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.
Season 11 has been an inconsistent season and one of the weakest ones for 'Murder She Wrote'. For every good episode (none great) like "Murder By Twos", "Film Flam", "School for Murder" and "To Kill a Legend" there are also mediocre episodes like "Murder of the Month Club", "Murder in High C", "Twice Dead" and "The Dream Team". "Game, Set, Murder" is one of the better episodes of the season.
It is not an original episode as such in terms of story, with elements of Season 2's "Menace Anyone?" (revolving around a tennis tournament), Season 9's "Threshold of Fear" (a young woman having nightmare about her mother's murder) and Season 10's "A Murderous Muse" (a creepily over-protective father-like figure). Jessica's involvement and how she solves the case with little trouble and the aftermath are somewhat too convenient.
Angela Lansbury however is terrific as Jessica, and Barry Newman and a loathsome Leon Russom are the supporting standouts. Considering the dubious hit and miss standard of the acting quality of the younger cast in later seasons, J.C. Brandy handles herself quite well.
The mystery is intriguing and engaging, keeping one guessing up to the surprising denouement.
Production values are slick and stylish with a very atmospheric foggy setting in places. 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 amiable and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, very game way to end an inconsistent season. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Season 11 has been an inconsistent season and one of the weakest ones for 'Murder She Wrote'. For every good episode (none great) like "Murder By Twos", "Film Flam", "School for Murder" and "To Kill a Legend" there are also mediocre episodes like "Murder of the Month Club", "Murder in High C", "Twice Dead" and "The Dream Team". "Game, Set, Murder" is one of the better episodes of the season.
It is not an original episode as such in terms of story, with elements of Season 2's "Menace Anyone?" (revolving around a tennis tournament), Season 9's "Threshold of Fear" (a young woman having nightmare about her mother's murder) and Season 10's "A Murderous Muse" (a creepily over-protective father-like figure). Jessica's involvement and how she solves the case with little trouble and the aftermath are somewhat too convenient.
Angela Lansbury however is terrific as Jessica, and Barry Newman and a loathsome Leon Russom are the supporting standouts. Considering the dubious hit and miss standard of the acting quality of the younger cast in later seasons, J.C. Brandy handles herself quite well.
The mystery is intriguing and engaging, keeping one guessing up to the surprising denouement.
Production values are slick and stylish with a very atmospheric foggy setting in places. 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 amiable and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, very game way to end an inconsistent season. 8/10 Bethany Cox