1 00:00:00,167 --> 00:00:02,420 I’m being outflanked, outwritten 2 00:00:02,670 --> 00:00:04,088 by an English teacher from Maine. 3 00:00:04,213 --> 00:00:06,382 [Jessica] Tonight on Murder, She Wrote. 4 00:00:06,507 --> 00:00:08,384 What is this? The death capital of Maine? 5 00:00:08,509 --> 00:00:11,637 Since she married Hank Shipton, her work has been mediocre. 6 00:00:11,804 --> 00:00:14,348 You're not gonna get drunk. 7 00:00:14,432 --> 00:00:15,683 That a question or a statement? 8 00:00:15,808 --> 00:00:18,602 I went out in search of alternative companionship. 9 00:00:18,728 --> 00:00:19,687 Was it a cash transaction? 10 00:00:19,770 --> 00:00:21,605 Seth, are you trying to hurt me? 11 00:00:21,731 --> 00:00:24,024 For pity's sake, woman. That's the last thing I want to do. 12 00:00:24,150 --> 00:00:26,694 You really are a very special lady. 13 00:00:26,777 --> 00:00:29,989 I'm gonna have to find some way to repay you for your kindness. 14 00:01:42,603 --> 00:01:44,939 Oh! 15 00:01:45,022 --> 00:01:47,691 Shoot. Well, now. 16 00:01:47,775 --> 00:01:50,361 I do believe I've found me a wide-open door. 17 00:01:50,444 --> 00:01:54,114 Table's got a bad lean. I'll keep it in mind, Bobby. 12 in the corner. 18 00:01:58,786 --> 00:02:00,913 The old eight-ball in the side pocket. 19 00:02:05,918 --> 00:02:07,503 Sorry, Bobby. 20 00:02:07,586 --> 00:02:10,756 Uh, let's go again. Double or nothing. Hmm? 21 00:02:10,840 --> 00:02:15,052 Come on. You're down 500. It's just not your day. 22 00:02:17,137 --> 00:02:19,723 What? What do you mean? You think I'm not good for it? 23 00:02:19,807 --> 00:02:21,725 Oh, hey. Did I say that? [door closes] 24 00:02:21,809 --> 00:02:24,228 [man] Hey, you rummies. What do you say? 25 00:02:24,353 --> 00:02:29,358 [wolf whistle] Oh, my. Now, don't we look righteously uptown, huh? 26 00:02:29,483 --> 00:02:32,695 What'd you do? Go to a funeral or something, Hank? 27 00:02:32,778 --> 00:02:34,905 No. Lunch with some newspaper writer. 28 00:02:34,989 --> 00:02:36,907 A funeral would've been more fun. 29 00:02:36,991 --> 00:02:39,869 So, uh, how we doing, son? 30 00:02:39,952 --> 00:02:42,413 Not so good, Pop. 500 down. 31 00:02:42,496 --> 00:02:45,708 Yeah? Which one of you clowns been hustling my boy here? 32 00:02:45,791 --> 00:02:48,294 Uh, hey, it was his idea, Hank. 33 00:02:48,377 --> 00:02:52,506 [chuckles] Well, uh, the Cannonball Express... 34 00:02:52,590 --> 00:02:55,092 has just come screeching to a halt, boys. 35 00:02:55,175 --> 00:02:58,762 Now I'm giving the party, starting with you, Gadge. 36 00:02:58,846 --> 00:03:01,348 -Want to shoot the whole 500? -You call it. 37 00:03:01,473 --> 00:03:05,060 500, eight-ball. 38 00:03:05,144 --> 00:03:07,855 I'll even give you the break. Hey, Hank. Hank. Look. 39 00:03:07,938 --> 00:03:12,443 I just got me a copy of one of your wife's books. Good stuff, man. 40 00:03:12,526 --> 00:03:13,861 Yeah. That's a real old one, Willie. 41 00:03:14,194 --> 00:03:15,738 An oldie but a goodie. 42 00:03:15,863 --> 00:03:18,449 -Yeah, not like her new ones, but... -Knock it off, Bobby. 43 00:03:18,574 --> 00:03:22,703 -All I'm saying was... -I said, "knock it off." 44 00:03:32,588 --> 00:03:35,799 This is difficult, Eudora. Most difficult. 45 00:03:35,883 --> 00:03:40,596 In the mystery field you've been on top for nearly two decades. 46 00:03:40,679 --> 00:03:43,515 You're right up there... and, uh, rightly so... 47 00:03:43,599 --> 00:03:46,894 with Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, P.D. James. 48 00:03:46,977 --> 00:03:48,938 But... 49 00:03:49,021 --> 00:03:50,981 There comes a time when the... 50 00:03:51,065 --> 00:03:54,234 Well, when the palette runs dry, 51 00:03:54,318 --> 00:03:56,487 the colors fade away. 52 00:03:56,570 --> 00:03:58,364 Look, Lew, if this is about rewrites, 53 00:03:58,489 --> 00:04:00,824 we have no problem with that. 54 00:04:00,950 --> 00:04:03,661 [Lew] Rewrites aren't gonna help this manuscript, Liza. 55 00:04:03,744 --> 00:04:05,704 Mr. Bracken, may I remind you... 56 00:04:05,788 --> 00:04:07,998 that for the past 22 years... 57 00:04:08,082 --> 00:04:12,378 I've been America's undisputed premiere female mystery writer. 58 00:04:12,503 --> 00:04:14,338 Nobody questions that, Eudora, 59 00:04:14,421 --> 00:04:17,383 but times change, people change, tastes change. 60 00:04:17,466 --> 00:04:19,301 And we all have to change with them. 61 00:04:19,426 --> 00:04:23,055 -Meaning what exactly? -Meaning... 62 00:04:23,138 --> 00:04:26,141 that your works have become repetitive and tired. 63 00:04:26,266 --> 00:04:28,769 You're writing as if we're still in the 60's. 64 00:04:28,852 --> 00:04:31,855 According to whom? The critics? 65 00:04:31,939 --> 00:04:34,066 That simpering cadre of barnacles, 66 00:04:34,191 --> 00:04:35,776 ticks and other parasites. 67 00:04:35,859 --> 00:04:38,988 Euroda, I have a great idea. 68 00:04:39,071 --> 00:04:42,658 Why don't you take a year off? Recharge your batteries. 69 00:04:42,783 --> 00:04:44,952 Why don't you and Hank move up to that little cottage 70 00:04:45,035 --> 00:04:46,829 in Nantucket that you rented last summer. 71 00:04:46,912 --> 00:04:49,456 I have no intention of vegetating on some sand dune. 72 00:04:49,581 --> 00:04:53,335 Lewis, you need my new book for your Christmas catalog. 73 00:04:53,419 --> 00:04:55,713 I'll survive. 74 00:04:55,796 --> 00:04:58,382 Wait a minute. I get it. 75 00:04:58,465 --> 00:05:00,384 You're about to sign J.B. Fletcher. 76 00:05:00,509 --> 00:05:03,387 What? 77 00:05:03,470 --> 00:05:06,306 That rumor's been on the street for about a week. 78 00:05:06,390 --> 00:05:09,101 We're talking. But nothing's settled, Liza. 79 00:05:11,854 --> 00:05:15,399 J.B. Fletcher. 80 00:05:15,482 --> 00:05:17,359 Lewis, how could you do this to me? 81 00:05:17,484 --> 00:05:20,404 Eudora, this is strictly business. 82 00:05:20,487 --> 00:05:22,239 There's nothing personal about it. 83 00:05:22,322 --> 00:05:25,951 Mrs. Fletcher's last six books are best sellers. 84 00:05:26,076 --> 00:05:29,079 She's about to be named Mystery Writer of the Year. 85 00:05:29,163 --> 00:05:32,750 I'm sorry. [chuckles] 86 00:05:32,833 --> 00:05:36,462 Dear old friend, 87 00:05:36,545 --> 00:05:38,589 you are a paragon of fidelity. 88 00:05:38,714 --> 00:05:42,968 I wish you and Mrs. Flectcher both exactly what you deserve: 89 00:05:43,052 --> 00:05:44,094 each other. 90 00:05:46,138 --> 00:05:48,474 Eudora. 91 00:05:52,019 --> 00:05:54,146 I can't believe it. 92 00:05:54,229 --> 00:05:56,398 The money that woman has made for you. 93 00:05:56,482 --> 00:05:58,525 Can't be helped. 94 00:05:58,609 --> 00:06:01,361 I've never gotten anywhere being subtle, Liza. 95 00:06:01,445 --> 00:06:05,365 Since she married Hank Shipton, her work has been mediocre. 96 00:06:05,449 --> 00:06:07,743 What are you saying? That marrying Hank was a lousy idea? 97 00:06:07,826 --> 00:06:09,328 Tell me something I don't know. 98 00:06:17,127 --> 00:06:20,881 Eudora. Eudora. 99 00:06:20,964 --> 00:06:23,425 -We have to talk. -About what? 100 00:06:23,509 --> 00:06:26,053 I thought Mr. Bracken said it all quite concisely. 101 00:06:26,136 --> 00:06:27,429 Lew Bracken's a pompous, tasteless jerk 102 00:06:27,513 --> 00:06:29,681 with a comic book mentality. 