Cozy Guide to Angela Lansbury and Murder, She Wrote

 

It’s been so long since I’ve posted here, you knew it had to be something big: today, Dame Angela Brigid Lansbury, star of Murder, She Wrote and countless other productions on the stage and screen, has died. Even though she lived a long and exciting life, it was still a shock to learn she had passed away in her sleep at the age of 96 (coincidentally, the same age as Queen Elizabeth, who also recently died).

I’m feeling sad and a little empty today, so I’m doing the thing I usually do when I’m down–surrounding myself with all things Murder, She Wrote. I thought some of you might need the same thing, so I decided to compile all my favorite Angela and MSW blogs, podcasts, videos, and more. I hope you enjoy them, and if I’ve forgotten something you love, feel free to post it below!

Murder, She Wrote Podcasts

I’ve tried out dozens of Murder, She Wrote podcasts. They used to be hard to come by, but there’s been an explosion in the past couple of years! My top pick is Cabot Cove Confidential. Hosted by married couple Damien and Jennie, the show is lighthearted and can go on some hilarious tangents on, say, why Daniel is the real villain of The Karate Kid, but it’s rooted in a very clear love and respect for the show, Angela Lansbury, and each other! Honestly, it’s just a good hang (and the episode artwork Damien creates is top notch, see right). After a hiatus of several months, they’re back recapping on a bi-weekly basis and are currently in Season 6.

My other go-to MSW podcast is The Fletcher Files, hosted by Monty, who is not only hilarious, but who hosts it completely on her own! This weekly podcast is currently at the end of Season 4.

Murder, She Wrote Blogs

My entree into Murder, She Wrote blogs was Murder, She Blogged, featuring in-depth recaps, hilarious captions scrawled over the best screen caps of the show, and an unrelenting hatred of Grady, Jessica’s hapless nephew. This blog concluded a few years ago, so you can read about every episode!

My other favorite (albeit short-lived) MSW blog is Exploring Jessica Fletcher’s Closet, which was an in-depth look at the fashion of Jessica Fletcher and got as far as Season 1, Episode 11 (in which Jessica Fletcher served as a Congresswoman! This blog’s claim to fame is it popularized Jessica’s fish cardigan and inspired Mary Maxim to release the original knitting pattern! Thanks to this blog, you can get your own fish sweater on Etsy.

Watch Murder, She Wrote

All 12 seasons of Murder, She Wrote are currently available on Peacock–unfortunately, it’s not on the free version any longer, but it is very convenient, and Peacock has a ton of great shows and movies.

You can also find the first five seasons (and all four movies) of Murder, She Wrote on Amazon Prime Video’s Freevee!

If you’re not comfortable with streaming, there are a few more options! COZI TV plays Murder, She Wrote six days a week, and Hallmark Mysteries & Movies plays a block of episodes every day (except when they’re playing back-to-back Christmas movies around the holiday season and in July.

Finally, you can always invest in tangible media and purchase the entire Murder, She Wrote series on Amazon.

Angela Lansbury Interviews

These are especially precious right now. Angela was always a bright, witty and energetic interviewee, and her life story and her approach to her work was always interesting.

ETA: I learned today that Angela Lansbury did a “final” interview in 2010 with The New York Times with the understanding that the interview would be published only after her death. I’ve included it below. Excuse me, I have something in my eye . . .

Angela Lansbury’s Positive Moves

Listen, you can make fun of Angela Lansbury’s ode to health and beauty, Positive Moves, all you want–but it’s legit! Not only is the low-impact mobility workout very soothing, but Angela’s balanced view of physical fitness and self love (and, er, self love) is like getting a pep talk from your loving and with-it grandmother.

Murder, She Wrote YouTube Channels

YouTube’s PushingUpRoses lovingly skewers a lot of pop culture icons, but her coverage of Murder, She Wrote is especially good.

