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.
"Deadly Bidding" is one of Season 12's better episodes and a breath of fresh air after being severely underwhelmed by the previous episode "Shooting in Rome", which is one of the worst 'Murder She Wrote' episodes to me. It is not as good as 'Murder She Wrote's' other auction, theft and murder episode "One Good Bid Deserves a Murder" from Season 2, but is a pretty good episode.
Most of the support acting is uninspired at best, there is some occasional sloppiness in continuity (including the aforementioned odd one in the denouement) and it is not an episode that does much new or shock you.
Angela Lansbury is terrific as Jessica, as can be expected, and Wayne Rogers brings the same amount of professionalism that he had in his previous four appearances. It was a shame it was his last. He and Lansbury are charming together.
Not all the support acting is uninspired. That is certainly not the case with Doug Hutchison, enjoying himself thoroughly. Craig Richard Nelson, Kathleen Garrett, Melanie Smith and Martin Jarvis are also good.
The mystery is not a too obvious one and doesn't go too far with the simplicity. It is also not a too much going on or convoluted one. While the denouement is not an example of leaving one floored, it can't thankfully be seen from miles away. The way the murderer is trapped is one of the cleverest and most inventive of Season 12 and of the latter seasons, where evidence tended to be circumstantial.
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.
Concluding, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
"Deadly Bidding" is one of Season 12's better episodes and a breath of fresh air after being severely underwhelmed by the previous episode "Shooting in Rome", which is one of the worst 'Murder She Wrote' episodes to me. It is not as good as 'Murder She Wrote's' other auction, theft and murder episode "One Good Bid Deserves a Murder" from Season 2, but is a pretty good episode.
Most of the support acting is uninspired at best, there is some occasional sloppiness in continuity (including the aforementioned odd one in the denouement) and it is not an episode that does much new or shock you.
Angela Lansbury is terrific as Jessica, as can be expected, and Wayne Rogers brings the same amount of professionalism that he had in his previous four appearances. It was a shame it was his last. He and Lansbury are charming together.
Not all the support acting is uninspired. That is certainly not the case with Doug Hutchison, enjoying himself thoroughly. Craig Richard Nelson, Kathleen Garrett, Melanie Smith and Martin Jarvis are also good.
The mystery is not a too obvious one and doesn't go too far with the simplicity. It is also not a too much going on or convoluted one. While the denouement is not an example of leaving one floored, it can't thankfully be seen from miles away. The way the murderer is trapped is one of the cleverest and most inventive of Season 12 and of the latter seasons, where evidence tended to be circumstantial.
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.
Concluding, pretty good. 7/10 Bethany Cox