Scrutiny is a popular and controversial TV news programme, and Paula Roman has convinced her friend Jessica to do a piece for the show, highlighting her life in the sleepy village. When the crews turn up however, it isn't Paula, it's Kevin Keats, a big news anchor who'd recently caused mass controversy by outing wealthy art collector Ronald Ross as a dealer in heroin. Keats is worried by Amos's news that a large bald man has been seen in Cabot Cove, as Amos goes to talk to Keats, there's a large explosion on his boat, a charred body is found.
A very good story, with a clever plot, a clever piece of misdirection, and some very good guest performances. Chad Everett is particularly good as the obnoxious Kevin Keats, he's a strong presence and very charismatic. A great use of pyrotechnics also, that explosion on the boat looked good. There's a lot going on in terms of plot and subplot, but it all hangs together particularly well, at no point is it confusing.
Sadly, Cabot Cove's own don't perform that well, firstly Mayor Sam Booth, is portrayed as a total idiot, with every conceivable cliché thrown in. Sadly Amos Tupper is also written for as if he was totally stupid and clueless, watching this episode it's a wonder he can dress himself let alone hold the role of Sheriff.
Very good 8/10