Watch Murder, She Wrote: The Last Free Man

Murder She Wrote The Last Free Man is a made-for-television movie from 2001, starring Angela Lansbury in her iconic role as the astute and unflappable amateur sleuth, Jessica Fletcher. This time, the story takes a deeper dive into history, blending a contemporary investigation with a historical mystery. Set in the modern day, the film opens with Jessica Fletcher attending a family member's graduation. There, she encounters the history professor, Cassandra Hawkins, played by Phylicia Rashad, who is in the midst of a passionate research project. She presents Jessica with a puzzling set of historical documents that may suggest that one of Jessica's ancestors, named Sarah McCullough, was a slave owner and possibly connected to a murder.

Intrigued by the historical puzzle and always ready to defend the truth, Jessica delves into a journey that takes her back to the pre-Civil War era in the Deep South. This is a challenge for Jessica, who is more accustomed to solving contemporary murders, but her keen eye for unraveling mysteries and her inquisitive nature makes her uniquely qualified to explore the historical enigma.

As she digs deeper into the past, Jessica discovers that Sarah may have been involved with a slave named Sam, played by Michael Jace, whose story is entwined with that of her ancestor. The narrative artfully switches between the 19th century, offering flashbacks that gradually shed light on the lives of Sam and Sarah, and the present day, where Jessica attempts to piece together the veracity of the events that transpired over a century and a half ago.

The film takes an unflinching look at American slavery, depicting the harsh realities and inhumanities that were endured, and doesn't shy away from confronting the difficult aspects of the nation's history. The mystery centers on uncovering the truth about whether or not Sam was unjustly accused of murder, and subsequently, if history has cast an unfair shadow on his legacy.

Angela Lansbury's portrayal of Jessica Fletcher is, as always, impeccable. With a warmth and intelligence that her loyal fans have come to expect, she not only untangles the grim puzzle of the past but also faces the uncomfortable truths that arise from her own family's history. Phylicia Rashad’s portrayal of Cassandra Hawkins brings a sense of passion and urgency to the story, making it a heartfelt and engrossing journey. Michael Jace's nuanced performance as Sam adds depth to the historical storyline, giving the audience a vested interest in uncovering the truth of his character's fate.

The plot weaves seamlessly between the present and the past, with each historical flashback enriching the contemporary investigation. It's a storytelling technique that allows the audience to witness the events that unfolded during Sam's time and understand what's at stake for the characters in the present day. The movie's pace maintains a compelling balance, never allowing one era to overpower the other, and it respects the gravity of its subject matter while still delivering the whodunit allure that Murder, She Wrote fans expect.

Aside from being a murder mystery, Murder She Wrote The Last Free Man also explores themes of justice, family heritage, and the importance of historical memory. The film questions how we understand and interpret the past and suggests the influence it holds over our present and future. It becomes clear that unravelling past injustices is not just about setting the historical record straight, but also about how the legacies of these injustices stretch across generations.

The setting of the past is richly depicted, transporting viewers back in time with meticulous attention to period costumes, sets, and language. The filmmakers are attentive to historical accuracy, which heightens the authenticity of the narrative. Meanwhile, the present-day scenes have the familiar feel of Murder, She Wrote's signature cozy, small-town atmosphere, offering a comforting contrast to the more austere flashbacks.

Without giving away any spoilers, the movie leads to a satisfying conclusion, where pieces of the puzzle finally click into place. The revelations Jessica Fletcher uncovers will not only change the understanding of her own family history but will also have the power to bring closure and vindication to those wronged long ago.

Murder She Wrote The Last Free Man stands as a unique installment in the Murder, She Wrote series, striving to honor the classic format while taking a poignant look at America's historical complexities. In this film, the fusion of intrigue and historical exploration makes for a multidimensional viewing experience, and with its strong performances, thoughtful narrative, and dedication to unraveling the truth, it remains a beloved and thought-provoking piece in the Murder, She Wrote canon.