Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle

I was not a fan of the "Murder, She Wrote" TV series, but that was because I didn't know what I was missing, and I have enjoyed all the TV movies based on the series since it went off the air.

In Ireland, a group of people watches a video will. Jessica Fletcher is one of those witnessing the now-deceased man explaining how he wants his estate divided, because she made a difference in the man's life many years earlier. Certain members of the man's family do not get all that they feel entitled to, while some servants receive more than they probably should have. Jessica gets the Rose Cottage, though she doesn't really want it. That is just as well, because the man's will is challenged by certain members of the family. In addition, there is a mysterious treasure, and each person named in the will is given a sheet of paper with clues to finding the treasure.

While Jessica intends to return home quickly, she cannot leave after she witnesses a murder (or perhaps the aftermath of one). And someone warns her that she and others should watch out, because certain people cannot be trusted. In fact, Jessica is subjected to danger several times during the movie, but do you think the producers will let anything happen to the star? An additional complication: it appears someone has been embezzling from the family business.

Angela Lansbury makes Jessica charming, perceptive, intelligent, and quite likeable, as she has for years. No one else's performance really stands out, except for a storyteller who resembles a leprechaun. I was led to believe we were going to be sent in several different directions, but at no time did I ever feel I knew who the murderer might be (so I never was given false hope) until Jessica revealed his or her identity at the end. The process of seeing the mystery solved was quite enjoyable, though, as usual.

Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle (2003) is a television film penned by Rosemary Anne Sisson, a name I recognized from her work on the Indiana Jones series. While it's an adaptation of a novel with the same title, I must confess I haven't read the book, nor was I familiar with the author until now. The late Angela Lansbury, who sadly passed away two years ago, holds a special place in my heart as a beloved figure in theater, musicals, television, and film. I fondly remember watching her in musicals as a child, Agatha Christie adaptations, and of course, the beloved "Murder, She Wrote" series that captivated audiences across Turkiye.

This TV film serves as a fitting tribute to Lansbury's legacy, allowing us to revisit her iconic portrayal of Jessica Fletcher, the mystery writer turned amateur sleuth. In "The Celtic Riddle," Fletcher travels to Ireland to visit her cousin, only to find herself embroiled in a murder investigation. As always, she uses her sharp wit and keen observation skills to unravel the truth, proving that age is no barrier to solving crimes.

The film's Irish setting provides a picturesque backdrop for the mystery, with rolling hills, quaint villages, and ancient ruins adding to the atmosphere. The supporting cast, featuring Irish actors like Patrick Bergin and Colin Stinton, lends authenticity to the film's portrayal of Irish culture and traditions.

While "The Celtic Riddle" may not be the most groundbreaking or suspenseful entry in the "Murder, She Wrote" franchise, it's a charming and entertaining film that showcases Lansbury's enduring talent and charisma. Her portrayal of Jessica Fletcher is as sharp and witty as ever, and her interactions with the other characters are filled with warmth and humor.

The film's plot, while somewhat predictable, is still engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep viewers guessing until the very end. The mystery itself is well-crafted, with clues cleverly hidden throughout the narrative. And the film's resolution is satisfying, offering a sense of closure while leaving the door open for future adventures.

In conclusion, "Murder, She Wrote: The Celtic Riddle" is a delightful and nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of the series. It's a testament to Angela Lansbury's enduring talent and charisma, and a reminder of why Jessica Fletcher remains one of television's most beloved characters.

After MURDER SHE WROTE - The Series, Finished in 1996 after 12 Years and nearly 300 Episodes, Angela Lansbury returned in 4 Murder She Wrote TVMs, with THE CELTIC RIDDLE being the last.

This time around Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) is solving another mystery - this time in the picturesque surroundings of Ireland, Where she has been invited to attend an old acquaintance's recorded last Will & Testament, Where each family member (who are really unlikeable and don't get on at all) along with Jessica are given clues, which supposedly are used to uncover a secret treasure, and as this is Murder She Wrote, a dead body falls at JB's feet within a matter of minutes so Jessica as always investigates.

Not bad, But I can't help but feel that this is a 60 Minute TV episode stretched out to feature length with a lot of padding along with some very shaky Irish accents but nevertheless it's enjoyable enough with another great performance from Lansbury.

*** out of *****

This TV movie was even better than the Murder She Wrote series itself. I would have thought that Angela Lansbury's acting abilities may have declined with her advanced age, but they seem to have gotten better. The plot as great, and all of the actors fit their roles perfectly.

I love the show and I have really liked all the TV movies. The Celtic Riddle is my least favourite of the TV movies, but it is very enjoyable still. So what were its problems? Some scenes felt a little too padded out and I do have to agree some of the accents are rather shaky. Plus there is some uneven pacing. However, the story is a good one, it intrigues and the ending is suspenseful enough. What delighted me most though was the beautiful scenery and the photography is nice and lush. I also liked the music, it was melodious, beautiful and haunting and the end credits song was a lovely touch. The script is decent, the direction is good and the acting is pretty good- Angela Lansbury is wonderful as always while Fionnula Flannagan is beautiful and fiery. Nobody else stands out really, but they certainly aren't bad. Overall, enjoyable and definitely worth seeing for the scenery and Lansbury. 7/10 Bethany Cox