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.
To me, "The List of Yuri Lermentov" is one of the best episodes of Season 8 and up there among the best of the latter seasons and 'Murder She Wrote' in general. In his penultimate appearance, the recurring character of Michael Hagarty is on top form and demonstrates perfectly why he is one of my favourite recurring characters. From personal opinion, of the seven Hagarty episodes it's the best, with the only ones not doing it for me being "The Sicilian Encounter" and his last episode (from memory any great recurring character deserves a far better episode than that).
Len Cariou gives his best acting as the character, and even shows a more emotional side to usual. His chemistry with the ever terrific Angela Lansbury truly sparkles in its charm and lifts an already great episode to an even better level. Theodore Bikel (though his screen time is short), Richard Beymer and Brian McNammara are particularly good of a solid cast, but it's all about Lansbury and Cariou and their chemistry together.
Really appreciated the look into Hagarty's past which gives the character the most depth he's had in all his appearances, and the fairly subtle implication of romance was a neat touch. The mystery is a very intriguing one, it's very complicated at times with its tackling of more complex themes than is usual for 'Murder She Wrote' but doesn't confuse and doesn't suffer from trying to do too much, nothing feels inconsequential here either. The ending is one of the most shocking endings of Season 8, of the latter seasons and 'Murder She Wrote' in general, not relying on scant evidence or coincidences. The identity of the criminal is unexpected being one who didn't suspect them at all.
Production values are high in quality as to be expected, with slick photography and a great setting that has so much colour and fun but also an equal amount of character tension under the surface. 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.
Writing is tight, thought-provoking and typically amiable and the characters and chemistry are good fun.
In conclusion, wonderful and one of Season 8's highlights. Anyone who loves Michael Hagarty will savour this. 10/10 Bethany Cox
