Ep 16. Murder Through the Looking Glass

Jessica Fletcher returns to solve another mystery in the season 4 episode 16 of Murder, She Wrote, titled "Murder Through the Looking Glass." The episode is set in the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine, where Jessica resides.

The episode begins with Jessica attending a charity auction at a local art museum. The auction features a rare collection of antique mirrors owned by the late millionaire, Edward St. Clare. After the auction, Jessica is approached by a distraught art dealer, who claims that one of the mirrors sold at the auction is a fake. Jessica offers to investigate the matter and later discovers that the dealer is right - the mirror is indeed a forgery.

Jessica's investigation leads her to Edward St. Clare's heirs - his estranged wife Loretta, her much younger lover and would-be husband Kirby Hoyt, and Edward's son Peter, who is bitter over his father's disinheritance. When Loretta is found dead in a locked room inside her sprawling mansion, the case takes a sinister turn.

As Jessica delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and hidden motives. She comes across a missing diary that might hold the key to solving the mystery. With the help of her friend Sheriff Amos Tupper, Jessica races against time to unravel the truth and catch the killer before he or she strikes again.

"Murder Through the Looking Glass" is a classic whodunit, full of twists and turns. The episode keeps viewers guessing until the very end, as Jessica peels back layer after layer of the mystery. Veteran actress Angela Lansbury gives a standout performance as Jessica, the amateur sleuth extraordinaire. The supporting cast, which includes Celeste Holm, Jeffrey Tambor, and Alan Thicke, delivers solid performances as well.

The episode is also notable for its gorgeous production design and picturesque locations. From the art museum to the sprawling St. Clare mansion, every set is elegantly and intricately designed. The costumes and makeup are also noteworthy, capturing the fashions of the 1980s with panache.

In addition to its entertainment value, "Murder Through the Looking Glass" explores themes of greed, jealousy, and family secrets. The characters are multi-dimensional and flawed, making them all the more intriguing.

Overall, "Murder Through the Looking Glass" is a must-watch for fans of Murder, She Wrote and for anyone who loves a good mystery. The episode delivers everything that makes the series great - a strong lead performance, a complex plot, and a satisfying conclusion. It's a show that stands the test of time and continues to captivate audiences decades after its initial release.