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.
While not a 'Murder She Wrote' classic (none of the Season 12 episodes are, though "Unwilling Witness" and "Nan's Ghost" come very close), "Race to Death" is far from a low-point and is a huge improvement over the mess that was the previous episode "Southern Double Cross" (one of the show's worst). As far as Season 12 goes, while there are better episodes, "Race to Death" is in the better half.
Andy, after finally getting development and centre stage in "Evidence of Malice", is back to the bland underwritten sheriff deputy cliché. Maybe too the episode could have gotten going earlier than it did, a couple of the early scenes are not as interesting as later on. More of a problem was that the denouement didn't work for me.
It did feel rushed (though not as last minute feeling as "Track of a Soldier" by Season 12 standards) and it was a let down to have the murder committed by a character that isn't in the episode an awful lot and is one is that we don't really get to know.
On the other hand, Angela Lansbury cannot be faulted. Neither can charmingly curmudgeonly William Windom and likeable, never bumbling or push-over, Ron Masak. The charm and tension between them is irresistible. Louis Herthum does his best.
The supporting cast generally also impress. Andrea Parker is very forceful and is successful in making one, without being forced to feel that they should, feel for her and her predicament. John Getz is as close to a loathsome slimeball of a victim as Season 12 gets. One mustn't overlook Steve Forrest in another terrific 'Murder She Wrote' performance either, his reconciliation scene with Parker in the jail is one of the standout individual scenes of the season and their chemistry overall is tense and poignant.
Mystery-wise, "Race to Death" is a good one without being a special one. It isn't too simplistic but there's nothing confusing about it either, it surprises enough while being easy to follow still.
Production values are slick and stylish. 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. The writing is fun and thought-provoking, not taking itself seriously. Cabot Cove is always a welcome sight.
In conclusion, good episode. 7/10 Bethany Cox
