Programmed for Murder 

A computer programmer's death may mean a malpractice suit for Seth, but Jessica suspects murder.

Director:

Jerry Jameson

Writers:

Peter S. Fischer (created by), Richard Levinson (created by)

Stars:

Angela Lansbury, Julie Adams, Hunt Block

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Angela Lansbury	...	Jessica Fletcher
Julie Adams	...	Eve Simpson
Hunt Block	...	Dr. Jonas Beckwith
Judith Chapman	...	Harriet Simmons Wooster
Tony Fields	...	Rudy Ortega
Boyd Gaines	...	John Halsey
Judith Hoag	...	Gretchen Price
Alex Hyde-White	...	Doug Simmons
Will Lyman	...	Allan Wooster
Ron Masak	...	Sheriff Mort Metzger (as Ron Másak)
William Windom	...	Dr. Seth Hazlitt
Stacy Ray	...	Laura Garrison
Louis Herthum	...	Deputy Andy Broom
Amy Moessinger	...	Nurse

Storyline

Jessica applauds the arrival in Cabot Cove of young MD Jonas Beckwith, but Seth claims a 'technology-obsessed' doc lacks heart and experience. Harriet Wooster's computer programs are about to get her family company sold for a fortune, having obtained seed money from her brother Doug Simmons. Harriet dies from an ulcer, which Seth didn't test for, treating her instead for indigestion, as a result of Beckwith's diagnosis. It turns out a transfusion with what was supposed to be her own blood was fatal and Jessica suspects part of an elaborate murder. Jessica finds out how and why, bringing her 'medical advisers' together in the process.

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Plot Keywords:

poison | medical examination | infidelity | false identity | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 April 1992 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Stage 29, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

47 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

[first lines]
Jessica Fletcher: [opening door] Oh, Harriet, you don't know how welcome you are.
Harriet Simmons Wooster: I'm sorry it took me so long to get here, Jessica. I was fixing some bugs on a new program.
Jessica Fletcher: Mm-hmm
Harriet Simmons Wooster: And when you start rewriting codes, time gets away from you.

User Reviews

Programmed for Murder

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.

"Programmed for Murder" is the best Season 8 episode since "The Monte Carlo Murders" and while not quite one of the very best 'Murder She Wrote' episodes it's in the top half of Season 8. My only complaint is the dialogue for Hunt Block, Block does do very well considering but some of what he is given is over-simplistic and beneath him. The rest of the writing elsewhere is thought-provoking and has the right balance of light-heart and taking it seriously and going overboard on either.

The mystery is an intriguing one that is very easy to engage with. The twists keep coming and the ending is (as with a lot of Season 8 episodes) is very clever, surprising and plausible. The murder is one of the cleverest of the show too.

Angela Lansbury is terrific as always as are William Windom (a charming curmudgeon but this is another episode, after "Curse of the Danaav", where he gets to show more depth to usual, one feels and roots for Seth here) and Ron Masak. Block, Judith Chapman, Alex Hyde-White and Will Nyman are solid in their supporting roles. Julie Adams' appearance is brief but her Eve is as humorous and classy as always.

Production values are slick and stylish as ever. 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.

Overall, great episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox