The noise and costumes of the Mexican "Day of the Dead" fiesta make it hard for Jessica to identify a killer.The noise and costumes of the Mexican "Day of the Dead" fiesta make it hard for Jessica to identify a killer.The noise and costumes of the Mexican "Day of the Dead" fiesta make it hard for Jessica to identify a killer.
Photos
Ismael 'East' Carlo
- Juan García
- (as Ismael {East} Carlo)
Cynthia DeCure
- Girl
- (as Cynthia Lee Santos)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDuring the first scene, Jessica is in the archeological lab talking with Cyrus Ramsey (James Coburn). Several pieces of antiquities are visible. They walk past a small statue of The Town Musicians of Bremen (four or five animals standing on each others' backs). Hardly an Aztec artifact, this figurine is from a Grimm Brother's fairy tale story published in 1819 and taking place in Germany.
- GoofsDuring the dance, it's quite obviously not James Coburg in the Death costume. The dancer is much thinner, and has brown eyes. It's a major plot point, but Jessica doesn't immediately discover it.
- Quotes
[first lines]
Jessica Fletcher: [entering room] Cyrus.
Cyrus Ramsey: Oh, Jessica. Oh, I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to see you again. How was your flight down?
Jessica Fletcher: Oh, it was wonderful and I got in last night. But I was just told that you'd had a break-in. So if this is a bad time...
Cyrus Ramsey: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. The day is yours. I've cleared the calendar.
- ConnectionsReferences Day of the Dead (1985)
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
Featured review
Theft and murder in Mexico
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.
"Day of the Dead" is one of the difficult to rate 'Murder She Wrote' episodes, in fact not knowing what my stance is on it is. It's not an awful episode and there is nothing really terrible about it, there are certainly far worse episodes overall. At the same time, it's a long way from being one of the best episodes of Season 8 (along with "A Killing in Vegas" it's one of the weaker ones) let alone of the whole show and very little is done exceptionally.
Production values are slick and stylish as ever and the scenery is wonderful. 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.
Angela Lansbury is terrific as usual, no matter the quality of the episode she always gave her all and it's not hard at all to see why it's one of her best-remembered roles. James Coburn is a joy and is clearly having a lot of fun in his role. There are some intriguing parts in the second half of the episode when things get going and when there's more focus on the investigation.
On the other hand, the only great performances come from Lansbury and Coburn, the latter being the only member of the supporting cast to actually seem or look like he's having fun. "Day of the Dead" is to me one of the most unevenly acted 'Murder She Wrote' episodes, not just in terms of quality but the acting styles too, with the younger cast not looking at ease. The script has thought-provoking and amiable moments, but other parts don't flow so well.
Was not sure what to make of the story either. It does get mildly intriguing once the murder happens and things become more twisty but takes a little too long to get there and some of the stuff in the first half is less interesting and not as relevant as others. The case, while suitably not too simple, tends to be on the strange side. The ending underwhelms somewhat, the identity of the killer and motive didn't surprise me much at all and is pretty simplistic for an at times reasonably complicated story.
In conclusion, a difficult episode to rate and review. 5/10 Bethany Cox
"Day of the Dead" is one of the difficult to rate 'Murder She Wrote' episodes, in fact not knowing what my stance is on it is. It's not an awful episode and there is nothing really terrible about it, there are certainly far worse episodes overall. At the same time, it's a long way from being one of the best episodes of Season 8 (along with "A Killing in Vegas" it's one of the weaker ones) let alone of the whole show and very little is done exceptionally.
Production values are slick and stylish as ever and the scenery is wonderful. 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.
Angela Lansbury is terrific as usual, no matter the quality of the episode she always gave her all and it's not hard at all to see why it's one of her best-remembered roles. James Coburn is a joy and is clearly having a lot of fun in his role. There are some intriguing parts in the second half of the episode when things get going and when there's more focus on the investigation.
On the other hand, the only great performances come from Lansbury and Coburn, the latter being the only member of the supporting cast to actually seem or look like he's having fun. "Day of the Dead" is to me one of the most unevenly acted 'Murder She Wrote' episodes, not just in terms of quality but the acting styles too, with the younger cast not looking at ease. The script has thought-provoking and amiable moments, but other parts don't flow so well.
Was not sure what to make of the story either. It does get mildly intriguing once the murder happens and things become more twisty but takes a little too long to get there and some of the stuff in the first half is less interesting and not as relevant as others. The case, while suitably not too simple, tends to be on the strange side. The ending underwhelms somewhat, the identity of the killer and motive didn't surprise me much at all and is pretty simplistic for an at times reasonably complicated story.
In conclusion, a difficult episode to rate and review. 5/10 Bethany Cox
helpful•38
- TheLittleSongbird
- Oct 26, 2017
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