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.
"Funeral at Fifty Mile" to me is one of Season 1's weaker episodes, but by all means it's not a bad thing. Will admit though that it was not a season finale one would expect, tone-wise it's unexpected and surprising. There are a good deal of good things here in "Funeral at Fifty Mile" but it is easy where some may not be enamoured with it, not sure what the general consensus is on the episode but a mixed and more polarising response would not be a surprise.
Character-wise, "Funeral at Fifty Mile" is pretty clichéd stuff, some not particularly interesting and some of the female characters deserved more to do. Some are also really difficult to like, and this is not talking about eventually one of the season's most detestable victims, this is actually especially true of the too buffoonish and insultingly sexist sheriff character.
While the ending is a very surprising one, one of the season's most unexpected, the tone is a bit of a shock throughout the episode and at the end. For such a light-hearted and amiable show, this was pretty dark and sombre, particularly for a season finale for a show with a tone that is the opposite. Interesting change of pace but didn't quite sit well with me.
However, it is a good looking episode as to be expected. Nicely shot and attractive fashions that makes one nostalgic for the 80s period (even to those who weren't even alive yet) and a great location. The music has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.
The script provokes thought and the story absorbs.
As always, Angela Lansbury is terrific in one of her best remembered roles one of the roles that is most closely associated with me at any rate). The cast are solid, and it is note-worthy for seeing a pre-Seth Hazlitt William Windom.
Overall, pretty good if different. 7/10 Bethany Cox
