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.
"Curse of the Daanav" is one of my favourite episodes of Season 4, and to me it's one the best Seth Hazlitt (my favourite of the recurring characters on 'Murder She Wrote') episodes. Mainly because we get to know more about him and also because William Windom, always great as the character but especially here, gets to expand his range. Outside of his curmudgeonly charm and winning humour, Windom gets to show a good deal of poignancy and does so wonderfully.
Angela Lansbury is terrific as always, while Jane Badler and Larry Linville bring an endearing campiness to the proceedings, Richard Bradford makes the most of a role that's not that large and Clive Revill is a subtlety that is not out of place in the episode. This is Windom's episode however, and he particularly shines in the touching reconciliation scene between him and Bradford, which was necessary in balancing out of the campy fun of the episode and giving it some depth.
Personally didn't think that the killer was that obvious, though they were admittedly high on my suspects list. The only small problem with "Curse of the Daanav" for me was Seth not being treated as a suspect in the murder when, as much as we love him and know off the bat that he is not a killer, he should have been for obvious reasons. If anything it may have been more impressive and brought more poignancy if he was the prime suspect.
The production values are slick and stylish as ever with 'Murder She Wrote'. 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 thought-provoking, light-hearted and amiable while the story is compelling with a touch of campiness and a touch of pathos as well.
All in all, excellent episode and a treat for Seth fans. 9/10 Bethany Cox
