SPOILER ALERT:
MSW is one of the most consistently enjoyable mystery shows ever; but sometimes the plot resolution is so much of a reach, that the viewer is left going: "Huh? What?" For me, this is one of those episodes.
Leslie Nielsen does an excellent job as an old high school classmate of Jessica's who once had some romantic interest in her, and vice versa. In the 35 years since high school, he's been a high-flying wheeler-dealer, and apparently a con man, basically. The script makes a lot of effort to have him be a prime suspect for the murder that occurs.
The problem, for me, is that when the real killer's identity is revealed, it seems to come too much out of left field. In an MSW episode--or any mystery--when the killer has to have a long scene of explaining the why and how of their crime at the end, that's not usually a good sign. On the plus side, this episode has some very good exterior scenes, on a dive boat, and of Jessica and Seth walking on a rocky headland by the ocean. So, certainly an enjoyable hour, but not among the series' best.
8 Reviews
"When the Going Gets Rough, the Rough Grab Tire Irons"
WeatherViolet29 March 2010
This Cabot Cove episode begins upon a dock in Key West, Florida, as loan shark Ross Barber (Sean McClory) and his assistant, Gregory Small (Ian Ruskin), approach David Everett (Leslie Nielsen) aboard his yacht, they inquiring him about a repayment schedule, upon learning of David's plans to fly to Portland, Maine.
David Everett arrives in Cabot Cove, after assembling his team of young divers to search for sunken treasure in the harbor: Alexandra Bell (Julia Montgomery), Coby Russell (J. Eddie Peck), Larry Gaynes (Grant Goodeve) and Bill Ainsley (John Laughlin) comprise David's team, with Bill's wife, Susan Ainsley (Wendy Kilbourne), close at hand.
Alexandra, Bill, Coby and David (ABCD) share a partnership agreement, specifying that "Survivor Takes All" in the event that other members perish in the quest or happen to end up murdered along the way. But Ross and Gregory follow David to Cabot Cove and scrutinize his moves, once again from the dock or nearby rocks.
Doctor Wylie Graham (Robert Hogan), a veteran Navy Commander, sets up shoppe in Cabot Cove Hospital, he encountering Doctor Seth Hazlitt (William Windom) downtown on a shopping excursion with Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury), with Wylie's telling Seth that he has no intentions of recruiting Seth's patients from their regular physician.
Sheriff Amos Tupper (Tom Bosley) writes a parking ticket for Seth's vehicle beside a fire hydrant (which seems to move from bumper to side of automobile between shots), when David Everett reappears, to re-introduce himself to former schoolmate Jessica, whom he hasn't seen for some 35 years.
Jessica invites David and his four divers to dinner (he doesn't mention that five individuals actually occupy his treasure-hunting team), but only Alexandra, Coby and Larry arrive with him, after Bill's diving equipment fails this afternoon, and Susan remains at his side as Bill is hospitalized in Wylie's care.
David changes his stories for Jessica, as he tells her that Larry's father owns a computer company, which Larry actually does and finances his own excursion expenses. David accepts a loan from Jessica under the guise of operating expenses, but needs it to repay Ross Barber, who continues to hound David, with Gregory at Ross' side. David is open about discussing his failed marriages, but conceals the notion that he has no immediate plans to settle down.
But the next morning, Amos arrives at Jessica's to inform David that a body has been discovered along Cabot Cove Road, the victim of an apparent hit-and-run homicide.
Jessica joins Amos in investigating after he immediately arrests Coby Russell, after matching pieces of a broken headlight with Coby's rental vehicle. But Seth and Wylie offer evidence of the victim's being bludgeoned, which Jessica attempts to tie with the attempted murder aboard the boat.
After Jessica discovers a .38 Special caliber pistol in David's jacket pocket, she demands explanations especially after Wylie mentions that he has encountered David in Florida a few years before, when David was accused of operating a confidence scheme, and because David has cleverly smuggled a reference book from Cabot Cove Library to enclose the key to Jessica's front door.
When Jessica discovers her key, will she this cause her to figure the identity of the perpetrator and recover her $10,000 loan before the boat sails with suspects fleeing Cabot Cove in tow with "Dead Man's Gold?"
This episode marks one of the last television roles for Sean McClory, as well as the first of two "MSW" appearances each for John Laughlin and Ian Ruskin, the second of two for Leslie Nielsen, the second of three for Grant Goodeve, and the second of four "MSW" guest roles for Robert Hogan, including two as Cabot Cove Doctor Wylie Graham.
Sean McClory, acting in film and on television since 1947, has unfortunately since passed.
David Everett arrives in Cabot Cove, after assembling his team of young divers to search for sunken treasure in the harbor: Alexandra Bell (Julia Montgomery), Coby Russell (J. Eddie Peck), Larry Gaynes (Grant Goodeve) and Bill Ainsley (John Laughlin) comprise David's team, with Bill's wife, Susan Ainsley (Wendy Kilbourne), close at hand.
Alexandra, Bill, Coby and David (ABCD) share a partnership agreement, specifying that "Survivor Takes All" in the event that other members perish in the quest or happen to end up murdered along the way. But Ross and Gregory follow David to Cabot Cove and scrutinize his moves, once again from the dock or nearby rocks.
Doctor Wylie Graham (Robert Hogan), a veteran Navy Commander, sets up shoppe in Cabot Cove Hospital, he encountering Doctor Seth Hazlitt (William Windom) downtown on a shopping excursion with Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury), with Wylie's telling Seth that he has no intentions of recruiting Seth's patients from their regular physician.
Sheriff Amos Tupper (Tom Bosley) writes a parking ticket for Seth's vehicle beside a fire hydrant (which seems to move from bumper to side of automobile between shots), when David Everett reappears, to re-introduce himself to former schoolmate Jessica, whom he hasn't seen for some 35 years.
Jessica invites David and his four divers to dinner (he doesn't mention that five individuals actually occupy his treasure-hunting team), but only Alexandra, Coby and Larry arrive with him, after Bill's diving equipment fails this afternoon, and Susan remains at his side as Bill is hospitalized in Wylie's care.
David changes his stories for Jessica, as he tells her that Larry's father owns a computer company, which Larry actually does and finances his own excursion expenses. David accepts a loan from Jessica under the guise of operating expenses, but needs it to repay Ross Barber, who continues to hound David, with Gregory at Ross' side. David is open about discussing his failed marriages, but conceals the notion that he has no immediate plans to settle down.
But the next morning, Amos arrives at Jessica's to inform David that a body has been discovered along Cabot Cove Road, the victim of an apparent hit-and-run homicide.
Jessica joins Amos in investigating after he immediately arrests Coby Russell, after matching pieces of a broken headlight with Coby's rental vehicle. But Seth and Wylie offer evidence of the victim's being bludgeoned, which Jessica attempts to tie with the attempted murder aboard the boat.
After Jessica discovers a .38 Special caliber pistol in David's jacket pocket, she demands explanations especially after Wylie mentions that he has encountered David in Florida a few years before, when David was accused of operating a confidence scheme, and because David has cleverly smuggled a reference book from Cabot Cove Library to enclose the key to Jessica's front door.
When Jessica discovers her key, will she this cause her to figure the identity of the perpetrator and recover her $10,000 loan before the boat sails with suspects fleeing Cabot Cove in tow with "Dead Man's Gold?"
This episode marks one of the last television roles for Sean McClory, as well as the first of two "MSW" appearances each for John Laughlin and Ian Ruskin, the second of two for Leslie Nielsen, the second of three for Grant Goodeve, and the second of four "MSW" guest roles for Robert Hogan, including two as Cabot Cove Doctor Wylie Graham.
Sean McClory, acting in film and on television since 1947, has unfortunately since passed.
Deadman's Gold
coltras3519 August 2023
A group of young treasure hunters come to Cabot Cove looking for sunken treasure but after one dies and the other is arrested for her murder, Jessica gets involved both to clear a young man she believes is innocent and to help an old friend she knows tends not to be.
Not bad episode, though it's positives come from the chemistry between Angela and Leslie Neilson, who is quite charming in his role as a treasure Hunter. But is he too smooth for his own good? Could he be a killer? Jessica thinks not - but then he's her old flame. Funny thing is seeing Sheriff Amos' expression when seeing Neilson fixing Jessica's tie - well he thinks he kissing her. The murder has an odd and weak reason to murder the lady, however overall it's watchable.
Not bad episode, though it's positives come from the chemistry between Angela and Leslie Neilson, who is quite charming in his role as a treasure Hunter. But is he too smooth for his own good? Could he be a killer? Jessica thinks not - but then he's her old flame. Funny thing is seeing Sheriff Amos' expression when seeing Neilson fixing Jessica's tie - well he thinks he kissing her. The murder has an odd and weak reason to murder the lady, however overall it's watchable.
Frank Drebbin....in Cabot Cove...
Sleepin_Dragon20 October 2017
David, an old flame of Jessica's returns to Cabot Cove, together with a young crew he's seeking treasure lost at sea. A trusting Jessica let's David stay at her home, but he's chased by people he owes money to. After a night's entertainment at Jessica's one of that party, Alexandra is found dead.
I love Leslie Nielsen, but he's somewhat done a disservice in this episode, his character is a little ridiculous, a sea Captain hunting buried treasure...even more Murder she wrote. He is the only positive, he makes the best of it. Trouble is it's just so uninteresting as a story, I've always found I can't concentrate on this one, as there's so little on offer. Some of the performances aren't great, Alexandra's drunken scene is not great.
It's a bit all at sea. 6/10
I love Leslie Nielsen, but he's somewhat done a disservice in this episode, his character is a little ridiculous, a sea Captain hunting buried treasure...even more Murder she wrote. He is the only positive, he makes the best of it. Trouble is it's just so uninteresting as a story, I've always found I can't concentrate on this one, as there's so little on offer. Some of the performances aren't great, Alexandra's drunken scene is not great.
It's a bit all at sea. 6/10
Captain Leslie Nielsen again
safenoe30 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is the second time Canadian actor Leslie Nielsen has played a ship captain. The first time was in The Poseidon Adventure, and now here in much calmer waters in Cabot Cove where Leslie plays a yacht captain who is trying to keep ahead of the scams to keep afloat (pardon the pun).
I would like to have seen Leslie (whose brother Erik was Deputy Prime Minister of Canada) make more appearances in Murder, She Wrote. But not to be once he hit the big time when he co-starred with O. J. Simpson in The Naked Gun trilogy.
Good to see Grant Goodeve in a guest role, as he starred in one of my favorite TV series from the 70s, Eight is Enough. Also Wendy Kilbourne also appears, and she was in Midnight Caller, sadly one of the most underrated TV series ever.
I would like to have seen Leslie (whose brother Erik was Deputy Prime Minister of Canada) make more appearances in Murder, She Wrote. But not to be once he hit the big time when he co-starred with O. J. Simpson in The Naked Gun trilogy.
Good to see Grant Goodeve in a guest role, as he starred in one of my favorite TV series from the 70s, Eight is Enough. Also Wendy Kilbourne also appears, and she was in Midnight Caller, sadly one of the most underrated TV series ever.
An old charmer
bkoganbing3 July 2017
In this episode Jessica Fletcher gets a blast from the distant past, her high school days to be precise. Leslie Nielsen is back in town and he was a charmer then and hasn't lost a step. She was serious about Nielsen then, but apparently chose wisely in marrying the late Frank Fletcher.
In fact it's William Windom who hears about his career in some shady dealings that's alert first. Nielsen has a crew of young divers looking in the harbor for buried treasure. Nielsen also has loan shark Sean McClory on his case as well.
There's a near fatal accident to one of the divers that looks suspicious. Then one of the young women on the dive is killed on a road and it's made to look like a hit and run, rather clumsily.
Angela Lansbury is a shrewd woman, I couldn't quite buy what she does as far as Nielsen is concerned. It also turns out the deceased was killed for what I consider trivial reasons.
Not one of the better stories.
In fact it's William Windom who hears about his career in some shady dealings that's alert first. Nielsen has a crew of young divers looking in the harbor for buried treasure. Nielsen also has loan shark Sean McClory on his case as well.
There's a near fatal accident to one of the divers that looks suspicious. Then one of the young women on the dive is killed on a road and it's made to look like a hit and run, rather clumsily.
Angela Lansbury is a shrewd woman, I couldn't quite buy what she does as far as Nielsen is concerned. It also turns out the deceased was killed for what I consider trivial reasons.
Not one of the better stories.
An episode impaired by a bit of overacting and motivation that seemed suspect to say the least.
planktonrules3 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Bad acting by drunk girl. Alexandra
Diver nearly drowned, drunk murdered.
Admission motivation seemed suspect.
"Dead Man's Gold" is a poor installment of "Murder, She Wrote"...very poor. The writing isn't all that good and some of the acting is awfully bad.
David Everett (Leslie Nielsen) is a ne'er do well who is in trouble with loan sharks. Suddenly he arrives in Cabot Cove with a new scheme...diving for sunken treasure. He also turns out to be an old friend of Jessica's...and he seems ready to pull her into this scheme.
