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.
"Sticks and Stones" is one of the highlight episodes of Season 2, one of the better Cabot Cove episodes and a standout of the early seasons. Slowed down only by the subplot between Michael and Lila, which didn't really add anything and didn't have much chemistry. Parker Stevenson is also a little on the bland side.
On the other hand, it's a well made episode as usual. Love the Cabot Cove setting and how it's like a close knit community (making one really feeling the tension the poison pen letters and gossip cause). The photography complements it well. 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 in "Sticks and Stones" is humorous, thoughtful and sometimes moving and tense. The story is somewhat sprawling but always fun and absorbing, with the poison pen letters causing much tension and the reveal is a genuine shocker. It is actually one of 'Murder She Wrote's' most shocking endings, it was the last person personally suspected which doesn't happen a lot on the show and the viewer is completely on Jessica's side about her wanting so badly to be wrong.
Angela Lansbury is terrific and particularly sells the emotion in the denouement, the shock and sadness Jessica is feeling in this scene is incredibly moving and comes through vividly in Lansbury's acting. Tom Bosley, William Windom and John Astin are solid too.
In conclusion, thoroughly enjoyable and an early season standout. 9/10 Bethany Cox
