Episode 62: Mama Rose Rabbit Holes

We’re investigating bulletproof vests, teddy bears, and tainted cheese TONIGHT ON MURDER, SHE WROTE. But can we trust the reported results? Questionable...

Our busybody sleuth and mystery author, Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury), finds herself in the world of Consumer Reporting television. Lured at the request of her wet-blanket buddy, Jayne (Judith Chapman), who is struggling in her marriage to the show's producer, Steve (Robert F. Lyons), things turn bloody when the charming —at least on camera— yet volatile host, Kenneth Chambers (Rod McCary), is discovered, you guessed it, shot dead. Perhaps he should have worn the bulletproof vest after all?

Naturally, everyone hated the guy, and all are better off without him, but whose motive was strong enough to do him in? Was it the ambitious and cutthroat aspiring producer (the fabulous Adrienne Barbeau) and her naive protégé (a delightful Pat Klous) who are quick to swoop in and fill Chambers’ high-profile shoes; the mobster toy hussler (Joe Santos) who the dead guy was blackmailing; the exhausted Steve who just wants a night off; the elusive executive hunk (Morgan Stevens) who has a lingering fondness for Jessica’s pal; or a begrudged techie (Brian Matthews) who our victim fired hours before biting the bullet?

No surprise, our lieutenant (Barry Corbin) is more interested in a quick arrest and patting himself on the back than in doing actual detective work. Luckily, Jessica can count on custodian and unexpected Watson fill-in, Bert (George Takei), to bait a trap for our killer— and procure some rad celebrity memorabilia along the way.

Coffee stains, bad dental work, and low-cut dresses won’t distract us, but a Gypsy-inspired musical theatre tangent might... Ultimately, THE BOTTOM LINE IS MURDER.