103 00:06:29,807 --> 00:06:33,769 Oh? So that's why he's been publishing my books all these years. 104 00:06:33,894 --> 00:06:36,814 There are plenty of other publishers, Liza. 105 00:06:36,897 --> 00:06:38,857 Darling, you don't seem to understand. 106 00:06:38,982 --> 00:06:42,402 Lew Bracken is not the source of my problems. 107 00:06:42,486 --> 00:06:45,030 I'm being outflanked, outwritten 108 00:06:45,114 --> 00:06:47,574 by an English teacher from Maine. 109 00:06:47,658 --> 00:06:51,495 Somehow, when I wasn't looking, they coronated a new queen of mystery. 110 00:06:51,620 --> 00:06:54,957 -You are blowing this out of proportion. -Oh, am I? 111 00:06:55,040 --> 00:06:56,834 Let's face it darling. I'm passé. 112 00:06:56,959 --> 00:06:59,253 Eudora McVeigh... Is she still alive? 113 00:06:59,378 --> 00:07:02,631 -Now you are exaggerating. -Oh, for pity's sake, 114 00:07:02,756 --> 00:07:04,925 my career is in tatters. 115 00:07:05,008 --> 00:07:06,927 My marriage is hanging by a thread, 116 00:07:07,010 --> 00:07:08,804 and who do I have to thank for this? 117 00:07:08,887 --> 00:07:11,306 Dear, lovable, sweet-as-apple-pie Jessica Fletcher, 118 00:07:11,431 --> 00:07:13,308 who's just bounced me from fifth row center 119 00:07:13,433 --> 00:07:16,103 back to the last row in the balcony. 120 00:07:16,228 --> 00:07:18,230 You can't blame her personally. 121 00:07:18,313 --> 00:07:21,483 You'd be surprised at what I can do, Liza. 122 00:07:21,567 --> 00:07:24,027 And what I will do to get back on top. 123 00:08:05,736 --> 00:08:06,862 Hey, Dorie. 124 00:08:09,031 --> 00:08:11,450 Dorie, how are you, darlin'? 125 00:08:13,702 --> 00:08:16,830 -There's a warm hello. -Where have you been, Hank? 126 00:08:17,497 --> 00:08:20,125 Been? I've been out. 127 00:08:20,209 --> 00:08:21,627 Where? 128 00:08:23,045 --> 00:08:24,421 What do you want, an itinerary? 129 00:08:25,088 --> 00:08:26,798 There's no need to be snide. 130 00:08:27,216 --> 00:08:29,384 I do have a right to ask. I am your wife. 131 00:08:29,468 --> 00:08:33,388 Yeah, but not my keeper. Or maybe you are, and I forgot to notice. 132 00:08:38,018 --> 00:08:39,436 That's fine stuff. 133 00:08:39,770 --> 00:08:42,481 Very fine. By the way, darling, 134 00:08:42,564 --> 00:08:45,317 I paid for this booze out of my Navy pension check, 135 00:08:45,901 --> 00:08:47,402 in case you're wondering. 136 00:08:47,486 --> 00:08:49,446 You're not gonna get drunk. 137 00:08:49,988 --> 00:08:52,783 That a question or a statement? Look, Dorie... 138 00:08:53,033 --> 00:08:55,702 Before lunch, I spent an hour with your business manager... 139 00:08:55,786 --> 00:08:59,957 going over your investment portfolio, as you requested. 140 00:09:00,874 --> 00:09:03,585 During lunch, I said all the right things... 141 00:09:03,669 --> 00:09:08,507 to that bird-brained columnist from Los Angeles again, as you requested. 142 00:09:09,466 --> 00:09:10,634 See how full my life is? 143 00:09:11,593 --> 00:09:12,719 Then, afterwards, 144 00:09:13,011 --> 00:09:15,639 I spent a little time with some of my friends. 145 00:09:15,931 --> 00:09:17,933 Shooting pool or watching the races? 146 00:09:18,225 --> 00:09:19,977 Come on. What are we fightin' about? 147 00:09:20,060 --> 00:09:23,730 What do you say to a... a little dinner, just you and me? 148 00:09:24,606 --> 00:09:28,443 What about Bobby? Maybe your son would like to join us. 149 00:09:28,777 --> 00:09:32,656 -When are you gonna get off his back? -When he gets out of my purse. 150 00:09:32,948 --> 00:09:35,325 I had a bill today for a VCR. 151 00:09:35,409 --> 00:09:37,286 He charged it to my account. 152 00:09:37,995 --> 00:09:40,163 Almost $400. 153 00:09:41,540 --> 00:09:44,960 -He shouldn't have done that. -He shouldn't have done a lot of things. 154 00:09:47,587 --> 00:09:50,424 Oh, Hank, I married you, not your family. 155 00:09:51,091 --> 00:09:54,678 I told you. The boy never had me around... growing up. 156 00:09:54,761 --> 00:09:57,681 -I owe him a lot of years. -Well, I don't owe him a thing. 157 00:09:58,807 --> 00:10:00,392 I've had enough. 158 00:10:03,103 --> 00:10:04,521 What, are you telling me I gotta make a choice? 159 00:10:11,403 --> 00:10:13,822 Don't you walk away from me. Where are you going? 160 00:10:13,905 --> 00:10:16,325 Where I should've gone months ago, 161 00:10:16,408 --> 00:10:19,953 but I was concerned about the... the sanctity of this lousy marriage. 162 00:10:44,436 --> 00:10:48,523 That fish weighed 40 pounds if she weighed an ounce. 163 00:10:48,607 --> 00:10:51,860 -[laughs] Oh, Seth. -At least 28 inches, stem to stern. 164 00:10:51,943 --> 00:10:55,697 I would swear my life on it. Well, Caleb, you saw it. What do you think? 165 00:10:55,781 --> 00:10:59,076 I didn't get that close a look, Doc. And another thing... 166 00:10:59,159 --> 00:11:01,161 Can I take those from you? Thank you, Caleb. 167 00:11:01,244 --> 00:11:03,830 You ought to do something about this rotten tackle of yours. 168 00:11:03,914 --> 00:11:06,875 If my line hadn't busted, I'd have made the catch of the day. 169 00:11:06,958 --> 00:11:09,378 -Well, better luck next time, Doc. -Yeah. 170 00:11:09,461 --> 00:11:12,381 -[Jessica] Thank you, Caleb. Great day. -It was the bait. 171 00:11:12,464 --> 00:11:15,884 -[laughs] The bait? What? -The bait, woman. 172 00:11:15,967 --> 00:11:17,594 Your bait was better than mine. 173 00:11:17,677 --> 00:11:19,012 We got it out of the same bucket. 174 00:11:19,096 --> 00:11:21,098 Well, you just made it seem that way. 175 00:11:21,390 --> 00:11:25,936 Well, putting aside my shortcomings as an angler for the moment, 176 00:11:26,019 --> 00:11:27,979 the day was not exactly a total loss. 177 00:11:28,063 --> 00:11:29,981 At least we made you laugh. 178 00:11:30,065 --> 00:11:32,651 And if I'm not mistaken, you have a bit of color in your face. 179 00:11:32,734 --> 00:11:34,653 Well, what's the matter with my face? 180 00:11:34,736 --> 00:11:36,905 There's nothing wrong with it at all, 181 00:11:36,988 --> 00:11:39,658 except it hasn't seen the light of day for about six weeks now. 182 00:11:39,741 --> 00:11:41,284 Yeah, well, I've been working on my book. 183 00:11:41,368 --> 00:11:43,412 Yes. You have been working on your book. 184 00:11:43,495 --> 00:11:46,623 You're always working on a book, Jessica. 185 00:11:46,706 --> 00:11:49,543 I wonder sometimes how you can tell them apart. 186 00:11:54,005 --> 00:11:56,341 Honestly, Seth, 187 00:11:56,425 --> 00:11:59,594 I want to know what you meant by that remark. 188 00:11:59,678 --> 00:12:01,763 No, you don't, Jess. 189 00:12:01,847 --> 00:12:04,474 If I thought you did, I’d tell ya. But since I know you don't, 190 00:12:04,558 --> 00:12:06,768 best I don't, rather than be sorry I did. 191 00:12:06,852 --> 00:12:09,771 [laughs] Oh, sure. That makes perfect sense. 192 00:12:09,855 --> 00:12:13,442 A... Yeah. [phone rings] 193 00:12:13,525 --> 00:12:16,278 Hello. Oh. Yes. Hello, Mr. Bracken. 