Murder, She Wrote-Related Books

Of course there is the ongoing Murder, She Wrote mystery series, “written” by JB Fletcher with the help of other writers. The books are light and entertaining, but I find the tone and quality vary.

I’m far more interested in Peter S. Fischer’s Me and Murder, She Wrote, a behind-the-scenes account of Fischer’s writing career, which spanned from writing TV movies of the week to episodes of Columbo, and then to creating and helming Murder, She Wrote for six seasons. It’s a fascinating peek into network TV from the ’80s.

Another fave is Balancing Act: The Authorized Biography of Angela Lansbury, an in-depth look at the life and career of Dame Angela.

Whew! Are you still with me? Still hungry for more Angela Lansbury? I have a couple other gems to share.

Angela Lansbury Noir

After debuting in Gaslight at 18 (and earning an Oscar nomination) and playing significant roles in National Velvet and The Picture of Dorian Grey, Angela languished in character-actress limbo before revitalizing her career on Broadway, often playing older than her actual age–and villains! Two of these minor (but terribly entertaining) films noir are available on YouTube.

That’s what I have for you today, dear fans of Angela Lansbury and Murder, She Wrote. I hope you’re doing what I’m doing right now, hunkering down in a cozy sweater with a cup of tea, watching your favorite episode of MSW and reflecting on the hours of comfort and entertainment Angela Lansbury has left for us–as well as the community that has grown and thrived.

Happy Tuesday! International Women’s Day

It’s International Women’s Day! Image from International Women’s Day!

Happy Tuesday everyone! I was unable to blog yesterday because Sarah has been 1) sick and 2) teething, and the combination left her inconsolable unless I was physically holding her. Sigh. I invited a friend over for lunch and she ended up making the sandwiches. But hey! Sarah might have eight whole teeth by the time she turns 18 months (she’s been a real slow teether).

On to links!

International Women’s Day

It’s International Women’s Day, a day celebrating the achievements of women and calling for increased gender equality and an end to discrimination and violence towards women. As a woman and a mother, I approve.

Check out UN Women’s interactive timeline about notable women in history–it’s really interesting, and visually stimulating for kids, too.

Speaking of notable women, Kelly Sue DeConnick is a fantastic comic book writer (Bitch Planet, Ms. Marvel), force of nature, and inspirational kick-ass woman. She used her fame and social media prowess for good yesterday, retweeting the names and portfolio links of hundreds of female comic book creators yesterday using the #VisibleWomen hashtag. Go check ’em out!

Another woman I love is Jennifer L. Scott, author of the Madame Chic books. She posts weekly video blogs over at the Daily Connoisseur, and just posted one that especially speaks to me about dealing with exhaustion. Plus she gave my latest 10-item wardrobe post a shout out, and I want to return the favor!

Of course, my favorite fictional woman is Jessica Fletcher of Murder, She Wrote. One day I will write in length why, but in the meantime, Bitch Media’s Jessica Fletcher of “Murder, She Wrote” Is My Anti-Ageism Heroine is well worth the read!

Cooking

As part of this month’s meal planning, I brought out my Mom’s 1970s copy of Make-A-Mix-Cookery. It’s all about creating your own mixes–for baking, casseroles, soups, etc.–to save time and money. And I’m all about creating my own entertainment by trying out retro recipes. So far I’ve made two of the mixes, so keep an eye out for reviews!

Speaking of Kelly Sue, she posted this recipe for a Buckeye Bundt Cake and I want. To. Make. It. And I will.

Okay, I’ve got to give Sarah a bath now (I will spare you the details why). Post your favorite women below!

Six Christmas TV Episodes to Watch on Netflix

Hey folks! Merry Christmas, and sorry my blogging has been so sporadic (^TM Clueless). I totally underestimated how difficult it would be to blog about Christmas while getting ready for Christmas. Live and learn. But I’ll be sharing some posts later this year that I’ll reshare early next year! Ha.

