Jessica tells the story of her new novel about a composer accused of killing the professor who plagiarized his music.Jessica tells the story of her new novel about a composer accused of killing the professor who plagiarized his music.Jessica tells the story of her new novel about a composer accused of killing the professor who plagiarized his music.
Brenda Thompson
- Pianist
- (as Brenda Thomson)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe first of fourteen bookend episodes, mostly seen during later seasons. Jessica tells us about her book and is only the narrator. You can see her at the beginning and at the end of the show, and a couple of times in between.
- Quotes
Jessica Fletcher: Did you ever try to argue with a computer? It is impossible. It's like trying to talk sense to Amos Tupper once he's made up his mind about something.
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
Featured review
A "minor" episode
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.
The first of fourteen bookend episodes (episodes where Jessica only introduces the story, or in one case didn't appear at all, and somebody else solves the crime), "Murder in a Minor Key" had an interesting premise (who doesn't love an episode centred around music) but to me has always one of the lesser episodes of Season 3, along with "Dead Man's Gold" and "Night of the Headless Horseman". Not awful but could have been great.
"Murder in a Minor Key's" biggest issue, and it is an element that very nearly kills the episode completely dead is the pacing, a lot of it drags especially in the middle that tended not to go anywhere. Considering the premise, the story could and should have been much more interesting.
Would have actually forgiven "Murder in a Minor Key's" lack of originality but not so that the mystery had relatively little to it with parts so padded out it feels like filler. Both the character of Mike and the dialogue are on the bland side, though Mike is not a complete dead-weight of a character and doesn't annoy you and the dialogue does have some thought-provoking and amiable moments.
Not having Jessica solving the crime and barely in it was unusual at this point in the show, and being an early bookend the episode suffers a little without Jessica and felt like it could have been an episode of any detective mystery show but in a way not 'Murder She Wrote'.
On the other hand, the 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.
"Murder in a Minor Key's" highlight is the denouement which is very clever and answers all the questions that needed answering.
Also keeping "Murder in a Minor Key" afloat is the strong cast, with standout performances from George Grizzard, Rene Auberjonois and Herb Edelmann.
In summary, watchable but very much a minor episode. 5/10 Bethany Cox
The first of fourteen bookend episodes (episodes where Jessica only introduces the story, or in one case didn't appear at all, and somebody else solves the crime), "Murder in a Minor Key" had an interesting premise (who doesn't love an episode centred around music) but to me has always one of the lesser episodes of Season 3, along with "Dead Man's Gold" and "Night of the Headless Horseman". Not awful but could have been great.
"Murder in a Minor Key's" biggest issue, and it is an element that very nearly kills the episode completely dead is the pacing, a lot of it drags especially in the middle that tended not to go anywhere. Considering the premise, the story could and should have been much more interesting.
Would have actually forgiven "Murder in a Minor Key's" lack of originality but not so that the mystery had relatively little to it with parts so padded out it feels like filler. Both the character of Mike and the dialogue are on the bland side, though Mike is not a complete dead-weight of a character and doesn't annoy you and the dialogue does have some thought-provoking and amiable moments.
Not having Jessica solving the crime and barely in it was unusual at this point in the show, and being an early bookend the episode suffers a little without Jessica and felt like it could have been an episode of any detective mystery show but in a way not 'Murder She Wrote'.
On the other hand, the 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.
"Murder in a Minor Key's" highlight is the denouement which is very clever and answers all the questions that needed answering.
Also keeping "Murder in a Minor Key" afloat is the strong cast, with standout performances from George Grizzard, Rene Auberjonois and Herb Edelmann.
In summary, watchable but very much a minor episode. 5/10 Bethany Cox
helpful•125
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 7, 2017
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Filming locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA(The University campus, Tyler Stoneham's office and hallways)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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