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.
"Broadway Malady" is a very good episode to Season 1 and of 'Murder She Wrote' in general, that nearly could have been one of the best and nearly was. While Grady's role is not a big one, the character is just in general so dead-weight dull and dim, and Michael Horton's acting is no better. For me, the final solution was not hard to figure out at all, actually suspected early on, and the way it all came out just happened too easily.
However, "Broadway Malady" is very slickly filmed with typically attractive locations and fashions. The music has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune. The songs sung by Vivian Blaine and Lorna Luft (both of whom give wonderful performances here that give a real sense of pathos and nostalgia) are a lovely touch.
The writing is charmingly light-hearted, gently amiable and down to earth but provokes thought too. The line "But if someone shot my sister I'd pretty much kill them also. Then I'd pee all over their grave" is priceless.
Story is compelling and has a real warm charm and nostalgia.
Angela Lansbury is terrific in one of her best remembered roles (one of the roles that is most closely associated with me at any rate). She is very well supported, not just Luft and Blaine but also Robert Morse and Milton Berle's excellent cameo. Only Horton doesn't work.
Overall, very good episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox