Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall: Part 2 

Cabot Cove is abuzz when Eudora McVeigh is determined to fill Jessica's role in solving a local murder.

Director:

Walter Grauman

Writers:

Peter S. Fischer (created by), Richard Levinson (created by)

Stars:

Angela Lansbury, Richard Anderson, Shelley Fabares

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Angela Lansbury	...	Jessica Fletcher
Richard Anderson	...	Lew Bracken
Shelley Fabares	...	Liza Caspar
David Hedison	...	Victor Casper
Ken Howard	...	Hank Shipton
Ron Masak	...	Sheriff Mort Metzger
Daniel McDonald	...	Bobby Shipton
Jean Simmons	...	Eudora McVeigh
William Windom	...	Dr. Seth Hazlitt
Will Nye	...	Deputy Floyd
Robert Dryer	...	Arnie
Edward Penn	...	Doctor
Lisa Nelson	...	Nurse
Michael Doven	...	Joey
Scot Stewart	...	Maitre 'D

Storyline

After Seth is hospitalized and diagnosed as poisoned, with an apple Eudora gave Jessica, she still believes in her colleague's innocence. Sheriff Metzger discovers the murdered P.I. was following her husband, Hank Shipton, and found him adulterous with rich Victor Casper's wife, Lisa. Hank's son, Bobby, is beaten up by local Arnie on account of pool bet debts. Jessica ties up all the loose ends.

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Plot Keywords:

number in episode title | poison apple | doctor | sheriff | father son relationship | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

A major rewrite of the script was needed for this two-part episode as it was originally intended to be the series finale. However, Angela Lansbury was persuaded to continue the series with the promise of a reduced workload (hence the "bookend" episodes in the subsequent sixth and seventh seasons).

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Goofs

[All goofs for this title are spoilers.]

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Quotes

[first lines]
Sheriff Mort Metzger: Mrs. Fletcher? I, uh, I just talked to one of the nurses. They've taken him to I.C.U.
Jessica Fletcher: Yeah, but what's wrong? What's the matter with him?
Sheriff Mort Metzger: Uh, she said we'll have to talk to his doctor.
Jessica Fletcher: I-Is he gonna be all right?
Sheriff Mort Metzger: I don't know.

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Soundtracks

Murder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison

User Reviews

A more than fair season finale

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.

Although there are wonderful Season 5 episodes, such as "Mr Penroy's Vacation", "The Search for Peter Kerry", "A Little Night Work", "The Sins of Castle Cove", "Fire Burn, Cauldron Bubble" and "The Last Flight of the Dixie Damsel", my vote for the best episode of the season is "Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall". The only episodes of the season to not do much for me are "Three Strikes You're Out" and particularly "Truck Stop" (one of the oddest 'Murder She Wrote' episodes).

The mystery is a suspenseful and thoroughly engaging one, carrying on where the first part left off in a nail-biting cliff-hanger that sees one rooting for the fate of a regular recurring character. Though if there was a preference between the two halves it would be the first, which was nigh on faultless to me. The second part is outstanding still, apart from not completely buying the lack of proper consequence for Seth's poisoning but that's just a nit-pick.

Reiterating what was said about the first part of "Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall", being effectively the same episode, the acting is very good across the board. Angela Lansbury as always in one of her best-remembered roles is terrific, as are a firm but amusing Ron Masak (whose Metzger is settling in well, even if he understandably becomes more interesting in later seasons) and charmingly curmudgeon William Windom. Ken Howard and Shelley Fabarres are very strong support, but the episode is stolen by one of the show's best ever guest supporting performances in Jean Simmons, who is just marvellous.

Production values as ever are slick and stylish. Just love the Cabot Cove setting and the sense of close knit community. 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 mostly thought-provoking, light-hearted and amiable.

Overall, Season 5's highlight and one of my favourite 'Murder She Wrote' episodes. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 May 1989 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Stage 29, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

47 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1