Episode 90: Chilly Chaz the Butch Brick, Found in the Asbestos Freezer

TONIGHT ON MURDER, SHE WROTE, you will never look at frozen seafood the same way again.  Touted as JUST ANOTHER FISH STORY, the episode features marine life as weaponry, stolen goods unaccounted for, investor subterfuge, journalistic conflict of interest, and Mr. Sonny Bono!

Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) is back in New York, learning her nephew Grady (Michael Horton) has gone the urban cowboy route, accounting for the latest in trendy country western chic dining house, Alice's Farm.  Oh, and he's engaged! We meet the sweet and nervous Donna (Debbie Zipp), who seems to have an awful lot on her mind.  The restaurant seems to have plenty going on as well, with the staff unable to keep up with the clientele; some of the caviar and lobster tails have gone missing, and Alice (Valerie Landsburg) and her brother Doug (James Carroll Jordan) aren't happy about it.  Likely responsible is the maître d' in leather (Dick Gautier), who ends up dead early enough during Jessica's visit to ensure her involvement in the case.

None too thrilled to have her poking her nose into things is detective-of-the-week Norman Fell, who makes things difficult for Jess and the happy young couple who just want to leave. The cop declares an accounting emergency, forcing them to stay and further learn about how the other handles stress (see: not well, frankly).  Also in for the ride is the divine Brenda Vaccaro, who chews the scenery up like a pro as an opportunistic columnist, Mimi Harcourt, more interested in the murder than the munchies.  A rival restaurateur (Sonny Bono) further spoils the broth as Jessica explores the cutthroat (so to speak) industry of high-end, contemporary New York City cuisine.  Might we suggest a wine?