Ep 8. Dead Heat

Jessica Fletcher is back with another intriguing murder mystery in season 2 episode 8 of Murder, She Wrote titled "Dead Heat." The episode is set in the glamorous and high-stakes world of horse racing, with Jessica attending a prestigious race meet in Saratoga Springs, New York.

As the episode begins, Jessica is enjoying the excitement of the races when she suddenly becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. The body of a young jockey is found in the stables, and Jessica is shocked to discover that he was one of her former students. Determined to uncover the truth behind his death, Jessica sets out to investigate.

Her first port of call is the race's organizer, the charming and charismatic Roger Bentley, who seems to have something to hide. As Jessica delves deeper, she discovers that there is a web of deceit and intrigue surrounding the race. She uncovers a series of shady deals and personal vendettas, all of which seem to point towards a motive for murder.

The investigation takes Jessica from the bright lights of the racecourse to the seedy underbelly of the gambling world, as she follows a trail of clues that leads her to some unexpected places. Along the way, she must contend with a cast of suspicious characters, including jockeys, trainers, and wealthy horse owners.

As the case unfolds, Jessica begins to unravel a complicated web of deceit and betrayal, ultimately leading her to the identity of the killer. But as she races against time to solve the crime, she realizes that her own life may be in danger.

As always, Angela Lansbury gives a fantastic performance as Jessica Fletcher, displaying not only her trademark wit and intelligence but also a genuine emotional investment in the case. The episode also features a standout guest performance by John Mahoney, best known for his role in the TV series Frasier, as the ruthless horse owner John Graham.

Overall, "Dead Heat" is a gripping and entertaining installment of Murder, She Wrote, combining the excitement of the horse racing world with the intrigue of a classic whodunit. Fans of the show will not be disappointed, and newcomers will find it an excellent introduction to the world of Jessica Fletcher.