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.
Season 9 up to this early point has largely been disappointing, with the only above decent episode before this one being "The Wind Around the Tower" (also one of the better ones overall of a very inconsistent and, compared to the previous seasons, disappointing season). "Night of the Coyote" is a long way from being one of the best episodes of 'Murder She Wrote' and it falls short of being great. However, of the six episodes up to this point of the season it's an easy second best to "The Wind Around the Tower" and in the top middle/better end of the season overall.
The story is not always the most compelling of all 'Murder She Wrote' episodes, it perhaps takes a little too long to get going and pacing at times could have been tighter. On first viewing, the Sam's uncle strand did seem strange and didn't add very much, now its significance in the case is appreciated more. There have also been cleverer and more surprising denouements of the show, as far as Season 9 goes it is nowhere near as too obvious as "The Mole" or as awkwardly done as for example "The Dead File" but it was hardly one of those "left me floored" denouements.
On the other hand, the cast and setting really liven things up. Can't fault Angela Lansbury, even in the worst episodes she always delivered, while Graham Greene and Steve Forrest (one of the most consistently good "frequent" non-recurring character guest stars in a list that includes the likes of Jessica Walter and Carol Lawrence) are particularly good in support. The setting has a lot of atmosphere and captures the western town feel very well.
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 there is enough in the mystery to make one just about stick with it, even if it never properly ignites fire.
In summary, decent episode, especially for this early half of Season 9, but one can do with far better. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Season 9 up to this early point has largely been disappointing, with the only above decent episode before this one being "The Wind Around the Tower" (also one of the better ones overall of a very inconsistent and, compared to the previous seasons, disappointing season). "Night of the Coyote" is a long way from being one of the best episodes of 'Murder She Wrote' and it falls short of being great. However, of the six episodes up to this point of the season it's an easy second best to "The Wind Around the Tower" and in the top middle/better end of the season overall.
The story is not always the most compelling of all 'Murder She Wrote' episodes, it perhaps takes a little too long to get going and pacing at times could have been tighter. On first viewing, the Sam's uncle strand did seem strange and didn't add very much, now its significance in the case is appreciated more. There have also been cleverer and more surprising denouements of the show, as far as Season 9 goes it is nowhere near as too obvious as "The Mole" or as awkwardly done as for example "The Dead File" but it was hardly one of those "left me floored" denouements.
On the other hand, the cast and setting really liven things up. Can't fault Angela Lansbury, even in the worst episodes she always delivered, while Graham Greene and Steve Forrest (one of the most consistently good "frequent" non-recurring character guest stars in a list that includes the likes of Jessica Walter and Carol Lawrence) are particularly good in support. The setting has a lot of atmosphere and captures the western town feel very well.
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 there is enough in the mystery to make one just about stick with it, even if it never properly ignites fire.
In summary, decent episode, especially for this early half of Season 9, but one can do with far better. 7/10 Bethany Cox