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.
While better was to come in Season 6 (as well as worse), "Seal of the Confessional" is a solid episode with a lot to like and not that much actually to dislike. As we learn more about the victim and how much of a total sleazebag (one of the most loathsome of Season 6) he is in his treatment of one character, it is somewhat of a nasty episode and not one of the show's most tasteful by any stretch.
Once everything comes together and the twists/misdirection add up, it did strike me as how obvious the killer turned out to be. The main reason being that they left incriminating evidence in full view that is staring at us and the characters in the face when they are introduced that it beggars belief that Jessica didn't pick up on it sooner. Their motive is a good one though and one where one actually understands why they did it while not condoning it.
"Seal of the Confessional" has a lot that is praiseworthy. It has a very clever and tightly paced story with some great use of misdirection, such as the cause of death and whether Kelly is actually guilty despite overwhelming evidence and few other suspects. The scene between Kelly and the victim is both tense and suitably sleazy.
The cast add hugely. Jessica Fletcher is one of Angela Lansbury's most famous and best-remembered characters for reasons that are not inexplicable. Ron Masak is settling in well and Mort is getting more interesting all the time, while William Windom has great timing and a curmudgeonly charm.
Jennifer Runyon gives a tense, vulnerable performance that never strikes an unbelievable chord, while Hunt Block also brings credibility to the increasingly complicated conflicts. Bonnie Bartlett is very good and Jon Cedar effectively gives off the creep factor.
Production values as ever are slick and stylish, Cabot Cove and its close community will never fail to charm. 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 mostly thought-provoking, light-hearted and amiable.
Overall, solid episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox