Ep 22. Funeral at Fifty-mile

In "Funeral at Fifty-mile," the twenty-second episode of season 1 of Murder, She Wrote, mystery writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher (played by Angela Lansbury) heads to a small town in Oregon to attend the funeral of a fellow writer and old friend, James Hardin.

However, upon arriving, Jessica soon realizes that something is amiss in the town of Sherman Oaks. The funeral itself is marred by tension and suspicion among James' acquaintances, including his ex-wife, current girlfriend, and literary agent. Jessica's suspicions are further piqued when she overhears a conversation between two men discussing a possible takeover of the mill that serves as the town's primary source of employment.

Soon enough, the tensions in the town escalate into murder when the mill's owner, George Loomis, is found dead and James' literary agent, Allie Kingston (played by Eve Arden), is suspected of the crime. Jessica, convinced of Allie's innocence, begins to investigate the murder, using her literary skills and keen observation to piece together clues and motives among the town's residents.

As Jessica delves deeper into the case, she discovers that the murder may be connected to the town's larger economic struggles and the potential takeover of the mill. With the help of local sheriff Amos Tupper (played by Tom Bosley), Jessica sets out to identify the true culprit and bring justice to the victim's family and the town as a whole.

With its intricate plot, complex characters, and engaging performances by Lansbury and the supporting cast, "Funeral at Fifty-mile" is a standout episode that exemplifies the charm and intellectual curiosity that made Murder, She Wrote a beloved fixture of 1980s television.