SUMMARY: APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 47:00 Min.
First broadcast by CBS-TV on January 3, 1988, John Llewellyn Moxey directed this episode off Robert Von Scoyk’s script.
Sheriff Tupper (Bosley) is bewildered when his distraught sister, Winnie (Meara), shows up in Cabot Cove, with her ornery husband (Stockwell) and mooching in-laws (Gibson & Lewis) not far behind.
Seeking solace, Winnie innocently flirts with Seth (Windom) while staying at Jessica’s (Lansbury) home. Attempting to deescalate the Tuppers’ estranged family relations with a dinner invitation, Jessica’s homemade chowder is evidently poisoned with an extra fatal ingredient.
Further complicating the subsequent homicide investigation is a shifty private detective (Rhodes) and Tupper’s new gung-ho deputy (Camp). Yet, Jessica senses the crime’s motive is indeed close to home.
Jessica Fletcher: Angela Lansbury
Sheriff Amos Tupper: Tom Bosley
Dr. Seth Hazlitt: Wiliam Windom
Winnie Tupper Banner: Anne Meara
Henry Banner: Henry Gibson
Deputy Marigold Feeney: Colleen Camp
Deputy Grover: Dennis Bailey
Elmo Banner: Guy Stockwell
Kenny & Flo Oakes: Geoffrey Lewis & Barbara Rhoades
Ed Bellamy: Donnelly Rhodes
Ralph: Joseph V. Perry
Deputy: Uncredited
REVIEW:
Despite depicting a dull mystery, this episode is still enjoyable. Curiously, given several reliable comedians on hand, the tinges of humor do not necessarily fit the serious-minded script (i.e. inferences of potential domestic abuse).
For instance, Colleen Camp’s presence offers welcome comedic relief, but her scenes don’t contribute much to the plot itself. Had she been phased into a recurring role (vs. this mere one-shot), Camp likely would have had delightful chemistry with Bosley as his character’s self-appointed second-in-command.
Generally, the chemistry Lansbury and her regular co-stars share with this guest cast (particularly, Meara and Camp) share make up for the story’s sluggish storytelling. Without much of a whodunnit to unravel, this episode wins primarily on charm and the cast’s classiness.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5 Stars
