Critic Reviews

The star of the show, Angela Lansbury, keeps you tuned in no matter what happens to the plot. It's a joy to watch an intelligent actress go through her paces. [28 Sep 1984, p.C26]

Like any good mystery, though, Murder She Wrote has the ups and downs and twists and turns of a roller-coaster, and it's a ride you'd probably enjoy. [22 Sep 1984, p.7]

The dialogue starts out somewhat forced and awkward. But once Lansbury and guest stars Arthur Hill, Ned Beatty and Brian Keith get on track, they make superbly amiable companions for a Sunday evening. [29 Sep 1984, p.13]

The best thing about the two-hour premiere of "Murder, She Wrote" is Angela Lansbury. She is all mischief and devilment, huggably wise, possessed of an agile mind and a sweet nature as a mystery writer/amateur detective who is always one amiable step ahead of the police. [29 Sep 1984, p.12]

What a pleasant surprise - a new series boasting a star who actually shines and a script that really sparkles. Indeed, if the quality of the pilot episode manages to hold up, Murder, She Wrote (CBS and CBC) could be the televised find of the season. [01 Oct 1984]

Murder, She Wrote looks like the most intriguing, if lighthearted, adult show of the new CBS entries. [17 Sep 1984, p.3E]

Perhaps because producers couldn’t rely on gee-whiz special effects or pounding pop music scores, there’s an unrelenting focus on character development in these episodes.

Murder, She Wrote isn't up to Columbo class yet. But the show does display enough wit and style to make it a top-notch entertainment alternative to the noisy head-banging and mayhem on Knight Rider and Hardcastle & McCormick. [30 Sep 1984]

I admit that somehow Jessica seems just a bit too slick and sophisticated - I miss the more idiosyncratic character of Miss Marple. But I'll take Jessica as is, if necessary, just as long as I can count on Angela Lansbury on TV every Sunday, right after 60 Minutes.

Even though the dialogue can be hilariously heavy-handed and studded with mixed metaphors, the plot twists are delightful and the cavalcade of guest stars can’t be beat.