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.
"The Dark Side of the Door" is Season 12 at its darkest and most twisty, and possibly one of the darkest 'Murder She Wrote' episodes. It may not be 'Murder She Wrote' at its very best, with it not quite having the extra spark of the best episodes and some actors are better than others (but actually there is very little that is wrong here). It is though one of Season 12's best.
Elevating "The Dark Side of the Door" to a greater level are three things. The mystery has a lot of red herrings and twists and turns and perhaps the second most shocking ending of the season after "Unwilling Witness" (the identity of the criminal is one you don't see coming). This dark twisty atmosphere adds a lot to a mystery and crimes that are agreed particularly monstrous.
Angela Lansbury is terrific as Jessica, one of her most famous roles for very good reason.
She has a solid supporting cast that serve her as well as can be. Tracy Middendorf's performance is one of the better ones of the younger cast member performances of Season 12 by quite some way. Those for Richard Beymer, Taylor Nichols, Meg Foster and Marcia Strassman epitomise class.
Production values are slick and stylish. 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 fun and thought-provoking, not taking itself seriously.
In conclusion, very well done. 8/10 Bethany Cox