Jessica visits a women's prison and is held captive when an uprising occurs because of abuse and murder at the facility.Jessica visits a women's prison and is held captive when an uprising occurs because of abuse and murder at the facility.Jessica visits a women's prison and is held captive when an uprising occurs because of abuse and murder at the facility.
Photos
Yvonne De Carlo
- Miss Springer
- (as Yvonne DeCarlo)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode features an almost entirely female cast. The only men are police officers seen at the very end.
- GoofsDuring the riot, the prisoners (particularly hotheaded Kathryn) like to "rack rounds," chambering shells into the firing chambers of their pump shotguns - some do it three or four times over the course of the hour. But if a shell is already IN the chamber, it would fly out to make room for the next one. The weapons are obviously empty.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Jessica Fletcher: And what about Mary? She had a parole hearing coming up.
Warden Elizabeth Gates: She still does.
Jessica Fletcher: Well, perhaps I should warn you, I intend to do everything in my power to help at that hearing.
Warden Elizabeth Gates: Don't worry, Jessica. So do I.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #21.75 (2004)
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
Featured review
Prison antics with 'Murder She Wrote'
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.
Personally liked "Jessica Behind Bars" much more than the previous reviewers. In fact, it's always been a standout episode of Season 2 from personal opinion, and as far as 'Murder She Wrote' in general too it's up there. Didn't really buy how everything was resolved so patly at the end, and Jessica seemed almost too calm and collected in moments of great tension.
Otherwise, "Jessica Behind Bars" is a great episode, and a fairly unique one too. Having an all female cast was a first in 'Murder She Wrote' and even after the show ended in 1996 it's still a unique distinction.
Even in a confined setting, a prison this time, "Jessica Behind Bars" is well shot and suits the tension of the episode well. It is kind of a hoot as well seeing all those 80s hairdos. 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.
"Jessica Behind Bars" is very thoughtfully scripted too when it could easily have been trashy, instead it touches upon heavy themes like power, corruption, fight for survival and the nature of crime, debating it in an intelligent way. The story is compelling with a final solution that is quite shocking (for both deaths) and a quite suspenseful climax (so much so it was a shame that the episode ended on a pat note).
Angela Lansbury is terrific, while there are insane performances (in the best of ways) from Margaret Avery and Adrienne Barbeau and classy support from Vera Miles and Linda Kelsey. Even Yvonne De Carlo appears as a cook. As well as its unique distinction as a 'Murder She Wrote' episode with a all-female cast, "Jessica Behind Bars" is worth seeing for the cast alone.
In conclusion, great fun and quite thrilling. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Personally liked "Jessica Behind Bars" much more than the previous reviewers. In fact, it's always been a standout episode of Season 2 from personal opinion, and as far as 'Murder She Wrote' in general too it's up there. Didn't really buy how everything was resolved so patly at the end, and Jessica seemed almost too calm and collected in moments of great tension.
Otherwise, "Jessica Behind Bars" is a great episode, and a fairly unique one too. Having an all female cast was a first in 'Murder She Wrote' and even after the show ended in 1996 it's still a unique distinction.
Even in a confined setting, a prison this time, "Jessica Behind Bars" is well shot and suits the tension of the episode well. It is kind of a hoot as well seeing all those 80s hairdos. 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.
"Jessica Behind Bars" is very thoughtfully scripted too when it could easily have been trashy, instead it touches upon heavy themes like power, corruption, fight for survival and the nature of crime, debating it in an intelligent way. The story is compelling with a final solution that is quite shocking (for both deaths) and a quite suspenseful climax (so much so it was a shame that the episode ended on a pat note).
Angela Lansbury is terrific, while there are insane performances (in the best of ways) from Margaret Avery and Adrienne Barbeau and classy support from Vera Miles and Linda Kelsey. Even Yvonne De Carlo appears as a cook. As well as its unique distinction as a 'Murder She Wrote' episode with a all-female cast, "Jessica Behind Bars" is worth seeing for the cast alone.
In conclusion, great fun and quite thrilling. 9/10 Bethany Cox
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- TheLittleSongbird
- Jul 21, 2017
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