Ep 5. The Dead File

Jessica Fletcher returns in the ninth season of the classic mystery drama series, Murder, She Wrote. In this episode, entitled "The Dead File," Jessica finds herself in the middle of a new murder case in her hometown of Cabot Cove.

The episode opens with Jessica (Angela Lansbury) rushing to the home of her dear friend and former newspaper editor, Ed Borden (Bradford Dillman). Ed has just been released from prison after serving time for embezzlement, and he's convinced that someone is still after him. He shows Jessica a file he's been keeping on all of his enemies and suspicious characters in the town, including those who may have framed him for the crime he didn't commit.

Soon after their conversation, Ed is found dead in his home. With her natural curiosity and investigative instincts, Jessica begins to piece together the events that led up to his death. She starts by speaking with the town's chief of police, Seth Hazlitt (William Windom), who is convinced that Ed took his own life. However, Jessica is unconvinced and begins to investigate on her own.

As she delves deeper into Ed's file, she learns that he had many enemies, including his former business partner, a wealthy landowner, and even some of his own family members. Jessica also starts to suspect that some of the information in Ed's file may have been fabricated, leading her to question Ed's motives and credibility.

As the investigation continues, Jessica becomes more and more convinced that Ed's death was not a suicide, but was, in fact, murder. With the help of Seth and her own deductive skills, she uncovers a tangled web of deceit and betrayal in the town, leading to a shocking conclusion.

As always, Angela Lansbury's performance as Jessica Fletcher is outstanding in this episode, showcasing her knack for finding clues and piecing together complex mysteries. The supporting cast, including William Windom as Seth Hazlitt and Bradford Dillman as Ed Borden, also deliver strong performances, adding depth and dimension to the story.

Overall, "The Dead File" is a classic episode of Murder, She Wrote, featuring an intriguing mystery and strong performances from its lead and supporting cast. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find much to enjoy in this engaging and entertaining episode.