Sticks and Stones

This episode (like several other "Murder She Wrote" episodes) borrows its basic plotline from an Agatha Christie mystery, in this case "The Moving Finger" (itself turned into a television episode, The Moving Finger (2006)). This episode is not quite as good as the Christie work and Jessica Fletcher figures out the conceit far too quickly but it IS well-acted and has some added twists and turns of its own. And the revelation of the killer's identity is a genuine shocker.

The passing of the torch from Sheriff Tupper to his successor Harry Pierce does not run smoothly as first a local woman dies of electrocution in her bathroom (an incident that Jessica finds suspicious) and then an anonymous writer floods Cabot Cove with accusatory letters, in an attempt to cover up the surprising murder of a young woman who owns the land that a historic lighthouse is located on. With the help of a visiting travel journalist, it's up to Jessica to aid the new sheriff, Harry Pierce, in figuring who the culprit is.

Agatha Christie's The Moving finger had a similar storyline, and of course, this episode isn't quite on par on the book, but it's still interesting and has some moments. However, I found it a little too confusing and convoluted at times, thus tedious. The finale is good, though.

Amos retires from the role of Sheriff, handing the role on to Estate Agent Harry. Harry's first day is eventful, poison pen letters swamp Cabot Cove, but more serious is the supposedly accidental death of Beverley. Even Jessica is accused of inappropriate relations in a letter.

This is one of my favourite episodes, some silliness and gentle humour mask a rather sinister plot. We get to meet more of the residents of Cabot Cove, the scene where Edna clouts Jessica with her handbag is hilarious.

Harry proves that there is a Sheriff out there that's even more silly the Amos, but he did have some degree of charm. It's well made, nicely filmed, and makes use of the beautiful location.

I really liked this episode, 9/10

Woman is in tub watching a small television sitting on a wooden stool standing next to the bathroom vanity about 12 feet away from the tub. The power istemporarily cut by someone wearing gloves in the basement. The woman gets out of the tub and walks across the bathroom floor to the stool where the tv sits; she jiggles the power cord in the outlet on the wall to see if it is just loose; as she grabbed the plug it is clear that the shielding on the tv cord is cut with wires exposed right where the plug is. At the same as she is jiggling the plug in the outlet, the gloved individual in the basement throws the main back on in the basement, sending electricity through the frayed wires into the hand of the woman. Next the camera returns to the hand of the gloved individual, but the sound heard is of something making a huge SPLASH. The camera is suddenly back on the woman and she is miraculously in the bathtub again, electrocuted. There is no way she could end up 12 feet away after being electrocuted by the frayed cord. On a side-note, when the gloved individual cuts the main power, the TV goes out but the lights stay on! Another goof. If it wasn't important enough for the director and editor to correct these inconsistencies...then it's not important for me to waste another second watching. Sad!

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.

"Sticks and Stones" is one of the highlight episodes of Season 2, one of the better Cabot Cove episodes and a standout of the early seasons. Slowed down only by the subplot between Michael and Lila, which didn't really add anything and didn't have much chemistry. Parker Stevenson is also a little on the bland side.

On the other hand, it's a well made episode as usual. Love the Cabot Cove setting and how it's like a close knit community (making one really feeling the tension the poison pen letters and gossip cause). The photography complements it well. 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 in "Sticks and Stones" is humorous, thoughtful and sometimes moving and tense. The story is somewhat sprawling but always fun and absorbing, with the poison pen letters causing much tension and the reveal is a genuine shocker. It is actually one of 'Murder She Wrote's' most shocking endings, it was the last person personally suspected which doesn't happen a lot on the show and the viewer is completely on Jessica's side about her wanting so badly to be wrong.

Angela Lansbury is terrific and particularly sells the emotion in the denouement, the shock and sadness Jessica is feeling in this scene is incredibly moving and comes through vividly in Lansbury's acting. Tom Bosley, William Windom and John Astin are solid too.

In conclusion, thoroughly enjoyable and an early season standout. 9/10 Bethany Cox