The future son-in-law of a prominent Cabot Cove family is suspected in a shooting.The future son-in-law of a prominent Cabot Cove family is suspected in a shooting.The future son-in-law of a prominent Cabot Cove family is suspected in a shooting.
Photos
Ron Masak
- Sheriff Mort Metzger
- (as Ron Másak)
Mary Tanner Bailey
- Monica McCumber
- (as Mary Tanner)
Ryal Haakenson
- Party Guest
- (uncredited)
Richard Paul
- Mayor Sam Booth
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
Philip Petrie
- Carol Singing Child
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode was the only specific Christmas- themed episode in the show's 12 seasons. Otherwise, holidays were generally ignored on the show.
- GoofsSeth says that the victim was shot in the occipital bone, which is at the back of the head. The victim's wound is in the temporal bone.
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
Featured review
Christmas comes to Cabot Cove
Have always been quite fond of 'Murder She Wrote'. It is a fun and relaxing watch that makes you think as you try to unwind in the evening. If one wants more complex, twisty mysteries with lots of tension and suspense 'Murder She Wrote' may not be for you, but if you want something light-hearted and entertaining but still provide good mysteries 'Murder She Wrote' fits the bill just fine.
Can understand the suspension of disbelief thing regarding Diane Baker's character, but to me it wasn't anywhere near enough to bring down what is a strong contender for the best episode of Season 9 and a standout of the latter seasons. It is a pretty unique 'Murder She Wrote' episode for one primary reason that won't be spoilt in fear of ruining it for anybody who hasn't seen the episode yet. That it's a Christmas-themed episode and that it sees Cabot Cove at its most festive are other fairly unique factors for the show.
"A Christmas Secret" is particularly notable for the sterling cast. Not just the ever spot-on Angela Lansbury, William Windom as everybody's favourite curmudgeon doctor and the easy presence of Ron Masak, but also Diane Baker (classing it up to the hilt) and Corinne Bohrer (wringing out all the juice of the trouble-making victim) giving particularly note-worthy supporting turns.
Mystery-wise it's hugely entertaining and intriguing with its fair share of surprises and twists, the cleverest being regarding the motivation behind and target of the tape. The perpetrator is one of the few surprising ones of the season, which has otherwise has had its fair share of obvious, not-easy-to-follow and poorly acted denouements (none of which applicable here) with exceptions like this and "The Wind Around the Tower".
Production values are slick and stylish. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.
Writing is amiable and keeps one on their toes guessing, while taking itself seriously at other times without going overboard. A great job is done with the festive atmosphere too, felt a lot of nostalgia and holiday warmth.
Overall, wonderful and one of Season 9's best. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Can understand the suspension of disbelief thing regarding Diane Baker's character, but to me it wasn't anywhere near enough to bring down what is a strong contender for the best episode of Season 9 and a standout of the latter seasons. It is a pretty unique 'Murder She Wrote' episode for one primary reason that won't be spoilt in fear of ruining it for anybody who hasn't seen the episode yet. That it's a Christmas-themed episode and that it sees Cabot Cove at its most festive are other fairly unique factors for the show.
"A Christmas Secret" is particularly notable for the sterling cast. Not just the ever spot-on Angela Lansbury, William Windom as everybody's favourite curmudgeon doctor and the easy presence of Ron Masak, but also Diane Baker (classing it up to the hilt) and Corinne Bohrer (wringing out all the juice of the trouble-making victim) giving particularly note-worthy supporting turns.
Mystery-wise it's hugely entertaining and intriguing with its fair share of surprises and twists, the cleverest being regarding the motivation behind and target of the tape. The perpetrator is one of the few surprising ones of the season, which has otherwise has had its fair share of obvious, not-easy-to-follow and poorly acted denouements (none of which applicable here) with exceptions like this and "The Wind Around the Tower".
Production values are slick and stylish. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.
Writing is amiable and keeps one on their toes guessing, while taking itself seriously at other times without going overboard. A great job is done with the festive atmosphere too, felt a lot of nostalgia and holiday warmth.
Overall, wonderful and one of Season 9's best. 10/10 Bethany Cox
helpful•66
- TheLittleSongbird
- Nov 3, 2017
Details
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content