Ep 1. The Murder of Sherlock Holmes

In the first episode of the classic mystery series Murder, She Wrote, titled "The Murder of Sherlock Holmes," we are introduced to Jessica Fletcher, a widowed mystery writer who becomes embroiled in a real-life murder investigation.

The episode begins with Jessica on her way to New York City for a meeting with her publisher. On the train, she strikes up a conversation with a fellow passenger, Lionel James (played by the late, great Robert Loggia). James is an actor best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage, and he invites Jessica to attend his latest performance that evening.

At the theater, Jessica is impressed by James' performance, but things take a dark turn when he is shot dead in his dressing room after the show. The police are quick to suspect a young stagehand who had been arguing with James earlier in the evening, but Jessica is unconvinced. She begins to investigate the murder on her own, using her keen intuition and knowledge of human behavior to uncover a tangled web of secrets and lies.

Along the way, Jessica encounters a colorful cast of characters, including James' fellow actors, his ex-wife, and a shady producer with ties to the mob. There are plenty of red herrings and false leads to keep the audience guessing, but Jessica's deductive skills always lead her in the right direction.

One of the highlights of this episode is the chemistry between Jessica and Lieutenant Frank Flanagan, the lead investigator on the case. Flanagan is initially skeptical of Jessica's involvement in the investigation, but as they work together, he comes to respect her insights and intelligence. It's clear that there is a mutual attraction between them, and their banter adds a bit of levity to the otherwise serious subject matter.

As the investigation unfolds, Jessica begins to suspect that the key to solving the murder lies in deciphering the clues in James' final performance as Sherlock Holmes. She enlists the help of a friend who is an expert in literary analysis, and together they uncover the hidden meaning behind James' cryptic lines.

In the end, Jessica is able to identify the true killer and prove their guilt to the police. She also manages to tie up a few loose ends in the process, revealing a surprising twist that adds an extra layer of suspense to the already thrilling story.

Overall, "The Murder of Sherlock Holmes" is a fantastic introduction to the world of Murder, She Wrote. It's a well-crafted mystery with plenty of intrigue and suspense, and Angela Lansbury shines in her iconic role as Jessica Fletcher. Fans of classic whodunits and crime dramas will not be disappointed.