Murder, She Wrote holds a major place in Andrew Balzano’s discussion of classic mysteries. Across the episodes he selects, his interest is not limited to the identity of the murderer. He pays attention to settings, character relationships, guest performers, dialogue, clues, humor, and the moments that make a particular episode worth remembering.

At the center is J.B. Fletcher, played by Angela Lansbury, a mystery writer whose investigative instincts repeatedly bring her into unusual situations. Balzano notes that the series began with the two-part The Murder of Sherlock Holmes and continued for twelve seasons. His selection of episodes comes from across that long run and reflects the variety that kept the series engaging.

Murder Takes the Bus is one example. Stranded passengers, rain, and a murder on a bus create a naturally confined mystery. Balzano appreciates the atmosphere, especially the pouring rain and the music that recalls Psycho. The setting itself becomes part of the experience.

Keep the Home Fries Burning shows another feature Balzano values: the importance of a seemingly casual line. A scientist discussing a credit card tip unintentionally provides J.B. with the clue she needs. The moment demonstrates how ordinary details can suddenly become meaningful when viewed through an investigator’s eyes.

Reflections of the Mind introduces a secret room and clues connected to an earlier accident. For Balzano, the episode works because information is revealed gradually, allowing the mystery to develop through discovery rather than simply through action.

Some selections are notable for character chemistry. Tough Guys Don’t Die brings J.B. together with Detective Harry McGraw, played by Jerry Orbach, and Balzano enjoys the relationship between them. Their dialogue and shared determination give the investigation additional energy.

Witness for the Defense places J.B. against a defense attorney in Quebec, while A Fashionable Way to Die moves the action to Paris. The changing settings reinforce one of the series’ recurring pleasures: J.B. can become involved in a mystery almost anywhere.

Other episodes appeal because of memorable concepts. Incident in Lot 7 includes the Bates house from Psycho. The List of Yuri Lementov involves coded names and the danger of information falling into the wrong hands. Deadly Bidding combines murder with the recovery of a stolen Degas masterpiece. A Quaking in Aspen introduces a dramatic sports-car stunt. Nailed brings the mystery to a New York City nail salon.

Balzano also appreciates humor. In The Secret of Gila Junction, a bus driver insists that nothing ever happens in the town, only for the events surrounding J.B.’s visit to prove otherwise. The final exchange gives the episode a light conclusion after the mystery has been resolved.

Balzano’s selections also demonstrate the importance of recurring relationships. J.B.’s interactions with sheriffs, detectives, friends, relatives, and guest characters create a familiar world while allowing each mystery to feel different. That combination of continuity and variety is a major part of the series’ lasting appeal.

His large collection of selected episodes reflects the simple reason he continues to enjoy the series: each mystery provides another combination of clues, characters, settings, performances, and surprises.

For Balzano, Murder, She Wrote represents the kind of classic entertainment that rewards repeated viewing. The more carefully one watches, the more easily small details, relationships, and moments of dialogue can stand out.