Jessica's British cousin, Emma MacGill (played by Angela Lansbury), is charged with an old flame's murder.Jessica's British cousin, Emma MacGill (played by Angela Lansbury), is charged with an old flame's murder.Jessica's British cousin, Emma MacGill (played by Angela Lansbury), is charged with an old flame's murder.
Photos
D.J. Sullivan
- Pru
- (as D. J. Sullivan)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThough Angela Lansbury doesn't play Jessica Fletcher, Jessica's author photo is clearly visible on the dust cover of Emma's book.
- GoofsNear the end the Inspector asks for the 'Trunk' of the car to be opened. In Britain and other commonwealth countries he would have said 'Boot'
- Quotes
Insp. Frost: Where money is concerned, or a title for the taking, the human race is capable of practically anything.
- ConnectionsReferences Till the Clouds Roll By (1946)
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
Featured review
'Murder She Wrote'...without Jessica Fletcher
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.
Compared to the very good to outstanding previous five episodes, "It Runs in the Family" is something of a disappointment. Certainly not awful and there are worse episodes in the show, but it just isn't the most inspired or compelling of episodes. It is most notable for being the only episode to not feature Jessica Fletcher other than in brief passing in conversation (the mystery is solved by her cousin Emma McGill), but Jessica's absence, despite being deeply felt, is not among the reasons really as to why "It Runs in the Family" doesn't work.
There are certainly good things, the best assets being the production values and the cast. It's 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.
Angela Lansbury, playing Emma, heads the cast with aplomb and there are also noble efforts from Mark Lindsay Chapman, Christopher Hewett, Jane Leeves, and Anthony Newley. Some of the writing provokes thought and is suitably light-hearted and there is the odd intriguing part to the mystery.
On the other hand, "It Runs in the Family" is one of the episodes that doesn't feel like it comes from 'Murder She Wrote' and like it comes from any old show. There are worse cases in the show though, especially some of the book-ends (not all) and "The Szechuan Dragon" (needs a re-watch, but do remember it being a show low-point).
Regarding the story, the first half is particularly dull with much of it being overlong set up. The mystery itself, apart from the odd intriguing part, is one of those paint-by-numbers, who-cares mysteries, and lacks inspiration and compelling thrust mostly. The script is the same, while the characters are not particularly interesting other than Emma and the accents are almost as bad as those of the likes of "Sing a Song of Murder" and "Southern Double Cross".
Altogether, not awful but didn't do much for me. 5/10 (with regret) Bethany Cox
Compared to the very good to outstanding previous five episodes, "It Runs in the Family" is something of a disappointment. Certainly not awful and there are worse episodes in the show, but it just isn't the most inspired or compelling of episodes. It is most notable for being the only episode to not feature Jessica Fletcher other than in brief passing in conversation (the mystery is solved by her cousin Emma McGill), but Jessica's absence, despite being deeply felt, is not among the reasons really as to why "It Runs in the Family" doesn't work.
There are certainly good things, the best assets being the production values and the cast. It's 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.
Angela Lansbury, playing Emma, heads the cast with aplomb and there are also noble efforts from Mark Lindsay Chapman, Christopher Hewett, Jane Leeves, and Anthony Newley. Some of the writing provokes thought and is suitably light-hearted and there is the odd intriguing part to the mystery.
On the other hand, "It Runs in the Family" is one of the episodes that doesn't feel like it comes from 'Murder She Wrote' and like it comes from any old show. There are worse cases in the show though, especially some of the book-ends (not all) and "The Szechuan Dragon" (needs a re-watch, but do remember it being a show low-point).
Regarding the story, the first half is particularly dull with much of it being overlong set up. The mystery itself, apart from the odd intriguing part, is one of those paint-by-numbers, who-cares mysteries, and lacks inspiration and compelling thrust mostly. The script is the same, while the characters are not particularly interesting other than Emma and the accents are almost as bad as those of the likes of "Sing a Song of Murder" and "Southern Double Cross".
Altogether, not awful but didn't do much for me. 5/10 (with regret) Bethany Cox
helpful•57
- TheLittleSongbird
- Aug 20, 2017
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Filming locations
- The John Bull Pub, Fair Oaks Ave & Green St, Pasadena, California, USA(I was there when the episode waas filmed)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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