Ep 12. Smooth Operators

Jessica Fletcher, a retired English teacher and a best-selling mystery novelist, witnesses a road accident where a truck almost hits a man on a bicycle. Jessica rushes to the scene and helps the man, Alton Brent, to retrieve his bicycle from the wreckage. Alton is a jazz musician who plays the trumpet in a local club, and he seems grateful for Jessica's help.

Jessica's niece, Victoria, is an aspiring singer who has come to Cabot Cove to record some songs at a nearby studio. Victoria is also a huge fan of Alton Brent and is excited when she meets him. Alton takes an instant liking to Victoria and invites her to watch his performance at the club where he plays.

However, things take a dark turn when Alton is found dead in his dressing room after his performance. The police think it's a case of accidental overdose, but Jessica is convinced that it's murder. She starts investigating the case with the help of Victoria, and they discover that Alton had many enemies.

The first suspect is the club's owner, Max, who had a heated argument with Alton over money matters. Alton was threatening to leave the club and take his fan base with him, which would have been a financial blow to Max. The second suspect is Alton's ex-girlfriend, Cynthia, who is also a jazz musician. Alton had recently broken up with her, and she was not happy about it.

As Jessica and Victoria delve deeper into the case, they also discover that Alton had a romantic liaison with a local widow, Ellen. Ellen's husband had died in a fishing accident, and Alton had offered to help her financially. However, Ellen's son, Bobby, did not approve of Alton's relationship with his mother, and he had threatened Alton.

Jessica and Victoria also find out that Alton had a secret past, which involved some shady deals with a record producer named Jerry. Jerry is also a suspect, as he had threatened to destroy Alton's career if he did not comply with his demands.

As Jessica and Victoria follow the clues and question the suspects, they discover that Alton's death was not a case of accidental overdose, but a premeditated murder. However, they have to act fast before the killer strikes again.

Smooth Operators is a gripping episode of Murder, She Wrote, with a lot of twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The episode is a perfect mix of mystery, suspense, and drama, and the pacing is fast and engaging. Angela Lansbury gives a stellar performance as Jessica Fletcher, and she is supported by a talented cast that brings the characters to life.

Overall, Murder, She Wrote season 5 episode 12 is a must-watch for fans of the series and for anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned mystery. The episode is a testimony to the enduring popularity of the show, which has entertained audiences for decades. With its complex plot, engaging characters, and brilliant storytelling, Smooth Operators is a standout episode that will keep viewers guessing until the very end.