Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) Trial by Error (1986) User Reviews

Mark Reynolds, he will certainly remember Jessica.

[pensman · 8/10 · 18 October 2017]

Twelve angry people but this time it's Angela Lansbury (Jessica Fletcher) instead of Henry Fonda as the doubting Thomas. And this time there are two actual murders that have to be solved. Of course, Jessica is there to help the jurors and the prosecutor find the answer. What makes me watch this episode is spotting Tom Ewell in the cast but I don't recall seeing his name in the on screen credits. I suspect but for a few old fans, Tom Ewell was as much an unknown as was his almost line less character. I still recall Ewell from The Seven Year Itch and his own short-lived TV show, and he did have a recurring role of Baretta but he just sticks in my mind. This was his last appearance anywhere as far as I can tell, and I suspect Angela Lansbury had him in the cast as a bit of graciousness which I assume is part of just who she is.

The episode is clever and there is a nice little twist at the end which no doubt pleased fans of a good mystery, but I just appreciate a farewell wave to a fellow actor.

Brilliant court room mystery

[flwrestle · 9/10 · 15 December 2019]

I was still uncertain about Murder She Wrote as a series, but in the second season it seems to have found its footing and I have been enjoying many of the episodes enough to keep me going. Then this gem came up. One of the things I love about this series is that unlike most mystery series, there is nothing formulaic about Murder, She Wrote. This episode is a brilliantly plotted courtroom drama squarely in the tradition of Twelve Angry Men and Witness For the Prosecution. The acting was a little over the top from some of the guest stars, and there is one small plot point involving hospital security which is glossed over in a slightly unsatisfying manner. Except for these two minor elements, I would rate it 10 stars. But the originality and great plot ensure that I will continue the series for many seasons to come.

There are two big problems with this one...even if it is entertaining.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 30 October 2022]

"Trial by Error" is not a good episode of "Murder, She Wrote" though I am sure fans of the show will still enjoy it and all other reviews give it a 10. Why is it not good? Well, first, the show has done what a bazillion other TV shows and murders have done...it's a blatant rip-off of "12 Angry Men". Second, the plot is completely illogical, as Jessica Fletcher has been placed on a jury discussing a murder. Now WHAT murder trial would allow a murder mystery writer who had already solved about three dozen murders on the jury? The answer, by the way, is none! They do not allow people like this on juries unless it's for a civil crime or something non-violent...and they especially won't for a murder trial. After all, while they are impaneling a jury, the lawyers review questionnaires and ask jurors many questions...and I cannot imagine at least one of the lawyers objecting...and rightfully so! Illogical...and sloppy...really sloppy.

Now, if you can put this aside (particularly about Jessica being on the jury), the episode IS very interesting and the solution to the murder is really cool! But a 10? No...I just can't see that.

Not Seeing What We Think We See

[richard.fuller1 · 10/10 · 30 May 2010]

This was actually a mystery fitting for Agatha Christie.

As the other review notes, man has accident, wife in critical condition.

Man goes to bar, picks up woman (or she picks him up) they go home. Her estranged husband turns up. Husband is shot, Man is accused with the husband's murder. Wife from accident dies later on.

Jessica is now on a jury with, among others, Vickie Lawrence, Arlene Golonka, Virginia Capers, Brock Peters, Richard Sanders, Tom Ewell and Barry Corbin.

So they go into the banter, a la 12 Angry Men, and in this lies the brilliant distraction, but also the hindrance. One was the obviousness of the hostility of the jurors.

They all literally turned on one another (with the possible exception of Vickie Lawrence, who with her Carol Burnett training could have taken out the entire room) with the slightest ease, while Lansbury remained calm, cool and effective. It was too unbalanced.

The mystery, undeniably, was sensational. Upon rewatching it, it had the upset to the crime along the lines of Sparkling Cyanide or Mirror Crack'd.

The show could have strived for something incredibly clever, like having the jurors stand alongside the flashbacks as they occurred. But ah, I'm just being fanciful.

Without a doubt, the unforeseen disruption to the crime and that what we think was the crime in fact was not the actual crime, is straight out of Christie and therefore, very well done.

"Nine to Two for Acquittal, and One Undecided..."

