Trial by Error

One of the finest episodes of "Murder, She Wrote" boasts a stellar cast of film and television veterans in a most witty exchange of dialogue....

"At the scene of a vehicular accident": Tony Bill as Mark Lee Reynolds, Diane Lander as Stephanie Reynolds, Javier Grajeda as Paramedic, and Warren J. Kemmerling as Doctor Maurice Webster.

"At the Last Resort": Doran Clark as Becky Anderson, James Hampton as Jerry Blevins, John Davis Chandler as John Detweiler, Gregory Walcott as Willie Patchecki, and Michael Swan as Cliff Anderson.

"Inside Cabot Cove County Courthouse": Walter Mathews as Judge Philo Walker, David Ackroyd as Prosecutor Tom Casselli, Jon Cypher as Defense Attorney Max Flynn, R.J. Adams as Ballistics expert Victor Assmussen, Alan Hale Jr. as Motel owner Fenton Harris, Robert Casper as Becky Anderson's neighbor Arthur Jasper, and Macdonald Carey as Defense Attorney Oscar Ramsey.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury" (Clockwise from lower left): Tom Ewell as Josh Corbin, Virginia Capers as Margo Webster, Arlene Golonka as Sally Conover, Richard Sanders as Gerald Richards, Lenore Kasdorf as Ally Collins, Allan Miller as Frank Lord, Gary Frank as Lee Callahan, Gene Evans as Otto Fry, Norman Burton as Drew Narramore, Vicki Lawrence as Jackie MacKay, Brock Peters as Thornton Bentley, and Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher.

Synopsis... On the night of a one-vehicle accident, paramedics arrive to rescue a severely-injured Stephanie Reynolds from the compact automobile driven by husband, Mark, who refuses treatment for his arm and shoulder injury.

At the hospital, where Mark, again, refuses treatment, Dr. Webster informs him that although there is a good chance that Stephanie may recover, she may never walk again.

Mark immediately exits the hospital in despair, to arrive at The Last Resort tavern, at which he is greeted by Becky Anderson, who asks Jerry the Bartender for a cloth to tend to Mark's facial lacerations. By midnight, Becky tells Mark that she must leave, offering to fix him a cup of coffee to offset his drinking.

A concealed Johnny Detweiler witnesses the exchange and notifies Becky's estranged husband, Cliff Anderson, who stays with Willie Patchecki. An incensed Cliff reacts, "Trial separation, she says! I'm going to kill that woman!"

About seven weeks later, Judge Philo Walker pounds his gavel inside a Cabot Cove County courtroom: "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you've heard the evidence. Now, you must decide whether the defendant...."

Some of the finest dialogue delivery of this series ensues around the chamber, as nine impatient jurors see this as a case which should never have come to trial, but as a bid by a politically ambitious District Attorney.

Two jurors, however, vote "Guilty as charged" as flashbacks of the proceedings are presented and witness testimony is re-examined by the "Undecided" Jury Chairperson, Mrs. Jessica Fletcher.

Three possible scenarios of "Fireplace Poker Flinging" are presented for Jessica and the unwilling jurors to re-examine.

Asks the edgy Radio Host Frank Lord of Jessica, "Oh, so you're the 'undecided' one?"

Answers an impatient Josh Corbin, "If she wasn't, do you think that we'd be sitting here all day, re-examining the evidence?"

It's a bad day for the jurors when Jessica is the foreperson of the jury hearing the case of a man claiming self-defense in the death of an enraged husband.

A brilliant episode, which is no surprise as Season 2, in my opinion, is the golden period of the series, that has Jessica heading a jury who have different ideas about the court case. They argue intelligently like in 12 angry men, which is fun to see, but it's Jessica who encourages them to see things with an open mind. Of course, there's a brilliant twist - and a satisfying ending. The suspense, at times, can be unbearable.

I used to watch this with my grandmother and recently discovered it's on a streaming service.

It's easy to write Mrs. Fletcher off as an inquisitive busybody with a penchant for turning up at murder scenes or somehow being involved with the crime of the day. But the woman is a master detective!

I've been bingeing MSE and Lord this episode is one of the best yet! It's only season 2 so I hope there are more courtroom episodes like this one.

As an SVU super fan I find most of the episodes to be a little predictable, but it's all easy watching with a mystery element. That said, the plot twist at the end is not one you will see coming. A true standout!

"Trial by Error" is not a good episode of "Murder, She Wrote" though I am sure fans of the show will still enjoy it and all other reviews give it a 10. Why is it not good? Well, first, the show has done what a bazillion other TV shows and murders have done...it's a blatant rip-off of "12 Angry Men". Second, the plot is completely illogical, as Jessica Fletcher has been placed on a jury discussing a murder. Now WHAT murder trial would allow a murder mystery writer who had already solved about three dozen murders on the jury? The answer, by the way, is none! They do not allow people like this on juries unless it's for a civil crime or something non-violent...and they especially won't for a murder trial. After all, while they are impaneling a jury, the lawyers review questionnaires and ask jurors many questions...and I cannot imagine at least one of the lawyers objecting...and rightfully so! Illogical...and sloppy...really sloppy.

Now, if you can put this aside (particularly about Jessica being on the jury), the episode IS very interesting and the solution to the murder is really cool! But a 10? No...I just can't see that.

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.

"Trial By Error" is an absolutely brilliant episode. It is a very strong contender for the best episode of Season 2 and certainly has always been among my favourites of 'Murder She Wrote'. It is an episode that is never dull and never descends into silliness, in fact both the mystery and courtroom aspects are delivered with real maturity and have a real suspenseful edge.

Its mystery has all the twists and turns of the finest work of Agatha Christie, the courtroom scenes are just fascinating and just as thought-provoking and compelling of an episode of 'Law and Order' and the scenes with the jury together have the intelligence, blazing intensity and fun of '12 Angry Men'. When making these comparisons they are meant in a very good way, Christie has always been one of my favourite authors, am a fan of 'Law and Order' in its golden years (the Lennie Briscoe years) and '12 Angry Men' is a fantastic film and the king of courtroom dramas. The final solution is one of the cleverest and surprising of 'Murder She Wrote', didn't see it coming despite it being like a classic Agatha Christie ending and it is second only to "Sticks and Stones" when it comes to shocking reveals of Season 2. Wasn't expecting the jury's decision either.

Even in a confined setting, the production values are high with slick photography. 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.

The writing is tight, thought-provoking and typically amiable, while the characters are very well written and while Jessica may seem smug at the end somewhat this is a case of her having every right to be.

Angela Lansbury is as always impeccable. "Trial and Error" has some of the show's best ever guest work in what often feels like an ensemble episode. Even Alan Hale's cameo is terrific.

Overall, classic 'Murder She Wrote' and pure genius. 10/10 Bethany Cox