194 00:12:16,361 --> 00:12:17,696 Hello, Mrs. Fletcher. I was worried about you. 195 00:12:17,779 --> 00:12:20,532 I’ve been trying to reach you all day. 196 00:12:20,615 --> 00:12:23,869 Well, uh, my doctor prescribed a day of fishing, 197 00:12:23,952 --> 00:12:25,829 and I was too tired to argue with him. 198 00:12:25,912 --> 00:12:28,790 Good. I hope you're too tired to argue with me. 199 00:12:29,082 --> 00:12:31,501 I’ve got these contracts right here on my desk. 200 00:12:31,793 --> 00:12:35,213 Oh, no. Uh, let's not talk about that now. 201 00:12:35,505 --> 00:12:37,924 My plane is gassed up at La Guardia and ready to go. 202 00:12:38,008 --> 00:12:40,302 I could be at your doorstep in two hours. 203 00:12:40,385 --> 00:12:44,097 Please, Mr. Bracken. When I make up my mind, I'll be in touch. I promise. 204 00:12:44,389 --> 00:12:47,309 Could you give me some idea of what the book is about? 205 00:12:47,601 --> 00:12:50,228 [chuckles] Not even a hint. I'm sorry. 206 00:12:50,520 --> 00:12:53,523 Of course. One way or the other. 207 00:12:53,815 --> 00:12:57,944 Good. Good-bye. 208 00:12:58,028 --> 00:13:01,740 Persistent fella. And stubborn. 209 00:13:01,823 --> 00:13:05,160 Like some other people that I know. 210 00:13:05,452 --> 00:13:08,580 You must have made this last night. 211 00:13:08,663 --> 00:13:11,374 Well, I'll be seeing you, Jess. 212 00:13:11,458 --> 00:13:13,877 Oh, no. Seth Hazlitt. You're not going to leave... 213 00:13:13,960 --> 00:13:18,173 until you tell me exactly what you meant by that crack at the harbor. 214 00:13:18,256 --> 00:13:22,344 -That was a stupid remark. Let's drop it. -No. Let's not. Let's not. 215 00:13:23,386 --> 00:13:29,351 Jessica, what you do with your life is absolutely none of my business. 216 00:13:29,809 --> 00:13:32,896 -I tend to forget that. -And a good thing too. 217 00:13:33,522 --> 00:13:38,860 Do you realize that if I didn't have you to keep me on an even keel, then who? 218 00:13:38,944 --> 00:13:40,487 Out with it! 219 00:13:41,821 --> 00:13:42,781 All right. 220 00:13:43,657 --> 00:13:47,619 Do you recall last month I asked you to go hiking with me up to Spooner's Mill? 221 00:13:48,119 --> 00:13:49,788 Yes. And I wanted to go. You know that. 222 00:13:49,871 --> 00:13:52,165 Except you had that article you wanted to finish. 223 00:13:52,249 --> 00:13:54,334 And a couple of months before that, 224 00:13:54,417 --> 00:13:57,295 it was the fishing trip to Rockford, 225 00:13:57,379 --> 00:13:59,089 except you couldn't find any time for that either. 226 00:13:59,172 --> 00:14:01,258 Well, I had this terribly important... 227 00:14:01,341 --> 00:14:04,886 -uh, meeting with my accountant. -I’m sure it was very important. I am. 228 00:14:05,971 --> 00:14:10,809 You know, Jess, I have arrived at an age where... well, I expect we both have... 229 00:14:11,935 --> 00:14:16,565 Where I don't think we ought to have to rev the engine as hard as we used to. 230 00:14:16,856 --> 00:14:19,067 Well, are... Are you saying that I'm working too hard? 231 00:14:19,359 --> 00:14:23,280 I’m saying that's all you seem to have time for these days. 232 00:14:23,697 --> 00:14:25,323 Have you looked at your garden lately? 233 00:14:26,199 --> 00:14:29,619 The weeds are threatening to carry off the rhododendrons. 234 00:14:29,869 --> 00:14:32,122 Well, I... I've got a lot of obligations. 235 00:14:32,414 --> 00:14:34,165 To whom, Jess? 236 00:14:34,916 --> 00:14:36,585 Now, a few years back, 237 00:14:37,711 --> 00:14:39,838 you needed this writing to help you 238 00:14:39,921 --> 00:14:43,091 get through the empty days and lonely nights. 239 00:14:44,259 --> 00:14:46,428 I know that. I went through it myself. 240 00:14:47,554 --> 00:14:50,849 But Frank's a long time gone now, just like my Ruth. 241 00:14:51,641 --> 00:14:53,393 And another best seller, 242 00:14:53,476 --> 00:14:57,439 or 10 best sellers, is not going to fill that void. 243 00:14:57,897 --> 00:14:59,357 Seth, I know that. 244 00:15:00,066 --> 00:15:01,359 Maybe yes and maybe no. 245 00:15:01,693 --> 00:15:04,988 All I know is that if Frank Fletcher were still around... 246 00:15:05,071 --> 00:15:05,947 you wouldn't be spending 247 00:15:06,031 --> 00:15:07,532 half your life chained to that typewriter 248 00:15:07,824 --> 00:15:10,285 and the other half chasing around the country. No, Sir. 249 00:15:10,827 --> 00:15:14,205 You'd be out smelling the salt air at sunrise. 250 00:15:17,125 --> 00:15:19,836 -Seth, are you trying to hurt me? -Hurt you? 251 00:15:20,128 --> 00:15:21,504 Oh, for pity's sake, woman. 252 00:15:21,588 --> 00:15:24,007 That's the last thing I want to do. 253 00:15:26,217 --> 00:15:28,386 I just think that maybe you ought to get off the treadmill 254 00:15:28,470 --> 00:15:29,804 while you still have a chance. 255 00:15:31,640 --> 00:15:36,394 Now, that's my piece, and I don't want to talk about it anymore at this time, 256 00:15:36,478 --> 00:15:37,729 so I will... 257 00:15:39,522 --> 00:15:41,274 chat with you later. 258 00:16:06,007 --> 00:16:07,342 [vehicle approaching] 259 00:16:07,425 --> 00:16:09,928 [seagulls squawking] 260 00:16:12,222 --> 00:16:14,891 Oh. Jessica, thank God. 261 00:16:18,895 --> 00:16:22,816 -Eudora? -I do not believe I finally found you. 262 00:16:22,899 --> 00:16:25,443 Honestly, Jessica. Are you hiding from the law, 263 00:16:25,527 --> 00:16:30,031 or do you merely harbor a deep-seated ill will towards the civilized world? 264 00:16:30,115 --> 00:16:34,327 Well, there are a few of us who think that this is the civilized world. 265 00:16:34,411 --> 00:16:37,163 No doubt, though frankly I feel like I've wandered 266 00:16:37,247 --> 00:16:39,040 onto the set of a Walt Disney movie. 267 00:16:40,709 --> 00:16:41,960 Well, do you invite me in, 268 00:16:42,043 --> 00:16:45,714 or do I spend the rest of the day inhaling the fragrance of the outgoing tide? 269 00:16:45,797 --> 00:16:47,841 Forgive me. I'm so sorry. [chuckles] 270 00:16:47,924 --> 00:16:51,094 You really are the last person that I expected to see. 271 00:16:51,177 --> 00:16:54,597 Oh, don't be silly. Two years ago, when we met at the convention, 272 00:16:54,681 --> 00:16:56,599 you said, "drop by anytime." 273 00:16:56,683 --> 00:16:57,726 Well, here I am, dropping. 274 00:16:57,809 --> 00:16:59,561 [laughs] I’m delighted. 275 00:16:59,644 --> 00:17:03,022 -We’ll put the teakettle on. -Yeah. Oh, oh. Nearly forgot. 276 00:17:03,106 --> 00:17:06,651 Mother said never come calling with your hands at your side. 277 00:17:13,533 --> 00:17:16,286 I found these at this delightful little produce stand 278 00:17:16,369 --> 00:17:18,371 just off the interstate. 279 00:17:21,750 --> 00:17:24,335 Isn't that the most magnificent thing you've ever seen? 280 00:17:25,462 --> 00:17:27,964 My God, they must feed them steroids or something. 281 00:17:28,256 --> 00:17:30,759 -You do like apples? -Oh, yes, yes. 282 00:17:30,842 --> 00:17:33,136 Of course. Thank you. Wonderful. Wonderful. 283 00:17:33,219 --> 00:17:36,473 Thank you very much. Now, Jessica, 284 00:17:36,556 --> 00:17:38,558 I do appreciate your offer of liquid refreshments, 285 00:17:38,641 --> 00:17:41,436 but what's this about a kettle? 286 00:17:41,519 --> 00:17:43,605 I mean... quaint is all right up to a point, 287 00:17:43,688 --> 00:17:46,024 -but let's not get carried away. -[chuckles] Right. 288 00:17:48,651 --> 00:17:50,695 Dorie. 289 00:18:00,330 --> 00:18:02,791 Dorie, it's me. 290 00:18:02,874 --> 00:18:06,294 -Hey, Pop. -What are you doing here, Bobby? 291 00:18:06,377 --> 00:18:07,879 Got hungry. 292 00:18:14,344 --> 00:18:19,307 Ran out of here last night without taking my insulin shot. 293 00:18:19,390 --> 00:18:22,143 About an hour ago, I thought I was gonna pass out. 294 00:18:26,856 --> 00:18:30,276 I sure wish you could take this stuff orally. 295 00:18:33,863 --> 00:18:36,825 What's that you're eating? It smells like month-old pastrami. 296 00:18:36,908 --> 00:18:40,829 It’s swiss cheese and liverwurst. Want a bite? 297 00:18:40,912 --> 00:18:44,457 No, thanks. I already had something decent. 298 00:18:46,793 --> 00:18:49,045 You got a stomach like a septic tank. You know that? 299 00:18:50,505 --> 00:18:52,674 So, where's Eudora? 300 00:18:52,757 --> 00:18:54,133 Wouldn't know. Wherever she is, she took her car. 301 00:18:54,217 --> 00:18:56,511 I parked in her spot. 302 00:18:56,594 --> 00:19:00,557 She took her car? She never takes her car unless she's leaving town. 303 00:19:00,640 --> 00:19:02,809 Pop. Got any dough on you? 304 00:19:02,892 --> 00:19:05,186 -Need a couple of hundred. -For what? 305 00:19:05,270 --> 00:19:07,397 Me and Vinnie. We're going out to the trotters. 306 00:19:07,480 --> 00:19:10,859 -Get serious. -Oh, come on, Pop! He's got a tip. 307 00:19:10,942 --> 00:19:12,777 And I only got about 20 bucks. 308 00:19:12,861 --> 00:19:14,153 Yeah, Ray. Uh, it's Hank. 309 00:19:14,237 --> 00:19:16,155 I understand Mrs. Shipton went out. 310 00:19:16,614 --> 00:19:18,199 Know what time that was? 311 00:19:19,784 --> 00:19:21,786 Uh, you have any idea where she was going? 312 00:19:23,788 --> 00:19:24,831 Yeah? 313 00:19:25,790 --> 00:19:27,417 She wanted a map of Maine, huh? 314 00:19:29,711 --> 00:19:32,338 Yeah, well, thanks a lot, Ray. 315 00:19:34,632 --> 00:19:36,634 So, what do you say, Pop? Couple of hundred, that's all. 316 00:19:42,515 --> 00:19:44,934 Pop? 317 00:19:45,018 --> 00:19:47,061 Forget it. We're taking a ride. 318 00:19:47,145 --> 00:19:48,730 -Now? -Yeah, now. 319 00:19:48,813 --> 00:19:50,565 Before your stepmom does something real dumb. 320 00:19:50,648 --> 00:19:54,068 Here. Bring my car around front while I pack my things. 321 00:20:21,846 --> 00:20:24,140 So, after 20 years of marriage... 322 00:20:24,223 --> 00:20:28,853 to bloodless, sexless and "oh, so proper" Schuyler McVeigh, divorce. 323 00:20:29,687 --> 00:20:34,275 I figured anything would be better, which is why I ended up up with Hank. 324 00:20:34,359 --> 00:20:38,363 I remember meeting him at the convention. He was a lot of fun. 325 00:20:38,446 --> 00:20:40,782 That's Hank, all right. A laugh a minute. 326 00:20:41,532 --> 00:20:45,244 Of course I didn't know when I married him I'd end up with a package deal. 327 00:20:45,578 --> 00:20:47,163 -His son, Bobby. -Mmm. 328 00:20:48,581 --> 00:20:52,710 Why am I complaining? The man swept me off my feet, and I loved him. 329 00:20:52,794 --> 00:20:54,379 Maybe I still do. 330 00:20:56,673 --> 00:20:58,216 Well, I'd better go 331 00:20:58,299 --> 00:21:00,385 if I'm going to find someplace to stay tonight. 332 00:21:00,843 --> 00:21:02,011 You're not going back to New York? 333 00:21:02,845 --> 00:21:06,891 I want to soak up some of this down east atmosphere. 334 00:21:07,016 --> 00:21:08,476 If it's good enough for J.B. Fletcher, 335 00:21:08,685 --> 00:21:10,311 it's good enough for me. 336 00:21:11,813 --> 00:21:15,733 I tried your local hotel, The Hill House, but they were all booked up. 337 00:21:16,359 --> 00:21:20,154 I suppose I'll just have to find something on the road back to Portland. 338 00:21:20,238 --> 00:21:24,200 Don't be silly. You're going to stay right here with me. 339 00:21:24,283 --> 00:21:26,619 -Oh, no, I couldn't. -I insist on it. 340 00:21:26,703 --> 00:21:28,788 Not another word. 341 00:21:28,871 --> 00:21:31,791 I mean, don't you realize what a joy it is for me 342 00:21:31,874 --> 00:21:35,169 to chat with a fellow writer under my own roof? 343 00:21:35,253 --> 00:21:37,088 Well, in that case, 344 00:21:37,171 --> 00:21:39,090 I think we should have one more... 345 00:21:39,173 --> 00:21:42,301 -cup of coffee before we turn in. -Why not? 346 00:21:44,721 --> 00:21:45,680 You know, Jessica, 347 00:21:45,763 --> 00:21:48,391 you really are a very special lady. 348 00:21:50,393 --> 00:21:53,771 I’m gonna have to find some way to repay you for your kindness. 349 00:21:54,105 --> 00:21:55,815 Oh, nonsense. 350 00:21:55,898 --> 00:21:59,235 Just call it a little more of that down east hospitality. 351 00:22:03,573 --> 00:22:05,700 Oh. All this caffeine. I'm going to be awake all night. 352 00:22:06,075 --> 00:22:09,912 No, no, no. I'm sure you'll sleep like the dead. 353 00:23:17,647 --> 00:23:19,607 [dog barking in distance] [faint clatter] 354 00:23:34,705 --> 00:23:36,290 Eudora? Good morning. 355 00:23:36,374 --> 00:23:37,583 Oh, good morning. 356 00:23:37,667 --> 00:23:39,961 I couldn't sleep, and I was starved. I hope you don't mind. 357 00:23:40,044 --> 00:23:42,088 -Not at all. -How do you like your eggs? 358 00:23:42,171 --> 00:23:45,424 Oh, over easy, please. I'm just gonna get the morning paper. 359 00:24:13,578 --> 00:24:16,122 Jessica, if I woke you, I do apologize. 360 00:24:16,205 --> 00:24:19,125 Oh, no, no, no, no. I’m always up at this hour. 361 00:24:19,208 --> 00:24:23,504 I can't believe how soundly I slept last night. 362 00:24:23,796 --> 00:24:26,674 Was dead to the world the minute my head hit the pillow. 363 00:24:26,757 --> 00:24:29,427 Didn't I tell you you must be working too hard? 364 00:24:29,510 --> 00:24:31,512 I’m only sorry that you had to go out. 365 00:24:33,014 --> 00:24:34,140 Out? 366 00:24:34,849 --> 00:24:37,185 What ever do you mean? I haven't been anywhere. 367 00:24:37,768 --> 00:24:42,023 Oh? Oh, I just thought... I mean, uh... 368 00:24:42,106 --> 00:24:43,858 Well, your car is parked in a different place 369 00:24:43,941 --> 00:24:46,235 than it was when we went to bed last night. 370 00:24:47,445 --> 00:24:49,197 Oh, you must be mistaken. 371 00:24:49,530 --> 00:24:50,823 No, I don't think so. 372 00:24:51,741 --> 00:24:54,493 Well, now... Here we are. Two eggs over easy. 373 00:24:54,577 --> 00:24:56,287 -Couple of nice pieces of toast. -Lovely. 374 00:24:56,787 --> 00:24:59,749 -Would you like some bacon? -Uh, no. No, thanks. 375 00:25:02,043 --> 00:25:04,086 Well, now, when you're all done, 376 00:25:04,462 --> 00:25:06,672 I want to see this town of yours, Jessica. 377 00:25:06,756 --> 00:25:10,343 Every little street. You see? I'm even wearing my walking shoes. 378 00:25:10,426 --> 00:25:12,470 Oh, yes. [chuckles] 379 00:25:14,430 --> 00:25:16,390 [doorbell rings] 380 00:25:16,724 --> 00:25:19,810 That's odd... A visitor at this hour of the morning. 381 00:25:20,311 --> 00:25:21,395 Excuse me. 382 00:25:31,113 --> 00:25:32,698 -Yes? -Jessica? 383 00:25:34,408 --> 00:25:37,954 -Hank Shipton. -Hank. Hello. Come on inside. 384 00:25:38,746 --> 00:25:40,206 Kind of early to be barging in, 385 00:25:40,289 --> 00:25:42,792 but I saw Eudora's car parked outside and... 386 00:25:42,875 --> 00:25:46,420 Hank, what are you doing here? You followed me. 387 00:25:47,129 --> 00:25:48,506 I’ve come to bring you home, Dorie. 388 00:25:48,714 --> 00:25:51,550 Well, I'm not coming home. I’m here visiting Jessica, 389 00:25:51,634 --> 00:25:54,136 so why don't you just scoot back to New York? 390 00:25:54,220 --> 00:25:56,472 Honey, it's not a good idea, you being here like this. 391 00:25:56,597 --> 00:25:58,057 Now come on. We've got some talking to do. 392 00:25:58,140 --> 00:26:00,268 Stay away from me, Hank. 393 00:26:00,351 --> 00:26:03,604 What we have, or maybe had, is hanging by a thread, 394 00:26:03,688 --> 00:26:06,565 so, please, walk out that door... 395 00:26:06,649 --> 00:26:09,860 before one of us says something we won't be able to take back. 396 00:26:14,573 --> 00:26:17,743 -Jessica, are you OK? -Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be? 397 00:26:19,620 --> 00:26:21,956 Well, it's just that Dorie's been... 398 00:26:23,165 --> 00:26:26,711 kind of high-strung lately, losing her temper, acting crazy. 399 00:26:27,586 --> 00:26:29,171 Well, she seems fine to me. 400 00:26:32,216 --> 00:26:34,927 Well, guess I better get going. 401 00:26:39,765 --> 00:26:41,475 Hank, I'm sorry. Really. 402 00:26:41,559 --> 00:26:44,478 Uh, maybe if you came back later. 403 00:26:44,562 --> 00:26:46,355 No. It wouldn't do much good, Jess. 404 00:26:46,439 --> 00:26:48,607 When she's like that, there's no living with her. 405 00:26:48,733 --> 00:26:50,693 Say, listen. You remember my son Bobby, don't you? 406 00:26:50,776 --> 00:26:53,738 Hey, Bobby! Say hi to Jessica. 407 00:26:54,238 --> 00:26:56,574 Oh, yes. I think we met at the convention. 408 00:26:56,657 --> 00:26:59,368 -Uh, he's a horse trainer or something. -Horse player. 409 00:26:59,452 --> 00:27:02,246 [laughs] Yeah, there's a big difference. 410 00:27:02,872 --> 00:27:04,415 Uh, say, listen, me and Bobby... 411 00:27:04,498 --> 00:27:05,833 we're staying up at the the Hill House 412 00:27:05,958 --> 00:27:07,418 if you want to get ahold of me. 413 00:27:07,626 --> 00:27:10,046 At the Hill House? Oh, that's odd. 414 00:27:10,129 --> 00:27:12,089 Uh, Eudora said that it was booked solid, 415 00:27:12,173 --> 00:27:14,091 that... she couldn't get a room last night. 416 00:27:14,175 --> 00:27:16,093 Yeah, they said some practical joker 417 00:27:16,177 --> 00:27:18,387 phoned in a dozen phony reservations a couple days ago. 418 00:27:18,471 --> 00:27:22,308 But when we pulled in last night around 2:00, there was plenty of room. 419 00:27:23,225 --> 00:27:26,103 -Well, I'll be talking with you, Jess. -Yes. 420 00:27:31,817 --> 00:27:34,528 [Eudora] I just love this little town of yours, Jessica. 421 00:27:35,404 --> 00:27:37,073 It’s so homey. 422 00:27:37,656 --> 00:27:41,619 -How can you stand it? -Well, having lived here for 30 years, 423 00:27:41,702 --> 00:27:45,247 -I guess I've gotten used to it. -Oh, 30 years. 424 00:27:45,331 --> 00:27:46,916 Good Lord. Three days in this Toonersville 425 00:27:46,999 --> 00:27:49,001 and I'd be stark staring mad. 426 00:27:49,085 --> 00:27:53,422 Believe it or not, Eudora, we have a perfectly good public library in town 427 00:27:53,506 --> 00:27:56,509 and we do have access to major newspapers, magazines, 428 00:27:56,592 --> 00:27:58,969 clean streets, fresh air, 429 00:27:59,053 --> 00:28:02,139 friendly people, once they get to know you... 430 00:28:02,223 --> 00:28:04,517 but most of all, safe neighborhoods. 431 00:28:04,600 --> 00:28:07,269 I mean, you can walk anywhere without feeling afraid. 432 00:28:07,353 --> 00:28:09,563 Mrs. Fletcher! Mrs. Fletcher! 433 00:28:09,647 --> 00:28:11,232 Calm down, Johnny. What is it? 434 00:28:11,315 --> 00:28:14,235 It's a dead body, ma'am. Down on the rocks. 435 00:28:14,318 --> 00:28:17,029 Mr. Purdy sent me to get the sheriff. 436 00:28:20,157 --> 00:28:21,909 I wouldn't look down there, ladies. 437 00:28:21,992 --> 00:28:22,910 It's not a pretty sight. 438 00:28:35,631 --> 00:28:38,008 [police radio chatter] 439 00:28:47,726 --> 00:28:51,272 I'm proud to have you here in Cabot Cove, Mrs. McVeigh. [shutter clicks] 440 00:28:51,355 --> 00:28:53,399 Uh, Jessica, could you move in just a bit? 441 00:28:53,482 --> 00:28:55,526 A nice smile now. 442 00:28:55,609 --> 00:28:58,195 Oh, Jonathan. Smile? A man has just been killed here. 443 00:28:58,279 --> 00:28:59,738 Say "cheese." [shutter clicks] 444 00:29:04,493 --> 00:29:07,955 So, Doc, what do you think killed him? Slip and fall or what? 445 00:29:08,164 --> 00:29:12,168 I wouldn't think so. That wound at the head wasn't caused by a fall. 446 00:29:12,251 --> 00:29:13,669 Besides, there wasn't enough blood. 447 00:29:14,753 --> 00:29:18,632 No, I expect he was killed somewhere else and then dumped off here. 448 00:29:19,008 --> 00:29:21,010 How long would you say he's been dead? 449 00:29:22,470 --> 00:29:24,180 Oh, probably about five hours, maybe less. 450 00:29:24,263 --> 00:29:26,307 -Did you ever see him before? -A stranger to me. 451 00:29:26,390 --> 00:29:27,725 Yeah. Me too. 452 00:29:29,268 --> 00:29:30,978 Excuse me, Doc. 453 00:29:31,937 --> 00:29:34,899 Mrs. Fletcher, could I see you for a minute? 454 00:29:40,321 --> 00:29:44,366 Well, didn't waste any time sending out an S.O.S. 455 00:29:45,743 --> 00:29:49,622 Even Amos Tupper would have made a pretense of knowing what he was doing. 456 00:29:49,872 --> 00:29:51,707 Run that by me again. 457 00:29:52,124 --> 00:29:55,169 Sheriff Metzger. Nice enough fella, I suppose, 458 00:29:55,252 --> 00:29:57,213 considering he's a city boy. 459 00:29:57,838 --> 00:29:58,881 But, like as not, 460 00:29:59,006 --> 00:30:01,383 it'll be Jessica that solves the murder, 461 00:30:01,467 --> 00:30:04,762 like she always does. Is that right? 462 00:30:05,429 --> 00:30:07,264 Well, guess I better get this developed. 463 00:30:07,348 --> 00:30:10,267 Might be able to get it on Channel 8 in Portland. 464 00:30:10,351 --> 00:30:13,270 I’m the local contact hereabouts. [chuckles] 465 00:30:13,354 --> 00:30:14,563 Be seeing you. 466 00:30:18,734 --> 00:30:20,861 I said, "Do me a favor, please, 467 00:30:20,945 --> 00:30:23,113 and tell me what goes on in this town." 468 00:30:23,197 --> 00:30:26,367 -Sheriff, I’m sorry. -Five murders in my first year! 469 00:30:26,450 --> 00:30:28,744 What is this? The death capital of Maine? 470 00:30:28,827 --> 00:30:32,164 On a per capita basis, this place makes the Bronx look like Sunnybrook Farm. 471 00:30:32,373 --> 00:30:33,832 But I assure you, Sheriff... 472 00:30:34,124 --> 00:30:37,086 Is that why Tupper quit? He couldn't take it anymore? 473 00:30:37,169 --> 00:30:39,296 Somebody really should've warned me, Mrs. Fletcher. 474 00:30:39,380 --> 00:30:42,174 Now perfect strangers are coming to Cabot Cove to die. 475 00:30:42,258 --> 00:30:43,384 Look at this guy. You don't know him. 476 00:30:43,467 --> 00:30:45,761 I don't know him. He has no I.D. 477 00:30:45,844 --> 00:30:48,764 -We don't know the first thing about him. -Of course you do, 478 00:30:48,847 --> 00:30:50,057 if you just take the time to observe. 479 00:30:50,391 --> 00:30:52,101 -Ma’am? -Forgive me, Sheriff. 480 00:30:52,184 --> 00:30:53,852 This is Eudora McVeigh. 481 00:30:53,936 --> 00:30:56,855 -She's a very well-known mystery novelist. -How do you do? 482 00:30:57,648 --> 00:31:02,278 Well, now, Sheriff, I'm sure you're a terribly capable officer of the Law, 483 00:31:02,361 --> 00:31:05,614 and I'd be the last one to interfere with your investigation, 484 00:31:05,781 --> 00:31:08,784 but before you arrived, I took the liberty of examining the body, 485 00:31:09,326 --> 00:31:12,788 and I'm sure you noticed the label in the jacket. 486 00:31:12,871 --> 00:31:14,999 An off-the-rack clothing store in New York City. 487 00:31:15,874 --> 00:31:19,295 Lady, there must be 10,000 suits like that in New York. 488 00:31:19,712 --> 00:31:22,965 Owned by men who wear a $3,000 watch on their wrist? 489 00:31:23,924 --> 00:31:26,635 This is definitely not a knockoff, Sheriff. 490 00:31:26,719 --> 00:31:28,971 which means he may have stolen it... 491 00:31:29,054 --> 00:31:30,764 possibly at the point of a gun. 492 00:31:31,140 --> 00:31:32,891 A gun? Hold it. Wait. Where did you get that? 493 00:31:32,975 --> 00:31:34,226 Well, that stain. 494 00:31:34,310 --> 00:31:37,605 It appears to be gun oil, which says to me... 495 00:31:37,688 --> 00:31:39,440 he kept a pistol tucked in here... 496 00:31:39,565 --> 00:31:41,942 -in a shoulder holster. -Mrs. Fletcher. 497 00:31:42,026 --> 00:31:44,695 Jessica, I hope you don't mind my helping out like this. 498 00:31:44,778 --> 00:31:47,323 Oh, of course not. My goodness. 499 00:31:47,406 --> 00:31:49,450 If I'm stepping on your toes, just say so. 500 00:31:49,533 --> 00:31:51,410 Eudora, don't be silly. 501 00:31:51,493 --> 00:31:56,123 Uh, I think you've made some very perceptive observations. 502 00:31:56,206 --> 00:31:58,125 Yes. Well, now, 503 00:31:58,208 --> 00:31:59,793 as to why the victim didn't pull his gun, 504 00:31:59,877 --> 00:32:02,963 which is missing, along with the shoulder holster, 505 00:32:03,047 --> 00:32:06,592 -it has to do with his missing glasses. -Glasses? 506 00:32:06,675 --> 00:32:09,386 Yes, he has those little print marks on the bridge of his nose. 507 00:32:09,470 --> 00:32:11,430 -I'm sure you noticed them. -Oh, yeah. 508 00:32:11,513 --> 00:32:14,350 The glasses must've fallen when he was killed, 509 00:32:14,433 --> 00:32:16,769 which, by the way, didn't happen here. 510 00:32:16,852 --> 00:32:20,564 The body was definitely moved, or there would've been a lot more blood. 511 00:32:21,565 --> 00:32:22,650 Seth. 512 00:32:27,780 --> 00:32:30,074 Howdy, Jess. [chuckles] 513 00:32:30,157 --> 00:32:33,160 Looks like the sheriff has his hands full with that friend of yours. 514 00:32:33,243 --> 00:32:36,622 Forget Metzger. You and I need to have a little talk. 515 00:32:36,705 --> 00:32:39,208 Oh, now, Jess... About yesterday, I... [clears throat] 516 00:32:39,291 --> 00:32:41,126 I said some things I probably shouldn't have. I'm sorry, 517 00:32:41,210 --> 00:32:43,295 and I'd like to forget the whole incident. 518 00:32:43,379 --> 00:32:46,632 No, you don't, Seth Hazlitt. I’ve had some time to think. 519 00:32:46,715 --> 00:32:50,386 And I can't argue with a few of the things that you said. 520 00:32:50,469 --> 00:32:53,764 -A few? -Well, a lot of them, I suppose. 521 00:32:53,847 --> 00:32:56,016 You suppose quite right. 522 00:32:56,100 --> 00:32:59,436 Just because I'm an opinionated, self-righteous, Yankee chauvinist... 523 00:32:59,520 --> 00:33:02,022 does not necessarily mean that I'm always wrong. 524 00:33:02,106 --> 00:33:04,566 Not all of the time. How about dinner tonight? 525 00:33:04,650 --> 00:33:06,443 -Your place or mine? -Mine. 526 00:33:06,527 --> 00:33:09,113 -What's on the menu? -Pot roast. 527 00:33:09,196 --> 00:33:11,198 Good. I'll bring the dessert. 528 00:33:11,281 --> 00:33:14,201 -Rhubarb pie? -Have I ever brought anything else? 529 00:33:14,493 --> 00:33:16,870 -See you around 7:00. [chuckles] -Right. 530 00:33:16,954 --> 00:33:19,331 [phone rings] Hello? 531 00:33:19,415 --> 00:33:21,625 Oh, hi, Carol. Have you found Eudora? 532 00:33:22,167 --> 00:33:24,920 I don't get it. Where the hell is she? 533 00:33:25,254 --> 00:33:27,256 [sighs] Listen. Were you able to postpone 534 00:33:27,339 --> 00:33:29,466 that interview with People Magazine? 535 00:33:30,926 --> 00:33:34,638 Oh, they did? W... You just tell them from me that... 536 00:33:35,055 --> 00:33:37,975 Never mind. I’ll tell them myself. [door opens] 537 00:33:38,058 --> 00:33:39,810 [man] Liza. [door closes] 538 00:33:40,352 --> 00:33:42,604 Just call me as soon as you hear anything. 539 00:33:52,281 --> 00:33:55,868 My goodness. I see we slept in this morning. 540 00:33:56,326 --> 00:33:59,204 Back in Kansas, isn't that considered a mortal sin? 541 00:34:00,164 --> 00:34:01,707 I didn't get to bed until very late. 542 00:34:02,416 --> 00:34:03,709 Where were you, Victor? 543 00:34:04,209 --> 00:34:06,712 Your business dinner couldn't have lasted for 15 hours. 544 00:34:06,920 --> 00:34:09,298 Unless, of course, your appetite has improved. 545 00:34:09,381 --> 00:34:13,635 As a matter of fact, I arrived home early last evening, shortly after 10:00. 546 00:34:13,719 --> 00:34:16,138 Naturally, I was surprised to find you weren't here, 547 00:34:16,221 --> 00:34:18,307 and rather than wait around like a jealous husband to listen 548 00:34:18,390 --> 00:34:19,975 to your patently transparent explanations, 549 00:34:20,058 --> 00:34:23,604 I went out in search of alternative companionship, 550 00:34:23,687 --> 00:34:28,066 which, I am happy to report, I found. 551 00:34:28,150 --> 00:34:33,155 Well, terrific. Was it a cash transaction? 552 00:34:33,238 --> 00:34:36,158 Of course, darling. As my wife, 553 00:34:36,241 --> 00:34:40,954 you're the one entitled to subtler forms of compensation for services rendered. 554 00:34:42,247 --> 00:34:44,082 Oh, yes. 555 00:34:44,792 --> 00:34:46,251 There's a little of the farm girl 556 00:34:46,335 --> 00:34:48,796 still hiding under all that glitz. 557 00:34:49,379 --> 00:34:50,964 [phone rings] 558 00:34:51,048 --> 00:34:52,257 You'd better answer that, darling. 559 00:34:52,341 --> 00:34:53,592 I’m sure it's personal for you. 560 00:34:55,344 --> 00:34:58,472 I’d get it myself, but I've really come to hate those abrupt hang ups. 561 00:34:59,181 --> 00:35:00,474 Whoever he is, 562 00:35:00,557 --> 00:35:02,518 he isn't very imaginative. 563 00:35:04,478 --> 00:35:06,396 [ringing continues] 564 00:35:09,525 --> 00:35:10,526 Hello. 565 00:35:11,735 --> 00:35:14,488 What? W... What channel? 566 00:35:14,571 --> 00:35:15,906 All right. Thanks, Carol. 567 00:35:19,326 --> 00:35:21,161 While in this peaceful little coastal village 568 00:35:21,245 --> 00:35:23,080 of Cabot Cove, Maine, 569 00:35:23,163 --> 00:35:25,457 the citizens have been visited by murder most foul. 570 00:35:25,582 --> 00:35:27,459 But never fear. 571 00:35:27,543 --> 00:35:29,294 Two of fiction's most intrepid sleuths 572 00:35:29,419 --> 00:35:31,171 just happen to be on the scene. 573 00:35:31,255 --> 00:35:34,883 Can a solution to this knotty puzzle be far behind... 574 00:35:34,967 --> 00:35:36,802 when Jessica Fletcher and Eudora McVeigh sink their teeth... 575 00:35:36,885 --> 00:35:39,930 -Oh, no. -What's the matter? 576 00:35:40,013 --> 00:35:41,348 I can't believe she went there. 577 00:35:41,431 --> 00:35:44,142 Victor, I'm sorry. I have to leave. 578 00:35:44,226 --> 00:35:47,396 -And we have to talk. -Not now, Victor. 