Murder, She Wrote

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.

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]

[Lansbury] made this show, which depended on smarts, instinct and the force of J.B.'s personality, not CSI evidence.

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.

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]

Not taking itself very seriously, Murder, She Wrote is a pleasant, almost old-fashioned entertainment, and it does not require a single screeching car chase.

Although it could have been wrapped up in 90 minutes without hurting the plot, and despite Lansbury's characterization getting a mite precious at times, the premiere is colorful, stylish entertainment, pleasantly free of acrobatic automobiles and chock full of semi-campy cameos by the likes of Keith, Ned Beatty, Arthur Hill and Anne Francis. [28 Sep 1984, p.E]

Murder She Wrote is quality, even if it needs more vinegar and less honey. [28 Sep 1984, p.71]

Lansbury does her best with her characterization of Jessica and it is conceivable that her series, which should inherit a substantial audience from 60 Minutes, which precedes it on CBS, may emerge as one of the new hits of the fall season. [30 Sep 1984, p.62]

Angela Lansbury's Jessica Fletcher may not captivate like Peter Falk's Columbo, but she'll do quite nicely until something better comes along. [28 Sep 1984, p.2B]

For awhile the whodunit is mildly diverting, but it quickly goes off in unsatisfying directions. [28 Sep 1984, p.10B]

With her lovely, mobile face and gift for comedy, Lansbury would be an asset to any drama. But this preposterous mystery tale defeats her. [28 Sep 1984, p.52]

Though fashioned by Richard Levinson and William Link, the "Columbo" team, this agreeably old-fashioned crime show, while happily free of squealy car chases, is unfortunately cuted up mercilessly. Lansbury must have taken night courses in adorability; instead of being saucy and sassy, she's a polyester Pollyanna.