During a dinner party Jessica throws for David and his fellow divers, one of them, Alexandra, becomes drunk. Her acting, or should I say, 'overacting', is appalling and her friend drives her back to her hotel. While it makes no sense, she tries to grab the steering wheel and nearly kills them...and then she demands to be put out of the car. Does this many ANY sense? Nope. Not surprisingly, she ends up being killed and never makes it to her hotel.
When it comes to solving the crime, the show really goes off the deep end. It turns out the killer was tired of folks thinking she was only concerned with being pretty...so she killed Alexandra! Huh?!?
Overall, a very poor episode. It's a shame, as Leslie Nielsen was nice in his guest role...as were the series regulars (especially William Windom). A poor episode...which borders on the embarrassing.
Diver nearly drowned, drunk murdered.
Admission motivation seemed suspect.
"Dead Man's Gold" is a poor installment of "Murder, She Wrote"...very poor. The writing isn't all that good and some of the acting is awfully bad.
David Everett (Leslie Nielsen) is a ne'er do well who is in trouble with loan sharks. Suddenly he arrives in Cabot Cove with a new scheme...diving for sunken treasure. He also turns out to be an old friend of Jessica's...and he seems ready to pull her into this scheme.
During a dinner party Jessica throws for David and his fellow divers, one of them, Alexandra, becomes drunk. Her acting, or should I say, 'overacting', is appalling and her friend drives her back to her hotel. While it makes no sense, she tries to grab the steering wheel and nearly kills them...and then she demands to be put out of the car. Does this many ANY sense? Nope. Not surprisingly, she ends up being killed and never makes it to her hotel.
When it comes to solving the crime, the show really goes off the deep end. It turns out the killer was tired of folks thinking she was only concerned with being pretty...so she killed Alexandra! Huh?!?
Overall, a very poor episode. It's a shame, as Leslie Nielsen was nice in his guest role...as were the series regulars (especially William Windom). A poor episode...which borders on the embarrassing.
Deadly treasure hunting
TheLittleSongbird3 August 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.
"Dead Man's Gold" is really not one of 'Murder She Wrote's' best episodes. To me actually, while not terrible, it is one of the lesser early season episodes. The premise was interesting and it started off promisingly but it never quite came together as a whole package for me. Was indifferent to "Dead Man's Gold" on first watch, still am.
There are certainly good things. Production values are high in quality as to be expected, with slick photography and a great setting. 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.
Some of the writing is amiable and thought-provoking, and the episode did start off promisingly with the wonders and dangers of treasure hunting.
Angela Lansbury is great as always and the performances from the Cabot Cove regulars (in this case Tom Bosley and William Windom) are solid as is Robert Hogan. The identity of the killer was not an obvious one at least.
However, "Dead Man's Gold" has a good deal wrong too. The story fails to compel after a promising beginning, the pace is on the slack, the mystery doesn't have enough to keep one guessing and the denouement is spoiled by the murder being explained to have been committed for trivial/they killed for that reasons. Some of the dialogue is overripe as well.
It is also let down by the acting of the treasure hunters not being particularly good. Particularly that for the victim, with some of the worst attempts of drunk acting ever seen on television that only succeeds in providing unintentional humour. None of the treasure hunter characters are interesting enough.
All in all, didn't do much for me sad to say. 5/10 Bethany Cox
"Dead Man's Gold" is really not one of 'Murder She Wrote's' best episodes. To me actually, while not terrible, it is one of the lesser early season episodes. The premise was interesting and it started off promisingly but it never quite came together as a whole package for me. Was indifferent to "Dead Man's Gold" on first watch, still am.
There are certainly good things. Production values are high in quality as to be expected, with slick photography and a great setting. 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.
Some of the writing is amiable and thought-provoking, and the episode did start off promisingly with the wonders and dangers of treasure hunting.
Angela Lansbury is great as always and the performances from the Cabot Cove regulars (in this case Tom Bosley and William Windom) are solid as is Robert Hogan. The identity of the killer was not an obvious one at least.
However, "Dead Man's Gold" has a good deal wrong too. The story fails to compel after a promising beginning, the pace is on the slack, the mystery doesn't have enough to keep one guessing and the denouement is spoiled by the murder being explained to have been committed for trivial/they killed for that reasons. Some of the dialogue is overripe as well.
It is also let down by the acting of the treasure hunters not being particularly good. Particularly that for the victim, with some of the worst attempts of drunk acting ever seen on television that only succeeds in providing unintentional humour. None of the treasure hunter characters are interesting enough.
All in all, didn't do much for me sad to say. 5/10 Bethany Cox
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