Sudden Death

Jessica's uncle dies, leaving her shares in an American football side. As soon as she arrives she's offered money for the failing club, by many of the people concerned, she declines. Jessica befriends injured player Zak Farrell, who takes Jessica home to introduce his wife Kathy and daughter Jill. One of the would be buyers is found dead in the changing room, Jessica cleverly puts the case together.

It's a solid episode, better then the previous Tough guys don't lie, but only just. It's a pretty good storyline, but perhaps stretches the imagination to have our wonderfully versatile Jessica helping to run a Football side. The crime is intriguing, and the solution is actually brilliant, a really clever piece of deduction. Funny scenes, including Jessica's realisation that she's in the men's shower room. I also love the character of Jill, Jessica's interaction in sign language is great. I didn't really care for Zak or Kathy, both were a bit flat, but Dick Butkus who played Tank was very entertaining.

Pretty 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.

"Sudden Death" is a more than worthwhile episode for Season 1. Not among the season's best episodes (in a season with classics like "Lovers and Other Killers", "Paint Me a Murder" and "Murder Takes the Bus"), but not one of the weakest ones either ("Murder to a Jazz Beat" and "My Johnny Lies Over the Ocean", but neither are bad episodes).

It could have been a better episode by all means. Bruce Jenner spends his entire screen time looking terrified, and the chemistry with the lady playing his wife is next to zero. One does question the competency of the police when investigating the crime scene and yeah the whole business with the blackmail threats could have had more clarity.

However, "Sudden Death" looks good in the production values as ever. Nicely shot with a suitable location (though it's no The Mediterranean). 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 is often charming and amiable, while the story has some good conflict and is compelling mostly, with a mostly clever surprising final solution (apart from the murderer giving in too easily) after a few nice twists.

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), while there is cool support from particularly Dick Butkus, and John Beck. Oh and there is a scene with Jessica and Farrell's daughter that tugs at the heart-strings.

Overall, good and worth the while. 7/10 Bethany Cox

While no one will ever confuse Dick Butkus with other great actors, I feel he deserves a mention, as he recently passed away almost 6 months ago as of this writing. I like the short scenes he(Tank Mason) and Jessica share, especially on the practice field. As I stated in my previous review on this show, I won't rehash the plot, as others do it better. Look for many familiar faces like Bruce Jenner(pre-Caitlyn), Jan Smithers, David Doyle, Gary Lockwood, James McEachin, and Allan Miller. Since I am a football fan, and a fan of this fine show, it mixed well together. There weren't many pretentious types, like you may find in some Cabot Cove/NYC episodes, so it makes it easier for someone like me to follow along. I enjoy the Cabot Cove episodes very much, but I feel the change of scenery worked for me.

Jessica unexpectedly inherits shares in a football team, the Leopards, from her Uncle Cyrus. When she goes to check out the team, however, she finds herself in the middle of a battle off the field. Two parties have been trying to gain a majority share in the football team for years, including the unpleasant Mr. Kreuger, who wants to move the team abroad. Then Mr. Kreuger turns up dead in the football's pool, and the police fix on Zach Farell as the primary suspect.

Jessica inherits her uncle's football team. A lot of people want it. One of them ends up iced. That person is obnoxious so he will definitely bite the dust: it's a fairly diverting mystery, though a little leaning to the average.

I enjoy this series of mysteries, not only for the stories, but I love seeing the actors . many of the character actors and acting sports figures from 30 years ago.