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.
"Sing a Song of Murder" may not be a season 2 highlight or one of the best episodes of 'Murder She Wrote', but it is hardly a stinker. Flaws and all, it's a lot of fun. Yes, London is basically a low-budget back-lot set and most of the accents are wretched, lacking authenticity and played too broadly, Patrick Macnee in particular sounds odd and Kristofer Tabori's is somewhat ambiguous.
While most of the performances are good, regardless of the accents, Olivia Hussey is wooden and Kenneth Dazinger has little to do as a character that gets practically lost amongst everything else.
However, "Sing a Song of Murder" is very nicely shot and there are as ever some attractive and nostalgia-inducing fashions. 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 tight, thought-provoking and typically amiable, while the story is fun and easy to follow if not exactly surprising by the end, there are some nice twists though.
Angela Lansbury is terrific as both her characters, with a great entertaining contrast in Emma. Barrie Ingham fares best in support, while Macnee is charming even with the accent and Glynnis Johns is good likable value.
Overall, not great but fun. 7/10 Bethany Cox