Ep 10. Stage Struck

In Murder, She Wrote season 3 episode 10 titled "Stage Struck," the story revolves around Jessica Fletcher, a successful writer, and amateur detective. Jessica is in New York City for her play, "The Death of Sherlock Holmes," rehearsals. She has a writer's block and feels that the play is not up to the mark. Her friends, Michael and Sarah, are directing and acting in the play, respectively. Michael's son, Tony, is also in the play.

During rehearsals, Tony's girlfriend, Jackie, appears at the theater and threatens to ruin the play. Tony begs her to leave, but she refuses. Later that night, Jessica finds Jackie's body in her hotel room. The police suspect Tony of murdering Jackie.

Jessica starts an investigation to prove Tony's innocence. She discovers that Jackie was blackmailing Sarah for an affair she had with Michael. When Sarah breaks off the affair, Jackie threatens to reveal it to the press, ruining Sarah's acting career. Jessica also learns that Jackie had a shady business of selling drugs to college kids. She had brought a packet of drugs to New York City to sell them.

Jessica visits Jackie's old neighborhood in the Bronx and meets her sister, Rose. Rose tells Jessica that Jackie had become involved with a dangerous drug dealer called Snake. Jessica suspects that Snake could be behind Jackie's murder.

She also discovers that Tony had received a substantial sum of money from Jackie. Tony had told the police that he had received it as a gift, but Jessica doubts this and believes that Tony might be lying.

Jessica's investigation leads her to several clues, and she realizes that Snake is in town. Michael reveals that he had once collaborated with Snake in a drug smuggling operation but later backed off. Snake had always held a grudge against Michael and had been threatening him for years.

Jessica orchestrates a plan to trap Snake and make him confess. Tony agrees to go along with her plan. The plan works, and Snake confesses to murdering Jackie. Tony is cleared of all charges.

The episode ends with Jessica wrapping up the play's rehearsals, feeling more inspired than ever to finish writing the play.

Overall, Murder, She Wrote season 3 episode 10 "Stage Struck" is an engaging murder mystery that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The guest stars, including Jerry Orbach, who plays Snake, deliver exceptional performances. The episode shows Jessica Fletcher uses her wit and intuition to unravel the mystery and prove Tony's innocence. It is a must-watch for fans of crime and mystery dramas.