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.
"Murder on Madison Avenue" is one of the best episodes of a generally solid season (where the only disappointments were "A Killing in Vegas" and "Day of the Dead"), along with "The List of Yuri Lermentov", "Danse Diabolique", "The Witch's Curse", "The Monte Carlo Murders" and "Programed for Murder". The mystery is one of the season's, and show's, most entertaining and intriguing and while the ending is not one of the season's shocking or cleverest it's still a surprise and wraps things up neatly.
Angela Lansbury gives her usual terrific performance, and she is supported by one of the latter seasons' best supporting casts where you see professionals doing it properly. John Hillerman is easy to root, Barbara Babcock relishes playing a ruthless character, Hallie Foote is enjoyably somewhat deadpan and Joe Fabiani is an effective sleazebag. The only weak link in the casting and the episode is to me David Lansbury, he just seemed bland to me.
The toy company setting has a real sense of wonder and atmosphere, while effectively showing the more intense emotions behind the scenes.
Production values are slick and stylish as ever. 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 on the most part is tight, thought-provoking and typically amiable and the characters and chemistry are good fun.
In summary, great episode and one of the season's best. 9/10 Bethany Cox