When Thieves Fall Out

Twenty years earlier Cabot Cove won a state football championship under Coach Kenneth McMillan No doubt Jessica Fletcher taught these kids English. McMillan's star players have all taken different paths, some have had great success, some have not. But there's a terrible secret that's been closely guarded with the arrival of John Glover. There was a murder committed and Glover spent 20 years in prison for it. He wants the truth and he's come to Cabot Cove to get it.

If the ends of justice weren't served in the homicide that Glover served time for, there's a fresh one for Sheriff Amos Tupper to solve when Dack Rambo one of the star players who had a car dealership was shot to death and a clumsy attempt to make it look like suicide.

Not the best of the Murder She Wrote series and it involves mainly with the character of Rambo's accomplice. Rambo indeed was part of the murder 20 years back, but knowing who Rambo's accomplice was it made no sense in terms of character and motivation.

The episode closes with a somber Jessica Fletcher. You won't see that in too many of the Murder She Wrote stories.

Reviewers complain about this episode's epilogue, but I like that Jessica feels strong loyalty to her fellow citizens and former students. And I like that she's obviously letting that loyalty blind her to John Glover's tragedy. She's otherwise too perfect. Speaking of John Glover, why was he never a big star? He's so watchable in this show and other things. Plus, I mostly enjoy MSW for the guest stars, and this episode overflows with good ones. First, John Glover. Plus Dack Rambo, whom I love to watch just for that amazing mole in his handsome face. Plus John Bennett Perry, on whom I had a crush when I was a young girl when he was on an afternoon television show. Then there's swarthy eye candy Michael Lembeck and beautiful Shelley Smith, who, upon reading her IMDB biography, we learn was impressively intelligent though not a great actress. I thoroughly enjoy it when rewatching.

Several other reviewers have done a wonderful job of plot summary, so no need to repeat.

The concept of Jessica being forced to rethink much of her world view - not an easy thing to do for anyone - is the fascinating basis of this entry.

While i agree with other reviewers about where the responsibility actually lies in this episode, i think the last shot is where the tale is ultimately told.

Jessica - with her back literally against the wall - has a highly apprehensive, troubled look on her face.

As she confronts her anger, and her resistance to the truth, the viewer sees her struggle to let go of her sentimental (and false) loyalties and face a disappointing reality.

The resolution of that battle within herself is left open ended, though we hope she comes to terms with things as they are, not as she wishes them to be.

John Glover is just superb - he goes toe to toe with Jessica and doesn't give an inch.

Dame Lansbury brings her A+ game in response.

An edgy, excellent, thought provoking, and risky episode in the MSW catalog, not to be missed!

I can't believe Angela Lansbury agreed to act it out. She must have known her character intimately, and the attitude expressed by Jessica in this episode was completely out of character and appalling.

It feels like whoever was behind this episode had their own ideals they wanted to push. Or was there something going on at the time that this was reacting to? Whatever the reason, everyone involved in supporting the narrative should be ashamed.

Classic blame-the-victim mentality to the nth degree and 'circle the wagons' to defend our own, regardless of what they have done.

It's hard to like Jessica Fletcher after this episode. And it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the character for the actor. Matthew Perry did that in Friends when he refused to act out a story line where he was supposed to cheat on Courteney Cox's character. I'm so grateful to the actors who care enough to push back.

A man claiming innocence in a murder is released after 20 years in jail and vows to find the culprit. Quite an absorbing MSW entry with Andrew ( played by John Glover conveying a one-track obsession to get revenge) taunting Jessica's friend. Of course, Jessica solves the mystery surrounding the incident centred around the class '67, but you can tell, at the end, it leaves a bitter taste in her mouth, and she even scolds Andrew for harassing his friend. But he gets his justice.

This episode is really good, well-written and shows that it wasn't all roses and light, but things can get edgy, without compromising with the light touch.