SUMMARY: APPROX. RUNNING TIME: 47:00 Min.
First broadcast by CBS-TV on April 10, 1988, Vincent McEveety directed this episode off Dick Nelson’s script.
Jessica Fletcher (Lansbury) is visiting her lovestruck niece, Jill Morton (McNichol), at a rodeo in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Unbeknownst to Jill, her cowboy boyfriend, Marty Reed (Houser), is already married with a wife and young son. Marty’s two friends and mentors, Boone (Wilcox) and Luke (LeMat), are soon injured during the rodeo.
Subsequently, Luke barely escapes an overnight fire in the medic’s trailer, but Dr. Schaeffer (Dorsey) succumbs to fatal smoke inhalation. Jessica and the investigating Royal Mountie (LeGault) suspect murder once arson is determined as the cause of the fire.
Jessica Fletcher: Angela Lansbury
Jill Morton: Kristy McNichol
Marty Reed: Patrick Houser
Boone Talbot: Larry Wilcox
Luke Purdue: Paul LeMat
Consuela Schaeffer: Rosanna DeSoto
Doc Schaeffer: Joe Dorsey
RCMP Inspector Roger McCabe: Lance LeGault
Wally Brice: Terry Kiser
Carla Talbot: Cassie Yates
Mona: Devon Williams
Buster: Uncredited
Warden Burns: Thomas H. Middleton
Medic: Michael Frederic
Bartender: Ed McCready
Secretary: Eileen T’Kaye
Policeman: Conrad Hurtt
Intern: Richard Molnar
Female Fan: Lisa Long
REVIEW:
Though the culprit is not a surprise, this average Murder, She Wrote wins on generally good performances and a change-of-pace locale. Suffice to say, “Showdown in Saskatchewan” is a very watchable whodunnit. It, however, doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
