"Murder, She Wrote" Unwilling Witness (TV Episode 1995) Poster

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9/10
Witness to contempt and murder
TheLittleSongbird30 December 2017
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.

While "Nan's Ghost" gets my vote as the best episode of Season 12, "Unwilling Witness" to me is a very close second. It is also a standout of the post-Season 8 episodes (what is meant by "latter seasons" as cited in previous reviews). Can't really think of anything wrong with it, other than it slightly lacking in the extra something of the very best episodes.

The mystery is very twisty and has a lot of energy. A highlight is the twist ending, that is terrific, and is not only the best ending of Season 12 and one of the best and most unexpected endings of post-Season 8 but also one of the most leaving-one-floored-in-shock endings of the show.

Angela Lansbury can't be faulted in one of her best remembered roles. Likewise with the truly charming supporting cast in one of the best-cast episodes of Season 12 and of the latter seasons. Standouts are Lisa Eichhorn, in full on bitchy mode and not looking at all uncomfortable with it, Larry Linville, Sydney Walsh, Joel Brooks and Shea Farrell.

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. The writing is fun and thought-provoking, not taking itself seriously.

Summing up, one of Season 12's best episodes. 9/10 Bethany Cox
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8/10
Jessica in contempt of court and facing jail?! Say it isn't so!
planktonrules13 September 2023
Jessica's life is turned upside down when she receives a phone call that is a wrong number. This is because the guy who made the call was in SERIOUS legal trouble...and an incredibly overzealous prosecutor insists that that call meant something. In other words, she insists on proving that Jessica is in league with an embezzler! When Jessica responds to a Grand Jury summons, the prosecutor won't let her talk and browbeats her. Then, she insists that Jessica be jailed for refusing to testify! Clearly the prosecutor is a mess...and her mess is making Jessica's life tough. So, once Jessica's lawyer gets her out of jail, she sets out to solve the case in order to get this prosecutor out of her hair! Naturally, there will be a murder in all this.

The best thing about this episode is that it is different...and considering it came in season 12, that's a very good thing! Well worth seeing and most unusual.
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9/10
Starring the great L*a*r*r*y L*i*n*v*i*l*l*e
safenoe21 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I love M*A*S*H and it was great to see Larry Linville (who played Frank Burns in M*A*S*H) featuring as Paige Corbin, a senior corporate officer fearing for his life, kind of adopting the Frank Burns persona. This episode is set in New York City, and Jessica is in her element as always in the Big Apple. Also featuring in this episode is the beautiful Janel Moloney, who plays Maria Corbin, the estranged daughter of Paige.

One thing I noticed was when Jessica used the phrase "searched the newspaper on internet" instead of "on the internet". I guess the way "internet" was referred to in 1996 was quite fascinating. Also there was no Google back then. Also the cell phones were a bit large back then, as depicted in this episode.

One line I loved...when Jessica was a witness in the grand jury, she commented that just because she owned government bonds, it didn't mean she knew the President of the USA. This episode was screened in 1996, and no way in the world would the writers have suspected that 20 years later Donald Trump would win the Electoral College but not the popular vote.

The ending was a major twist and I never saw it coming. Quite remarkable, and kudos to the writing team.

But...I was rather bemused that actress Dree Lange was "Female Sergeant". I don't personally know anyone whose first name is Female, but maybe I'm missing something. Angela Lansbury isn't credited as "Female Crime Writing Author" by the way.
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5/10
Unwilling witness
coltras3511 August 2022
Jessica Fletcher finds herself in contempt of a federal grand jury in this average episode. It's different from the other episodes with The subject matter, however it can get a bit confusing and ponderous at times.
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