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.
"If the Frame Fits" turned out to be a pleasurable episode, with an engaging mystery that mostly seems obvious but things are not what it seems. It also serves as a fitting season finale, tonally being much more in keeping with the show's basic tone than the previous season's finale "The Funeral at Fifty Mile" which had a dark and sombre tone that was quite far removed to usual.
Not quite perfect by all means. Despite her wonderful hair and clothes, Anne Schedeen has a juicy bitchy role and didn't quite convince me in it, this is a role that she could have easily sunk her teeth into but Schedeen is a little lightweight. Personal opinion of course. The final solution is a good one, not too simple, not confusing, the how and why elements are not obvious and were believable but to me the killer wasn't that much of a surprise in a case with rather too few suspects.
Production values are high in quality as to be expected, with slick photography, nice locations and the hair and clothes are better-looking than some other episodes of the season. 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 and the characters and chemistry are good fun. The story is very engaging and suitably twisty.
Can't say enough good about Angela Lansbury, she is always dependable and there is a reason as to why Jessica Fletcher is one of her best-remembered roles. Norman Lloyd is especially classy in support, while John de Lancie, Audrey Meadows, Gordon Jump, and Deborah Adair add to the fun.
In conclusion, pleasurable and well done season finale. 8/10 Bethany Cox