[WeatherViolet · 10/10 · 19 August 2009]

One of the finest episodes of "Murder, She Wrote" boasts a stellar cast of film and television veterans in a most witty exchange of dialogue....

"At the scene of a vehicular accident": Tony Bill as Mark Lee Reynolds, Diane Lander as Stephanie Reynolds, Javier Grajeda as Paramedic, and Warren J. Kemmerling as Doctor Maurice Webster.

"At the Last Resort": Doran Clark as Becky Anderson, James Hampton as Jerry Blevins, John Davis Chandler as John Detweiler, Gregory Walcott as Willie Patchecki, and Michael Swan as Cliff Anderson.

"Inside Cabot Cove County Courthouse": Walter Mathews as Judge Philo Walker, David Ackroyd as Prosecutor Tom Casselli, Jon Cypher as Defense Attorney Max Flynn, R.J. Adams as Ballistics expert Victor Assmussen, Alan Hale Jr. as Motel owner Fenton Harris, Robert Casper as Becky Anderson's neighbor Arthur Jasper, and Macdonald Carey as Defense Attorney Oscar Ramsey.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury" (Clockwise from lower left): Tom Ewell as Josh Corbin, Virginia Capers as Margo Webster, Arlene Golonka as Sally Conover, Richard Sanders as Gerald Richards, Lenore Kasdorf as Ally Collins, Allan Miller as Frank Lord, Gary Frank as Lee Callahan, Gene Evans as Otto Fry, Norman Burton as Drew Narramore, Vicki Lawrence as Jackie MacKay, Brock Peters as Thornton Bentley, and Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher.

Synopsis... On the night of a one-vehicle accident, paramedics arrive to rescue a severely-injured Stephanie Reynolds from the compact automobile driven by husband, Mark, who refuses treatment for his arm and shoulder injury.

At the hospital, where Mark, again, refuses treatment, Dr. Webster informs him that although there is a good chance that Stephanie may recover, she may never walk again.

Mark immediately exits the hospital in despair, to arrive at The Last Resort tavern, at which he is greeted by Becky Anderson, who asks Jerry the Bartender for a cloth to tend to Mark's facial lacerations. By midnight, Becky tells Mark that she must leave, offering to fix him a cup of coffee to offset his drinking.

A concealed Johnny Detweiler witnesses the exchange and notifies Becky's estranged husband, Cliff Anderson, who stays with Willie Patchecki. An incensed Cliff reacts, "Trial separation, she says! I'm going to kill that woman!"

About seven weeks later, Judge Philo Walker pounds his gavel inside a Cabot Cove County courtroom: "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you've heard the evidence. Now, you must decide whether the defendant...."

Some of the finest dialogue delivery of this series ensues around the chamber, as nine impatient jurors see this as a case which should never have come to trial, but as a bid by a politically ambitious District Attorney.

Two jurors, however, vote "Guilty as charged" as flashbacks of the proceedings are presented and witness testimony is re-examined by the "Undecided" Jury Chairperson, Mrs. Jessica Fletcher.

Three possible scenarios of "Fireplace Poker Flinging" are presented for Jessica and the unwilling jurors to re-examine.

Asks the edgy Radio Host Frank Lord of Jessica, "Oh, so you're the 'undecided' one?"

Answers an impatient Josh Corbin, "If she wasn't, do you think that we'd be sitting here all day, re-examining the evidence?"

Classic Courtroom mystery

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 3 November 2017]

Jessica thrives in her role as Head Juror, as her and her fellow jurors assess the case of Mark Lee Reynolds, on trial for killing the husband of a woman he'd picked up in a bar, having only just killed his wife in a motoring accident.

I hadn't appreciated the originality of this episode. Jessica is given a murder to solve, but in completely different circumstances. Having to use her powers of deduction to convince her fellow jury members to see things differently, and look at events from a different perspective. The story is brilliant, so clever and imaginative, the court room scenes enhance the plot, so often court room sagas can be hugely dull, not so here.

A great set of characters in the jury, and an excellent character in Mark Lee Reynolds, a great turn from Tony Bill. Excellent production values as expected, the courtroom in particular feels real, not feeling like a cheap set.

One of the best, and most original episodes of Murder she Wrote, 10/10

Mystery and courtroom genius

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 24 July 2017]

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.

