The Way to Dusty Death

This particular Murder She Wrote has the farewell acting appearance of a favorite classic film star of mine Cornel Wilde. Wilde is also the victim in this story.

But the victim of what exactly? Wilde is an industrial tycoon who has gathered a number of friends and members of his company board among them Jessica Fletcher who is trying to keep a factory open in good old Cabot Cove. After a sumptuous dinner hosted by Wilde and wife Joanna Pettet he announces to one and all reports of his retirement have been greatly exaggerated.

But later on Wilde is found dead in his hot tube with a small television in it as well. He might have pulled the thing in accidentally on his own or it could have gotten in the tub with some other individual's help.

Jessica's partner in the investigation is Dr. Richard Jaeckel as they try to prove there was indeed a murder before looking for a culprit. Of course you know there was one. Especially with all the palace intrigues involving Wilde's successor.

I did enjoy Ray Walston former cabinet under secretary of the Treasury and now hard as nails business tycoon himself. I wish we saw more of him.

Nice story, Jessica Fletcher seems to be the only one on that board without her own agenda.

A tyrant's demise puts Jessica on the trail of several of his betrayed executives. A lot of the executives have an agenda of their own, and some of them are scheming to get to the top of the tree; this aspect is what makes this episode particularly enjoyable, especially the couple - Richard Beymer and his wife. Cornel Wilde, in his last appearance, acts the tyrant well and gets a TV in his hot tub while bathing for his wickedness. Of course, the detecting is great, but I love the characters - suspects - and their interactions the most.

"The Way to Dusty Death" is a decent installment of "Murder, She Wrote", though one of the confessions is a bit...well, silly.

Cornell Wilde plays an elderly CEO who is expected to retire soon. He calls his top executives to his house for a big party where he's expected to announce the retirement. However, instead, he announces that he's NOT retiring and he hates everyone of them (or something kind of to this effect). Soon, he's found death, which is no surprise...and Jessica just happens to be on hand and she investigates the case.

This is an unusual case because the deceased appears to have been killed twice! Assassins tried to poison him AND electrocute him! While this and the solution are very interesting, one of the characters (who is a LOT like Lady Macbeth) quickly admits to trying to poison the old man and considering there's really no evidence, this makes little sense...especially for such a conniving wench! Still, the acting and episode are enjoyable despite this.

Having been placed on a board, Jessica takes her responsibility seriously when the chairman is murdered after a social gathering.

You have to hand it to Jessica, murder, politics, writing and now the world of big business, her talents knew no bounds. A good episode, it's a little different in tone, for once there isn't a huge push to make the victim entirely loathsome,quite the reverse.

The story is good, the idea of Jessica being on a board is a bit silly, the best element here has to be the array of characters. Each one is good, particularly Virginia, a scheming woman, desperate for wealth and power, Keen to push her husband forward to achieve her goals, Shakespeare fans will see a similarity.

Overall, it's good. 7/10

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.

"The Way to Dusty Death" is another great Season 4 episode. Season 4 is to me one of the better and more consistent 'Murder She Wrote' seasons, perhaps the one with the highest number of great/gem episodes. While not quite among the very best of the season, "The Way to Dusty Death" is one of the episodes in the top half of it. Was not hugely surprised by the identity of the killer or the motive, considering that all the suspects seemed to have an agenda. Figuring out who was going to get killed, like with most 'Murder She Wrote' was easy to figure out early on.

Really enjoyed the story, it reminded me of 'Macbeth' loosely adapted and set in a tension-filled and beautifully portrayed corporate environment with delicious characters and for the show up to this point a unique murder method.

Likewise with the guest stars making up a supporting cast that is one of the show's best. Richard Beymer and Joanne Pettet have characters that are somewhat likable even though they are also ones without many morals. Pettet in particular relishes her role, that has a Lady Macbeth-like quality to it, really biting into her confrontation scene with Jessica with some of what comes out of mouth fairly shocking.

Another delight is Ray Walston, who has a delightful tough-as-iron demeanour that more than makes up for that he was a little underused. Jenilee Harrison is charming and Nancy Dussault is suitably uptight. The farewell performance of Cornel Wilde as the victim is a worthy one. As for Angela Lansbury, she is dependably terrific in one of her justifiably best remembered roles.

Production values are slick and stylish as ever with 'Murder She Wrote'. 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 thought-provoking, light-hearted and amiable and the story has some well executed twists and turns and is never dull.

In conclusion, great fun. 9/10 Bethany Cox