Jessica gets involved in a British Intelligence operation's cover-up of a double agent's murder.Jessica gets involved in a British Intelligence operation's cover-up of a double agent's murder.Jessica gets involved in a British Intelligence operation's cover-up of a double agent's murder.
Photos
Richard Davies
- Edward Cadwell
- (as Richard A. Davies)
Clement von Franckenstein
- Nigel Atkins
- (as Clement Von Franckenstein)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe Stephen Sondheim references may have more significance than just the fact that Angela Lansbury had starred in his "Sweeney Todd" more than a decade earlier. He actually had a new hit show in London the year this episode was first broadcast - "Assassins."
- GoofsAmerican terminology used instead of English expressions by Daisy Collins (Kim Braden); 'Cat Pound' for 'Cattery' or 'Cat Rescue Centre' and Julian Fontaine (Trevor Eve); 'Service Elevator' for 'Service Lift' and 'Charade' for 'Charade with a long 'a' as in Charaade'
- Quotes
[first lines]
John Thurston: Jessica.
Jessica Fletcher: John! how wonderful to see you. Am I late?
John Thurston: Punctual as always. Well, I just got here myself.
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
Featured review
Jessica's body trouble
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.
"Tinker, Tailor, Liar, Thief" is a fun, intriguing Season 8 episode, though a long way from being one of the best of the season or of the show. It is agreed that the characters are stereotypes, but more problematic is that outside of the slick photography and nostalgia-inducing fashions the production values do look reminiscent of 60s-era studio back-lot rather than the real thing.
Suspension of disbelief is needed too for Scotland Yard's attitude towards Jessica, this is not the first time she's been in England so they would have been well aware of her reputation, not seeming to be ignorant of who and what she is.
On the other hand, Angela Lansbury has still got it as Jessica. All the supporting cast give game support, including Trevor Eve and Sharon Maughan before the roles they're most famous for.
Mystery-wise, "Tinker, Tailor, Liar, Thief" is very intriguing and lots of fun. It avoids being too far-fetched and while it's quite complicated it's not incoherently confusing. The ending is very clever, not one that leaves one floored but its twist is pleasantly surprising.
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.
Writing is tight, thought-provoking and typically amiable and the characters and chemistry are good fun.
Overall, above average but could have been better. 7/10 Bethany Cox
"Tinker, Tailor, Liar, Thief" is a fun, intriguing Season 8 episode, though a long way from being one of the best of the season or of the show. It is agreed that the characters are stereotypes, but more problematic is that outside of the slick photography and nostalgia-inducing fashions the production values do look reminiscent of 60s-era studio back-lot rather than the real thing.
Suspension of disbelief is needed too for Scotland Yard's attitude towards Jessica, this is not the first time she's been in England so they would have been well aware of her reputation, not seeming to be ignorant of who and what she is.
On the other hand, Angela Lansbury has still got it as Jessica. All the supporting cast give game support, including Trevor Eve and Sharon Maughan before the roles they're most famous for.
Mystery-wise, "Tinker, Tailor, Liar, Thief" is very intriguing and lots of fun. It avoids being too far-fetched and while it's quite complicated it's not incoherently confusing. The ending is very clever, not one that leaves one floored but its twist is pleasantly surprising.
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.
Writing is tight, thought-provoking and typically amiable and the characters and chemistry are good fun.
Overall, above average but could have been better. 7/10 Bethany Cox
helpful•55
- TheLittleSongbird
- Oct 24, 2017
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