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.
After a disappointing previous episode in "It Runs in the Family", "If It's Thursday, It Must Be Beverly" is a step in the right direction for Season 4. It's not quite as good as "Witness for the Defense" and "Old Habits Die Hard" when it comes to previous episodes of the season, but it's a terrific episode and one of the most entertaining ones humour-wise.
The mystery, while still clever, plausible and engaging, is not quite as interesting as the humour, gossiping at the beauty parlour and the character interaction with a fairly easy to figure out final solution.
Strictly speaking, this is not so huge a problem. It's still solid stuff, there were elements of the episode that were just done better that's all. "If It's Thursday It Must Be Beverly" is one of the funnier early 'Murder She Wrote', just love the beauty parlour setting and the gossip and banter with Eve and the other ladies is sheer comic joy while still saying a lot. The character interaction is delightful.
Production values are slick and stylish as ever with 'Murder She Wrote', can't get enough of the Cabot Cove setting or its strong sense of close-knit community. 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 thought-provoking, light-hearted and amiable and the story doesn't have a dull moment and engages throughout.
Casting is great all round, can't say anything bad about Angela Lansbury, while Tom Bosley and William Windom are more than able support. Julie Adams, Gloria DeHaven, Kathryn Grayson, and Ruth Roman are enormous fun, especially Adams, and Dody Goodman is no less undaunted.
In conclusion, terrific episode and much improved over the previous episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox