Ep 4. Hooray for Homicide

In "Hooray for Homicide," the fourth episode of the first season of "Murder, She Wrote," Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) visits her niece, Carrie (Julie Adams), who has just landed a role in a Broadway show called "Hooray for Hollywood." While attending a rehearsal, Jessica makes the acquaintance of several members of the cast and crew, including the show's director, leading man, choreographer, and costume designer.

Things take a turn for the worse when one of the dancers in the show is found dead in his dressing room. The police are called in to investigate, but Jessica quickly realizes that they are barking up the wrong tree. She decides to take matters into her own hands and starts investigating the murder herself, with the help of her niece and a few other people she meets along the way.

As she delves deeper into the case, Jessica discovers that there is more to the murder than meets the eye. She uncovers secrets and lies among the cast and crew, and learns that many of them had motives for wanting the dancer dead. With her usual intelligence and sharp wit, she manages to untangle the web of deceit and find the real killer, much to the surprise of the police.

"Hooray for Homicide" is a classic example of the type of mystery that "Murder, She Wrote" became famous for: a complex plot with multiple suspects, red herrings, and a surprising twist at the end. Angela Lansbury shines as Jessica Fletcher, the amateur sleuth who manages to outsmart the professionals, and the episode provides a showcase for her talents as an actress.

The supporting cast is also strong, with standout performances from Julie Adams as Jessica's niece, and Robert Reed as the show's director. The Broadway setting adds an extra layer of glamour and excitement to the proceedings, and the show's musical numbers are a lot of fun.

Overall, "Hooray for Homicide" is a great episode of "Murder She Wrote," and a must-see for fans of the series and of classic mystery stories in general. With its clever plot, engaging characters, and satisfying resolution, it is a prime example of why this show became such a beloved and enduring part of television history.