You know I love Christmas–and Christmas movies! But I tend to watch the same ones every year. So I decided to do a little digging and find some Christmas TV episodes that you can stream on Netflix right now. Get yourself some sparkling fresh Christmas cheer, in less time to boot!

Andy, Opie, and Aunt Bea bring Christmas to the pokey. Photo from BasementRejects.com.

The Andy Griffith Show Season 1, Episode 11, “Christmas Story”: This is old-fashioned sweetness done right. Resident “Scrooge” Ben Weaver insists Andy arrest an amateur moonshiner on Christmas Eve–separating him from his family, and marooning Barney at the jail for the holiday. When Andy “arrests” the man’s family and brings Christmas to them, will ol’ Ben realize the true meaning of Christmas? Three guesses, and the first two don’t count.

Michael’s weird man-crush on Ryan . . . so icky. Photo from CrushtheBlog.com.

The Office Season 2, Episode 10, “Christmas Party”: This is the episode when I fully fell in love with Jim and Pam. Michael throws an office Christmas party that is both cringingly inappropriate and rage-inducing, and then tries to fix it with unsanctioned booze. Meanwhile, Jim tries to rescue the sweet, personal present he made for Pam (with a note confessing his feelings) when the gift exchange abruptly becomes a Yankee Swap (note: I hate Yankee Swaps, they stress me out). This is a classic episode that perfectly captures the best elements of this show.

“Jessica. We need to talk about that sweater.” Photo from Cabot Cove Gazette.

Murder, She Wrote Season 9, Episode 9, “A Christmas Secret”: I looooove Murder, She Wrote so much–and this is a great Christmas episode in that it takes place in Cabot Cove, it includes plenty of Seth, and–wonder of wonders–it does not have a murder (just an attempted one). But still: it’s weird. Seth spends the episode whining about the time he didn’t get a toy train for Christmas, spoiling his enjoyment of the holiday for the next 60 years (wha??). And the secret? A new resident–who just got engaged and is working for his fiancee’s family business–is hiding the fact that he has a child from a previous relationship. Like, he moves, gets engaged, accepts a job, and foists his daughter on his sister because he’s afraid his fiancee (who is named Elizabeth Forsythe–practically my maiden name!!!!!!) will have issues with being a stepmother? Worst dad ever, AND worst fiance ever. Still a fun episode.

This episode is probably extra affecting if you have a baby. Sob!

Ally McBeal Season 3, Episode 8, “Blue Christmas”: This is when Ally McBeal was starting to get insufferable, but still had a lot of charm. Elaine finds a baby in a nativity scene and wants to adopt, but has to contend with a lot of flack about her–gasp–promiscuous, unconventional lifestyle. Surprisingly sweet, mostly thanks to an amazing performance by Jane Krakowski. WARNING: I got major secondhand embarrassment when Ally sings a “sexy” version of “Santa Baby.” And Billy bleached his head. ACK.

THIS PICTURE. Tears. Photo from PopOptiq.com.

The Twilight Zone Season 2, Episode 11, “The Night of the Meek”: Here’s your ugly cry for the holiday. I usually watch The Twilight Zone with a feeling of impending dread–okay, when will this poor schmuck realize he’s trapped in a hell of his own making? But this one is different. After a drunk is fired from his job as “Santa,” he finds a mysterious bag that gives everyone exactly what they want for Christmas. I won’t say anymore–just watch it.

I ain’t gonna lie. I kind of want this dress. Photo from Disney.

Jessie Season 3, Episode 7: “Good Luck Jessie: New York City Christmas”: Listen, I have a 10-year-old son. I’ve watched a lot of bad tween TV, and Jessie is actually better than most–the dialogue is sharp, and Debby Ryan (nanny Jessie) and Kevin Chamberlin (butler Bertram) give it their all. This G-rated homage to The Hangover is energetic and fast-paced–and ends with a musical number. Of course.

I’m sure there are dozens and dozens of awesome Christmas TV episodes I’ve missed–what are your favorites?