaked into his house and spends the night with Terry, the following morning Mi

a body is found.

This is an enjoyable episode, as with pretty much all of the first series it feels original and fresh. It's a well thought out script and certainly looks very well made. Well acted, Joseph Bottoms is very charismatic in the role of Mickey. Piper Laurie (Peggy) is also very good, only issue would be with Joseph Cali's Vic, if he's a professional tennis player I'm a Great white shark, his attempted run away from the cops is hilarious.

A pretty good mystery, perhaps a little obvious. 8/10

Murder at the Oasis

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 17 July 2017]

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.

There are better episodes in Season 1 and in 'Murder She Wrote' in general than "Murder at the Oasis", but it's still a well done episode. Joey Bishop does chew the scenery somewhat and the denouement, while quite clever, is not a surprise when one puts everything together.

"Murder at the Oasis" as to be expected is a good-looking episode. Nicely shot and attractive fashions that makes one nostalgic for the 80s period (even to those who weren't even alive yet). Love the picturesque location and a house that one would dream of having but can't. The music has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.

The script is often charming and amiable and the story is absorbing with some good twists.

Angela Lansbury is terrific in one of her best remembered roles one of the roles that is most closely associated with me at any rate). Piper Laurie and Linda Purl drive the action beautifully.

In summary, very good and solid, if not Season 1 or 'Murder She Wrote' at their best. 8/10 Bethany Cox

location correction

[rhonda-stump · 9/10 · 18 August 2013]

This was a fun who-done-it series. The first review states the location is in California but the location is Arizona. The license plates on the Porsche are Arizona plates. This series is popular in the UK as well since it's been in syndication. There were a huge number of stars who were on each week,stars who were big when I was a kid and even big when my parents were young. Yes, it's formulaic but what makes it fun is the challenge of figuring out who the murderer is before they announce it. It's like watching Jeopardy and patting yourself on the back when you get a large percentage of the answers correct. In this episode, the culprit is not exactly on the top of the list and only one subtle clue points to him. fun.

Obviously inspired by Frank Sinatra!

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 24 October 2022]

"Murder on the Oasis" was obviously inspired by the life of Frank Sinatra, though of course the show made it different enough that they didn't have to worry so much about lawsuits or having their knees broken, since in 1985 Mr. Sinatra was still alive.

As for the story....it surprised me. What I mean by that is the solution to the murder was shockingly unusual and unexpected...which I really like. Well worth seeing.

How was it inspired by Sinatra? Well, the lead (Ed Ames) is a famous singer with a spiteful side and dealings with mobsters. He also was a very heavyhanded man...dominating his children and acting like a tough guy. It also was interesting that Joey Bishop (who was estranged with 'Ol Blue Eyes) played his friend and lacky.

Not surprisingly, as you watch the show and the singer's actions, you just KNOW he'll be dead sooner or later. The only question is...who did it? Well, since Jessica Fletcher is about...you know she'll get to the bottom of it.

Gathering of the clan

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 5 September 2018]

Nobody who lived on planet earth in 1985 could possibly have mistaken Ed Ames portrayal of a show business legend/tycoon to be anyone other than modeled on Frank Sinatra. Ames's is a ruthless egotistical sort who gets himself dead one night at his palatial Palm Desert estate shot in the back of the head. As if to make the portrait complete Joey Bishop is cast as Ames's comic retainer.

Jessica Fletcher knew as she knows many from back in the day the clan when they were all together. She and ex-wife Piper Laurie were college roommates and the son and daughter are played by Joseph Bottoms and Linda Purl. Also on the grounds is bodyguard Jack O'Halloran and tennis bum Joseph Cali who Linda Purl has been seeing.

Because of the top flight security that Frank Sinatra was known to have in real life there is the traditional closed circle of suspects that mystery writers like so much. But I will say the perpetrator's identity did surprise me.

I wonder why Frank Sinatra didn't sue or why he didn't cut Joey Bishop from the Rat Pack.

Jam packed with suspects :-)

[VetteRanger · 9/10 · 5 May 2023]

As a kid I loved Ed Ames as Mongo on Daniel Boone, and enjoyed his singing, also. So I was happy to see him guest starring on Murder She Wrote, but his early behavior made it plain he wouldn't be sticking around the episode for long. :-(

We also have the very pretty Linda Purl, who spent time as Matlock's daughter before moving on. Joey Bishop guest stars as Ed Ame's sidekick, plus we get the "dumb Kryponia" from Superman II. :-)

Plus, Ken Howard plays a police detective who SEEKS OUT Jessica's Fletcher's assistance, as opposed to those who see her as a busy-body amateur. Ken looks quite young in this episode. He aged poorly in later years.

My method of solving MSW cases is to identify the one prominent guest star who has no better reason to be included that to be the "surprise" killer. LOL Would it work here? My guess was Joey Bishop until he made a suspicious sounding phone call. LOL So I changed gears. Piper Laurie? But she promised her friend, Jessica, she didn't do it! The detective? The dumb Kryptonian? I ruled out the kids in my mind. Will my second guess be right?

Quite good

[coltras35 · 7/10 · 23 May 2022]

Jessica heads off for a happy reunion with her old college roommate, but the trip is marred by the death of her friend's superstar husband. And as usual the dead man had rubbed up some people the wrong way such as his son, daughter, her tennis boyfriend and some hood.

Ed Ames plays the ill-fated superstar - obviously based on ol' blue eyes Sinatra - and does a great job. The rest of the cast is up to the mark. Loved the interaction between Jessica and policeman in charge. It's a good mystery, quite involving with the dysfunctional relationship between the murder man and his closest family/employees well enacted. Didn't expect a certain person to be the murderer.

No, that's not Richard Kiel

[pensman · 5/10 · 2 October 2015]

Not the strongest entry but it follows the formula: at least one famous actor (Piper Laurie), one who gets killed (Ed Ames) and the rest are so-so or future better knowns. In this case Joey Bishop, Joseph Bottoms, and Ken Howard. And all the stereotypes are here--long suffering wife, dutiful son, and slut daughter (Linda Purl). Probably the biggest pause is trying to figure out it that's Richard Kiel (Jaws) playing Lou Ross. It's not, it's Jack O'Halloran, Non from Superman I and II. Hint, he's not the killer. And here's another clue, it isn't a member of the Rat-Pack. The "clue" in this episode is a missing picture so pay attention.