The Skinny According to Nick Cullhane
- Episode aired May 12, 1991
- TV-PG
- 47m
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
311
YOUR RATING
A writer is murdered after sending Jessica a manuscript exposing a kidnapping scam.A writer is murdered after sending Jessica a manuscript exposing a kidnapping scam.A writer is murdered after sending Jessica a manuscript exposing a kidnapping scam.
Photos
Pat Harrington Jr.
- Nick Cullhane
- (as Pat Harrington)
Ron Masak
- Sheriff Mort Metzger
- (as Ron Másak)
Anthony M. Frank
- The Mailman
- (as Postmaster General Anthony Frank)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaLike season five's finale, this was written as a possible swan song for Jessica, due to the uncertainty surrounding Angela Lansbury returning for another season. Because of this, two endings were filmed. One of these had Jessica wink at the camera (which could either be used or not depending on the outcome of negotiations with Lansbury). This was ultimately used and Lansbury did return for more series.
- GoofsWhen Sheriff Metzger pulls up outside Devlin's house, Vikki sinks down into the passenger seat of McGraw's car (where she is seen sitting in the longer shot immediately before), and reaches for the door handle. And then immediately gets out from driver's door, on the other side of the car.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Harry McGraw: And that, as they say, is all she wrote.
- ConnectionsReferences The World According to Garp (1982)
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
Featured review
Considering the circumstances, not bad at all
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 Skinny According to Nick Cullhane" was nearly the end of 'Murder She Wrote', with Angela Lansbury not being sure whether she wanted to continue with the show. It turned out it didn't, although it is the final episode of the Peter Fischer era, and carried on for another five seasons. While the quality became increasingly inconsistent (Seasons 9 and 12 especially) there were still some great episodes (as well as some stinkers) and Lansbury proved she still had it in her and not lost her mojo. Considering the uncertain circumstances behind the scenes, "The Skinny According to Nick Cullhane" was pretty good if not the going out with a bang one expects from a season finale.
Some of the story is a little disorganised and pacing isn't always tight, will admit too to not being surprised all that much by the reveal of the murderer and motive having suspected them early on. How they're caught and what incriminated them are more believable though than those of some previous episodes and a lot later on. None of the guest supporting cast that are not any of the recurring characters/actors are bad, especially when compared to some guest stars from the previous episodes and the casting of many of the younger cast members in the later seasons, but only three properly stand out.
Otherwise there is a lot to like. Angela Lansbury can't be faulted, that Jessica Fletcher as has been said by me many times is one of her most famous roles is hardly an enigma. Nor can the very charming Jerry Orbach (in sadly his final appearance as Harry McGraw, one of the better recurring characters and deserving of more episodes) and the easy presence of Ron Masak.
Pat Harrington is excellent in the role of Nick Cullhane. Leslie Easterbrook and Tony Lo Bianco are the other standouts.
Most of the mystery is very intriguing and is easy to follow, let down a little by moments of less than tight pacing, some disorganisation and the obvious ending.
As for the production values, they are slick and stylish as ever and the picturesque Cabot Cove and its close knit community is always a pleasure. 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 thoughtful, cosy and light-hearted while taking itself seriously as well.
In summary, pretty good ending for Season 7. Not one of its best episodes like "Who Killed J.B. Fletcher?", "The Return of Preston Giles", "Murder Plain and Simple", "A Body to Die For", "The Family Jewels" and "Thursday's Child", but much better than "Where Have You Gone, Billy Boy", "Trials and Tribulations", "The Great Twain Robbery", "Suspicion of Murder", "From the Horse's Mouth" and "Family Doctor". 7/10 Bethany Cox
"The Skinny According to Nick Cullhane" was nearly the end of 'Murder She Wrote', with Angela Lansbury not being sure whether she wanted to continue with the show. It turned out it didn't, although it is the final episode of the Peter Fischer era, and carried on for another five seasons. While the quality became increasingly inconsistent (Seasons 9 and 12 especially) there were still some great episodes (as well as some stinkers) and Lansbury proved she still had it in her and not lost her mojo. Considering the uncertain circumstances behind the scenes, "The Skinny According to Nick Cullhane" was pretty good if not the going out with a bang one expects from a season finale.
Some of the story is a little disorganised and pacing isn't always tight, will admit too to not being surprised all that much by the reveal of the murderer and motive having suspected them early on. How they're caught and what incriminated them are more believable though than those of some previous episodes and a lot later on. None of the guest supporting cast that are not any of the recurring characters/actors are bad, especially when compared to some guest stars from the previous episodes and the casting of many of the younger cast members in the later seasons, but only three properly stand out.
Otherwise there is a lot to like. Angela Lansbury can't be faulted, that Jessica Fletcher as has been said by me many times is one of her most famous roles is hardly an enigma. Nor can the very charming Jerry Orbach (in sadly his final appearance as Harry McGraw, one of the better recurring characters and deserving of more episodes) and the easy presence of Ron Masak.
Pat Harrington is excellent in the role of Nick Cullhane. Leslie Easterbrook and Tony Lo Bianco are the other standouts.
Most of the mystery is very intriguing and is easy to follow, let down a little by moments of less than tight pacing, some disorganisation and the obvious ending.
As for the production values, they are slick and stylish as ever and the picturesque Cabot Cove and its close knit community is always a pleasure. 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 thoughtful, cosy and light-hearted while taking itself seriously as well.
In summary, pretty good ending for Season 7. Not one of its best episodes like "Who Killed J.B. Fletcher?", "The Return of Preston Giles", "Murder Plain and Simple", "A Body to Die For", "The Family Jewels" and "Thursday's Child", but much better than "Where Have You Gone, Billy Boy", "Trials and Tribulations", "The Great Twain Robbery", "Suspicion of Murder", "From the Horse's Mouth" and "Family Doctor". 7/10 Bethany Cox
helpful•76
- TheLittleSongbird
- Oct 20, 2017
Details
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content