579 00:35:47,479 --> 00:35:48,689 Liza. 580 00:35:49,398 --> 00:35:52,568 [door opens, closes] And, Oh, Yes. That's right. As of the moment, 581 00:35:52,651 --> 00:35:54,361 Cabot Cove's newest corpse is a John Doe, 582 00:35:54,945 --> 00:35:57,364 a stranger with no identification. 583 00:35:57,447 --> 00:35:58,866 Though we understand he is reported to be 584 00:35:58,949 --> 00:36:00,576 a six-foot tall, balding New-Yorker 585 00:36:00,659 --> 00:36:05,372 in his 40's, who probably wore thick glasses and carried a gun. 586 00:36:05,455 --> 00:36:06,790 When asked how the case was going, 587 00:36:06,874 --> 00:36:08,917 Sheriff Metzger said he had no comment, 588 00:36:09,001 --> 00:36:10,586 or words to that effect. 589 00:36:25,976 --> 00:36:27,728 Eudora, you're not leaving. 590 00:36:27,811 --> 00:36:29,605 A good guest never overstays her welcome. 591 00:36:29,688 --> 00:36:31,648 -Oh, nonsense. -Jessica, 592 00:36:31,732 --> 00:36:35,569 -I do hope you're not put out with me. -About what? 593 00:36:36,361 --> 00:36:37,946 Why, helping your sheriff, of course. 594 00:36:38,530 --> 00:36:41,491 I realize this is your town and I'm just an outsider. 595 00:36:41,700 --> 00:36:42,868 Oh, don't be ridiculous. 596 00:36:42,951 --> 00:36:44,328 We're not competing with each other. 597 00:36:45,495 --> 00:36:47,372 [chuckles] No. Of course not. 598 00:36:47,831 --> 00:36:49,750 Well, I must be off. 599 00:36:54,171 --> 00:36:57,925 Frankly, Eudora, I wasn't expecting you to run off quite so quickly, 600 00:36:58,008 --> 00:37:01,845 and I was hoping I'd be able to ask you a couple questions about, uh... 601 00:37:01,929 --> 00:37:06,058 About last night, and, uh, also about your car, for instance. 602 00:37:06,141 --> 00:37:08,477 Jessica, I would love to stay and chat, 603 00:37:08,685 --> 00:37:11,229 but I simply must get over to your local newspaper office. 604 00:37:11,813 --> 00:37:14,149 Oh? My publicist has arranged for me... 605 00:37:14,232 --> 00:37:16,777 to meet some reporters from the Boston papers. 606 00:37:17,152 --> 00:37:18,737 They're very interested in my, uh, 607 00:37:18,820 --> 00:37:22,407 well, quasi-official participation in this murder investigation. 608 00:37:22,741 --> 00:37:24,743 You understand? 609 00:37:24,826 --> 00:37:27,746 Oh, yes. Of course. Well, let me help you with your things. 610 00:37:28,080 --> 00:37:31,249 No. I can manage, thank you. 611 00:37:31,333 --> 00:37:33,543 Well, let me get the door. 612 00:37:42,177 --> 00:37:43,845 You've been lovely, Jessica. 613 00:37:43,929 --> 00:37:46,598 I do hope we see more of each other in the future. 614 00:37:46,682 --> 00:37:49,643 And we may, perhaps sooner than you think. 615 00:37:49,726 --> 00:37:52,229 Eudora, I do really think that we should talk about 616 00:37:52,312 --> 00:37:55,315 what you have in your attaché case. 617 00:37:55,399 --> 00:37:58,443 Why? Just some silly story notes, that's all. 618 00:38:01,154 --> 00:38:03,490 -Ladies. -Good afternoon, Sheriff. 619 00:38:04,116 --> 00:38:04,950 Mrs. Fletcher. 620 00:38:05,909 --> 00:38:08,203 Uh, you're planning on leaving, Mrs. McVeigh? 621 00:38:08,704 --> 00:38:11,081 Oh, I’m sorry. That's actually Mrs. Shipton, isn't it? 622 00:38:11,498 --> 00:38:13,083 Either one will do, Sheriff. 623 00:38:13,166 --> 00:38:17,504 I plan to stay a day or two at The Hill House until I, uh... 624 00:38:17,587 --> 00:38:20,048 [chuckles] that is, we get to the bottom of this murder. 625 00:38:20,132 --> 00:38:24,094 Well, say, that's real nice of you, ma'am. Sure is. 626 00:38:24,511 --> 00:38:27,889 Sheriff, do I get the feeling that you've discovered something? 627 00:38:27,973 --> 00:38:31,143 Yes, ma'am. We sure have. We've identified that John Doe. 628 00:38:31,935 --> 00:38:33,103 The body was moved. 629 00:38:33,562 --> 00:38:35,397 A couple of hikers found the guy's car: 630 00:38:35,480 --> 00:38:37,774 pushed down off a bluff, a few miles from the coast. 631 00:38:37,858 --> 00:38:39,818 Just as I suspected. 632 00:38:39,901 --> 00:38:42,779 -And what about the gun? -missing, along with the shoulder holster. 633 00:38:42,863 --> 00:38:44,364 But he wore one, all right. 634 00:38:44,448 --> 00:38:46,033 We found the permit in the guy's wallet, 635 00:38:46,116 --> 00:38:49,411 -it had been tossed into the underbrush. -A permit? 636 00:38:49,494 --> 00:38:51,747 The victim was a New York private investigator, 637 00:38:51,830 --> 00:38:53,665 name of Cappaletti. 638 00:38:53,749 --> 00:38:57,044 P.I., criminal... Almost the same thing. 639 00:38:57,127 --> 00:38:59,046 But here's the funny thing. 640 00:38:59,129 --> 00:39:01,381 Know what else we found in that wallet, Mrs. Shipton? 641 00:39:01,465 --> 00:39:03,425 A piece of paper with your name and address on it, 642 00:39:03,508 --> 00:39:07,596 and your phone number. Strange, huh? 643 00:39:07,679 --> 00:39:09,222 All of a sudden it's gettin' real clear to me... 644 00:39:09,306 --> 00:39:12,059 how come you knew so much about this stiff. 645 00:39:12,142 --> 00:39:13,894 Lady, you've got some explaining to do. 646 00:39:22,360 --> 00:39:25,489 Sheriff Metzger, no doubt there are rigid qualifications... 647 00:39:25,572 --> 00:39:28,366 for your position here in Cabot Cove, 648 00:39:28,492 --> 00:39:31,244 but obviously intelligence isn't one of them. 649 00:39:31,870 --> 00:39:36,083 Now look, lady, you can insult me from now until next Groundhog's Day, 650 00:39:36,166 --> 00:39:37,918 but I'm not buyin' your story. 651 00:39:38,001 --> 00:39:40,462 Like you just happened to know the guy was from New York, 652 00:39:40,879 --> 00:39:43,006 and you just happened to know he carried a gun. 653 00:39:44,758 --> 00:39:47,177 -How long had he been working for you? -He hadn't. 654 00:39:47,344 --> 00:39:49,429 Yeah? Well, we'll see. Floyd. 655 00:39:49,513 --> 00:39:51,389 Try Cappaletti's office number again in New York. 656 00:39:51,473 --> 00:39:53,266 You know, Sheriff, Mrs. McVeigh 657 00:39:53,350 --> 00:39:56,603 didn't spot any clues that weren't fairly obvious. 658 00:39:56,686 --> 00:39:58,230 Well, thank you, Jessica. 659 00:39:58,313 --> 00:40:00,690 How sweet of you to make that observation. 660 00:40:01,983 --> 00:40:04,152 And as for the victim working for her, 661 00:40:04,277 --> 00:40:06,238 I mean, have you considered the possibility 662 00:40:06,321 --> 00:40:08,740 that he might've had her under surveillance, 663 00:40:08,824 --> 00:40:12,369 that he might've followed her here to Cabot Cove? 664 00:40:12,452 --> 00:40:14,371 You mean he could've been working for somebody else? 665 00:40:14,913 --> 00:40:17,374 -Eudora? -Well, don't be silly. 666 00:40:17,457 --> 00:40:19,376 Why would anyone be following me? 667 00:40:19,459 --> 00:40:21,628 Sheriff, there's still no answer at that New York number. 668 00:40:22,129 --> 00:40:24,464 [Eudora] Sheriff, you're wasting my time and yours. 669 00:40:24,840 --> 00:40:27,843 Even if I knew this detective, which I didn't, 670 00:40:27,926 --> 00:40:30,679 there's no way I could be involved with his death 671 00:40:30,804 --> 00:40:32,222 because I was staying with Jessica, 672 00:40:32,347 --> 00:40:35,267 asleep in her house, at the time he died. 673 00:40:35,350 --> 00:40:37,853 -So if you'll excuse me. -Now wait a minute, lady! 674 00:40:37,936 --> 00:40:40,105 Unless you plan to place me under arrest, 675 00:40:40,647 --> 00:40:42,149 in which case I shall summon a battery 676 00:40:42,232 --> 00:40:45,110 of very high-priced lawyers, from New York, 677 00:40:45,360 --> 00:40:49,364 who will be delighted to bury you in enough writs to start a big bonfire... 678 00:40:53,451 --> 00:40:55,036 Ah. Good. 679 00:40:55,495 --> 00:40:57,956 If you need me, I'll be at the newspaper office. 680 00:40:58,623 --> 00:41:01,251 Whether you like it or not, I’ll solve this murder for you. 681 00:41:01,334 --> 00:41:04,296 No, no, no, no. No need to thank me. 682 00:41:04,629 --> 00:41:08,675 Just think of me as a concerned citizen performing her civic duty. 683 00:41:15,974 --> 00:41:17,267 Excuse me. 684 00:41:19,728 --> 00:41:21,438 [phone rings] 685 00:41:22,147 --> 00:41:24,858 Sheriff's office. Sheriff, it's your wife. 686 00:41:25,483 --> 00:41:27,819 Tell her, uh... Tell her, uh... 687 00:41:31,072 --> 00:41:34,367 Hi, honey. Listen. I'm gonna be a little late for supper tonight. 688 00:41:34,451 --> 00:41:36,953 I’m sorry, Eudora. I’m not mistaken. 689 00:41:37,037 --> 00:41:38,788 Your car was moved during the night, 690 00:41:38,872 --> 00:41:41,082 and I'm fairly certain that you moved it. 691 00:41:41,166 --> 00:41:43,418 Oh, you're imagining things. 692 00:41:43,501 --> 00:41:46,546 I certainly didn't imagine the dreadful headache I had this morning. 693 00:41:46,630 --> 00:41:48,506 Last night you put a sedative in my coffee 694 00:41:48,590 --> 00:41:50,258 so that I would sleep very soundly. 695 00:41:50,342 --> 00:41:53,178 -That's a monstrous suggestion. -Eudora, 696 00:41:53,261 --> 00:41:57,349 earlier today, I had to look at some notes for my new novel. 697 00:41:57,432 --> 00:41:59,768 Now, some of the pages were out of order. 698 00:42:00,060 --> 00:42:04,356 Oh, I see. Now you're accusing me of stealing from you. 699 00:42:04,439 --> 00:42:08,693 I’m sorry, Jessica. I won't dignify that with a response. Excuse me. 700 00:42:08,777 --> 00:42:12,614 Perhaps I'd better let the sheriff inspect your attaché case. 701 00:42:12,781 --> 00:42:15,575 For a supposedly intelligent woman, Jessica, 702 00:42:15,659 --> 00:42:18,787 you are woefully ignorant of our privacy laws, 703 00:42:18,870 --> 00:42:22,832 which I'm sure even extend to this outpost of civilization. 704 00:42:23,041 --> 00:42:25,085 [engine starts] 705 00:42:25,168 --> 00:42:26,628 [tires squeal] 706 00:42:28,672 --> 00:42:30,423 There is one tough cookie. 707 00:42:32,300 --> 00:42:34,970 And one very unhappy lady. 708 00:42:35,053 --> 00:42:37,013 Yeah, well, you vote your way, I’ll vote mine. 709 00:42:37,722 --> 00:42:40,892 Well, you seem to be making good progress on your investigation. 710 00:42:40,976 --> 00:42:44,479 You've identified the victim and pinpointed the murder site. 711 00:42:44,980 --> 00:42:46,606 Well, I'm not sure I'd make book on that. 712 00:42:46,690 --> 00:42:50,735 Some of the pieces of the puzzle don't fit real good. 713 00:42:50,819 --> 00:42:54,781 For example, the backseat of the guy's car was covered with bloodstains, 714 00:42:54,864 --> 00:42:57,409 and the steering wheel had been wiped clean of prints. 715 00:42:57,492 --> 00:43:01,496 Oh, dear. That sounds as if he was killed at point "A," 716 00:43:01,579 --> 00:43:02,831 his body put in the back of the car 717 00:43:02,914 --> 00:43:04,958 and then dumped by the ocean, 718 00:43:05,041 --> 00:43:08,253 and then the car driven into the woods by the killer and abandoned. 719 00:43:08,336 --> 00:43:10,213 Yeah. That's the way I read it. But why? 720 00:43:10,297 --> 00:43:12,841 Well, obviously to cover up where he was killed. 721 00:43:12,924 --> 00:43:14,926 Sheriff, that wallet in the bush, 722 00:43:15,010 --> 00:43:16,594 did it it have any cash in it? 723 00:43:16,678 --> 00:43:19,639 Cleaned out. Why? What do you think? Robbery? 724 00:43:19,723 --> 00:43:23,476 Well, to be truthful, I just don't know what to think. 725 00:43:23,560 --> 00:43:25,729 Except that I do have some shopping to do. 726 00:43:25,812 --> 00:43:27,230 Can I give you a lift? 727 00:43:27,314 --> 00:43:29,399 Oh, no, thanks. No. The walk'll do me good. 728 00:43:29,482 --> 00:43:31,234 Okay. 729 00:43:43,830 --> 00:43:44,831 Uh, hello, Hank. 730 00:43:45,498 --> 00:43:46,458 Liza. 731 00:43:47,167 --> 00:43:48,585 Is Eudora here? 732 00:43:49,461 --> 00:43:50,462 Uh, no. 733 00:43:50,545 --> 00:43:51,880 Good. 734 00:44:00,430 --> 00:44:01,806 Are you crazy, following me here? 735 00:44:01,931 --> 00:44:04,392 Oh, I didn't follow you here, Hank. 736 00:44:04,476 --> 00:44:06,895 I saw Eudora on the the news, here in Cabot Cove. 737 00:44:06,978 --> 00:44:11,191 -I... I was terrified that she'd... -Do something insane? 738 00:44:11,733 --> 00:44:13,068 No, I can't believe that. 739 00:44:13,777 --> 00:44:17,614 -Well, then what are you doing here? -The same thing I am. 740 00:44:17,947 --> 00:44:21,409 Hank. You know what she's been like lately. She's ready to snap. 741 00:44:21,493 --> 00:44:22,869 And we're not helping her, are we? 742 00:44:23,620 --> 00:44:27,665 [sighs] Look, I... I feel guilty enough already, 743 00:44:28,583 --> 00:44:30,752 but damn it, we're not the only ones responsible. 744 00:44:34,255 --> 00:44:38,093 I am not going to apologize for what happened between us, Hank. 745 00:44:38,551 --> 00:44:41,262 Maybe we're on a dead-end road. I... I don't know. 746 00:44:42,263 --> 00:44:45,850 But I just think we have to hang onto each other for as long as we can. 747 00:44:46,935 --> 00:44:48,395 And Eudora? 748 00:44:49,145 --> 00:44:52,023 Eudora needs professional help. We both know that. 749 00:44:54,359 --> 00:44:55,568 What am I supposed to do? 750 00:44:55,652 --> 00:44:56,945 She won't admit she has a problem. 751 00:44:57,028 --> 00:44:58,613 She won't see a doctor. 752 00:44:59,489 --> 00:45:02,117 Then one of us has to speak to J.B. Fletcher. 753 00:45:03,034 --> 00:45:04,035 And do what? Warn her? 754 00:45:06,079 --> 00:45:08,665 That's what Bobby said. He think's Eudora's capable of anything, 755 00:45:08,748 --> 00:45:11,209 that she's starting to mix fantasy with reality. 756 00:45:11,668 --> 00:45:13,503 Oh, he might be right, Hank. 757 00:45:13,586 --> 00:45:16,714 It is possible that Eudora has spent so much time writing about murder 758 00:45:16,840 --> 00:45:19,426 she actually thinks it's a solution to her problems. 759 00:45:22,929 --> 00:45:28,101 Let me see if I can get Jessica to meet with me, away from Eudora. 760 00:45:31,563 --> 00:45:33,064 [ringing] 761 00:45:43,491 --> 00:45:46,786 [ringing continues] 762 00:45:46,870 --> 00:45:47,996 Jess? 763 00:45:51,583 --> 00:45:53,334 Jess? [ringing continues] 764 00:45:54,919 --> 00:45:56,254 Hello? [dial tone] 765 00:46:06,264 --> 00:46:07,474 [coughs] 766 00:46:08,725 --> 00:46:10,810 [hums] 767 00:46:18,776 --> 00:46:21,404 [hums] 768 00:46:27,952 --> 00:46:30,705 [hums] 769 00:46:54,062 --> 00:46:56,814 Mmm. 770 00:46:58,316 --> 00:47:00,193 [gasps] 771 00:47:03,446 --> 00:47:06,449 [coughs] 772 00:47:37,313 --> 00:47:40,233 Seth! Are you here? 773 00:47:41,150 --> 00:47:43,069 Oh, my God. Seth!