"Trial By Error" is an absolutely brilliant episode. It is a very strong contender for the best episode of Season 2 and certainly has always been among my favourites of 'Murder She Wrote'. It is an episode that is never dull and never descends into silliness, in fact both the mystery and courtroom aspects are delivered with real maturity and have a real suspenseful edge.

Its mystery has all the twists and turns of the finest work of Agatha Christie, the courtroom scenes are just fascinating and just as thought-provoking and compelling of an episode of 'Law and Order' and the scenes with the jury together have the intelligence, blazing intensity and fun of '12 Angry Men'. When making these comparisons they are meant in a very good way, Christie has always been one of my favourite authors, am a fan of 'Law and Order' in its golden years (the Lennie Briscoe years) and '12 Angry Men' is a fantastic film and the king of courtroom dramas. The final solution is one of the cleverest and surprising of 'Murder She Wrote', didn't see it coming despite it being like a classic Agatha Christie ending and it is second only to "Sticks and Stones" when it comes to shocking reveals of Season 2. Wasn't expecting the jury's decision either.

Even in a confined setting, the production values are high with slick photography. 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.

The writing is tight, thought-provoking and typically amiable, while the characters are very well written and while Jessica may seem smug at the end somewhat this is a case of her having every right to be.

Angela Lansbury is as always impeccable. "Trial and Error" has some of the show's best ever guest work in what often feels like an ensemble episode. Even Alan Hale's cameo is terrific.

Overall, classic 'Murder She Wrote' and pure genius. 10/10 Bethany Cox

A HIGHLIGHT of Season 2

[landont-61-661045 · 10/10 · 29 July 2022]

This episode and the one in the women's prison are the BEST of season 2. This episode is suspenseful, tense, and you are just waiting to see what happens. Jessica solves it brilliantly and I was so annoyed by how everyone kept doubting her. Don't people know her reputation? Baffled me. But it doesn't take away from the episode, and the CHILLING ending where Mrs. Angela Lansbury gets the LAST WORD. The look she gives the killer and her last time...is something that I won't forget. Great ending and conclusion and a surprising twist.

Did not see that coming!

[jenniferroseescobar · 10/10 · 19 November 2021]

I figured something was up with the character who was the actual villain, but I did not figure out the real crime sequence until the very end. Nicely done!

Girl! Mrs. Fletcher has done it again!

[jdotcurtis · 10/10 · 10 February 2023]

I used to watch this with my grandmother and recently discovered it's on a streaming service.

It's easy to write Mrs. Fletcher off as an inquisitive busybody with a penchant for turning up at murder scenes or somehow being involved with the crime of the day. But the woman is a master detective!

I've been bingeing MSE and Lord this episode is one of the best yet! It's only season 2 so I hope there are more courtroom episodes like this one.

As an SVU super fan I find most of the episodes to be a little predictable, but it's all easy watching with a mystery element. That said, the plot twist at the end is not one you will see coming. A true standout!

Great episode

[coltras35 · 10/10 · 21 May 2022]

It's a bad day for the jurors when Jessica is the foreperson of the jury hearing the case of a man claiming self-defense in the death of an enraged husband.

A brilliant episode, which is no surprise as Season 2, in my opinion, is the golden period of the series, that has Jessica heading a jury who have different ideas about the court case. They argue intelligently like in 12 angry men, which is fun to see, but it's Jessica who encourages them to see things with an open mind. Of course, there's a brilliant twist - and a satisfying ending. The suspense, at times, can be unbearable.

A Power Move

[statuskuo · 9/10 · 2 April 2024]

One of the most brilliant pieces of writing where they are relegated to a few locations. Yes, it is inpired by "12 Angry Men" but whomever pieced it together did it in a way to fit Jessica Fletcher's modus operandi. And it doesn't just stop at the first verdict, it continues into the forensic dissection of what really happend.

I LOVE seeing the new and the old stars in this. I can see why Tom Ewell would want to be in this. Also has future Oscar winner Tony Bill (for producing) as the accused. Wonderful seeing Vicki Lawrence and Richard Sanders playing against type (they are both not comedians here).

Wonderful wonderful staging and writing and direction.