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.
On the most part, "Murder on the Thirtieth Floor" is a highly enjoyable and atmospheric episode. Imperfections and all, it is generally one of the better Season 10 episodes. Things do go downhill a little from the Connecticut House encounter, where evidence is found by coincidence and far too easily and the killer in a matter of seconds goes from one of the season's most ingenious to one of its most careless. Michael Zelniker is also rather lifeless as Leonard.
Personally didn't question Jessica's involvement that much (though there are episodes where her involvement is more of her business), her incentive and reasoning for investigating the death was pretty clear to me.
Angela Lansbury is terrific, and Bruce Gray and Robert Desiderio are particularly good in support. The tension between Jessica and the police is handled well, as is the shady portrayal of the publishing company.
"Murder on the Thirtieth Floor" has a good mystery, some of it is very creepy, like the opening and the build up to the death, and the ending is an unexpected one. Really do wish though that much more effort had been put into the evidence, for 'Murder She Wrote' that was just sloppy.
Production values as always are slick, stylish and suitably cosy. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.
Writing is amiable and thoughtful, while the charm and tension of the cast's chemistry shine through greatly.
In conclusion, very well done on the whole with some frustrating sloppiness. 8/10 Bethany Cox
