I was asked to write a piece by the lovely Gill for her blogathon on Angela Lansbury . I too adore Angela Lansbury and wanted to highlight this by writing about why I love Murder, She Wrote. I’m happy to do this tribute to such a national treasure and mainstay in movies and television.
Here are the reasons why I love Murder, She Wrote:
1. Of Course it has to be Angela Lansbury:
The biggest reason the show is so effective and entertaining is the incomparable Angela Lansbury at the centre of it. She’s the perfect choice for the role of amateur sleuth and successful crime writer Jessica Fletcher. She blends observational tendencies, gentle humour and moments of deep strength to form this beloved woman who has a nose for murder. Lansbury is so good that it’s impossibke to imagine anyone else playing the part. I just love how radiant but firm she is and how she is a likeable character. It wouldn’t be successful without the talent of Lansbury.
2. There’s a certain level of coziness to it:
Now that may sound strange considering the show is about someone solving murders, but please let me elaborate. While the content of the show is Jessica attempting to unearth murderers, it has a lightness of touch to it. It’s not dour and overly serious, but rather. Yet it does have strong emotional moments in it, it’s the episodic nature and knowledge that Jessica will succeed in her sleuthing that really makes Murder, She Wrote.
3. The vast array of guest stars:
Sometimes watching Murder, She Wrote is like playing spot the celebrity, given the amount of famous guest stars that have featured on it. From seasoned pros of Old Hollywood to stars just on the cusp of recognition, Murder, She Wrote has them in spades. You’ll be surprised how many big stars had early roles on this show.
But the biggest reason of all is Angela Lansbury who’s incomparable.
Murder, She Wrote was always good fun. The plot was straight up formulaic so you knew when to expect a clue or a reveal or a twist so it wasn’t the plot that was holding your attention. It was definitely the script and the characters. The execution of something formulaic in a way that was just fun to watch. And as you said, Angela Lansbury really sold her character each and every episode.
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It was Angela who was the brightest star here. Love her.
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Sorry mate, we will have to disagree on this one. I hated every second of it.
Contrived, twee, unconvincing, cosy, no tension or drama, ham acting from everyone involved, and I could go on and on. I can only think that this must be a fond memory from your childhood, V. 🙂
Cheers, Pete.
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Yes, I have fond memories of my Grandma watching it.
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This show could be easily done today. I’m surprised it hasn’t been attempted.
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I’m sure I heard a reboot was in order.m
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I’m more Columbo, but I know what you mean about coziness. I find thise shows kind of comforting. I can’t think of anyone who could have played her better. And isn’t she incredible in The Manchurian Candidate?
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Columbo is pretty fun too. Oh she was amazing in The Manchurian Candidate. So cold and calculating.
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Cozy mysteries are my happy place and the centre is Cabot Cove, Maine.
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Good to hear from a fellow fan.
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While this wasn’t the most exciting mystery series, being a cozy mystery fan, I still enjoyed it. I’m so glad you’re a fan as well Vinnie.☺️
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Glad you dig the cozy nature of it. And who doesn’t love Angela Lansbury?
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This was my granny’s fave show and we used to watch it together.
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That’s the same with me.
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