Murder, She Wrote (TV Series) Simon Says, Color Me Dead (1987) User Reviews

Painting a Masterpiece for Slash Rate Prices

[WeatherViolet · 8/10 · 16 September 2009]

This episode marks one of the last appearances of Foster Brooks, as well as one of Leonard Frey's last roles. Dick Sargent would work in a dozen additional roles (11 acting, one as self) over the next six years.

An economic caste system divides Cabot Cove, as the "Have-Nots" and affluent "Cove-ers" become all the more polarized in the wake of murder.

Single parent Irene Rutledge (Tess Harper) and only child Tommy Rutledge (Chris Hebert) are ridiculed from the start at the Sheriff's office by the mother of a child who misplaced the bicycle which Tommy returns after discovering it left to the elements outside the park. Sheriff Amos Tupper (Tom Bosley) dismisses the case as a "Lost and Found" deed.

Ex-convict Cash Logan (Steve Inwood) had served his prison time after conviction for a barroom brawl stabbing of the insulter of the lady he loved; she had passed away during his incarceration.

Although his presence frightens Irene, she and Cash labor to try to make ends meet, by taking on odd jobs, she hiring out as a cook and maid, he rummaging to salvage discarded furniture, and collecting pop cans.

And so, to the residence of renowned artist Simon Thane (Foster Brooks) walks Irene, to serve in domestic capacity, while Simon's devoted wife, Eleanor Thane (Diane Baker) travels back and forth to their primary residence.

At a "casual/elegant" dinner party hosted by the Thanes at their Cabot Cove retreat, Irene serves guests the Thanes and four invited guests: Boston attorney George Selby (Dick Sargent), Cove-loving wife Carol Selby (Ann Dusenberry) art appraiser Felix Casslaw (Leonard Frey), and Jessica Fletcher.

Deputy Collins (Phillip Clark, in the second of his two appearances in the role) observes Irene's exiting the Thane premises at 1:09 AM that night, before Doctor Seth Hazlitt (William Windom) arrives early the next morning to cite "between midnight and two AM" as the time of death for a body discovered inside Simon's studio, with his much lauded painting in process missing from its easel, as "Simon Says, Color Me Dead."

An investigate which ensues uncovers a series of secrets among wealthy and impoverished residents alike.

A pretty good case for JB

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 25 October 2017]

Cabot Cove's finest artist is stabbed to death, soon after dining with the locals. Jessica is on the guest list, chief suspect is Irene, who served dinner and cleaned, Irene is a single mum and financially down on her luck.

I really enjoyed this episode, it's a clever story, well crafted and well acted. Lansbury is always great, but she shines in particular here, the scene where she talks about marriage and the loss of Frank is brilliant, allowing her to go deeper with the character then before. The outcome of the killer is a surprise, but we'll crafted, and her method for unmasking is clever. Amos's sudden paternity push is beyond all reality, it's way to over sentimental.

I like the fact that this time the victim is a likable character, it's always the bad guy who gets killed, but on this occasion he's arguably the nicest character of the guests.

All in all it's a strong episode 8/10

Painting murder

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 10 August 2017]

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.

After the disappointing "Death Takes a Dive", "Simon Says, Colour Me Dead" is a step in the right direction for the third season. Although the mystery itself is not a complex one, hardly obvious (you don't figure out correctly who was responsible at least or why, nor does it feel random or last minute) but there have been more shocking final solutions, "Simon Says, Colour Me Dead" is very entertaining and among the better episodes of Season 3.

Its only real weak point was Amos's fatherhood contemplation subplot. That was not necessary or interesting at all really, seemed there for padding reasons and a clumsy way of giving Amos development and it caused little more than groan-inducing unintentional humour.

Production values are slick and stylish as ever with 'Murder She Wrote'. 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.

Writing is thought-provoking, light-hearted and amiable and the episode is engaging from start to finish.

The very good cast add hugely to the appeal. Can't complain about Tom Bosley, William Windom and especially the ever terrific Angela Lansbury, and the guest turns from Foster Brooks, Tess Harper and a frosty Diane Baker in particular are more than up to their level.

In summation, solid episode and much better than the previous one, seeing Season 3 back on track. 8/10 Bethany Cox

I love this show!!

[tania-1 · 10/10 · 6 July 2006]

There has never been a show before or since it's cancellation that can compare to Murder She Wrote. I understand that Jean Stapelton was once offered the role of J.B. Fletcher but Jean turned it down (Murder She Wrote originally aired on CBS along with All In The Family which Jean starred in with Carrol O'Connor). Angela was their second choice. Although I love Jean as well, it's difficult to picture anyone else playing this character!

What I enjoy most about watching reruns of MSW is seeing actors as a then and now scenario. One actor that comes to mind is Jerry Orbach. He appeared on this show a number of times. He went on to portray the legendary Lennie Briscoe on Law & Order. I watched L&O just to see him and catch his wisecracks.

Another actor is Kasi Lemmons. She played a computer analyst who was attacked. Kasi went on to write and direct the, in my opinion, classic film Eve's Bayou.

I often get criticized by my friends and family for watching MSW every time it's on TV at my age (30's). It's a happy day for me when the Biography Channel runs a Murder She Wrote marathon!

Angela Lansbury is an American Treasure!!

Guest starring Dick Sargent

[safenoe · 7/10 · 13 May 2021]

Bewitched alumni Dick Sargent guest stars in this episode of Murder, She Wrote and he doesn't twitch his nose. Anyway, I like Murder, She Wrote and the guest cast of legendary names of yesteryear. I would have loved it if Dick York and Elizabeth Montgomery were pursuaded to join this episode but not to be.

Artistry and lust are underlying themes to this episode that Jessica solves without breaking a sweat.

Back to Cabot Cove for this artistic murder

[cgvsluis · 7/10 · 18 October 2022]

Jessica Fletcher is back home in Cabot Cove where she enjoys a lovely dinner with her artist friend Simon Thane, his wife Elenor Thane and fellow admirers. Unfortunately, he ends up dead before the end of the night. He had been working on a top secret painting that even his wife hasn't seen yet...and the painting ends up missing. Will Jessica find the missing portrait, mystery model and the murderer?

This was a classic Murder, She Wrote and Jessica along with local sheriff Amos Tupper (Tom Bosley) get write to looking for clues, combing the crime scene and going through the potential suspects who include a suspicious part-time house keeper and a nomadic handyman. Amongst all the crime solving is a little boy in want of a dad and a bike.

Not as much star power as some of the other season three episodes but still totally worth seeing!

Apparently there's another famous person from Cabot Cove...or at least there was!

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 8 November 2022]

With a tiny Maine town like Cabot Cove, you'd think that the only world famous person who lives there would be Jessica Fletcher. Well, that would be wrong! Apparently, a famous painter, Simon Thane (Foster Brooks), lives there and the story begins with his throwing a small dinner party for some guests...including Jessica. Not surprisingly, some time after the party broke up, Thane is murdered...and is fond with a knife plunged into his chest!

As usual, the police arrest the wrong person, though with the evidence they have, Sheriff Tupper is surprisingly competent and should have made the arrest. But the woman is a single mother with a boy...and the Sheriff and Jessica take care of the boy while his mother's in jail. And, as you'd expect, Jessica decides to investigate the case.

This is a decent episode. Sure, it has a typical declaration by the REAL killer that they did it based on very little evidence (a weakness of many episodes), but it's involving, interesting and worth seeing. It's also interesting to see Brooks play a non-comedic role...and one where he isn't drunk even once!

A certain groupie appeal

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 10 July 2017]

Cabot Cove has more than one distinguished resident as we continually find out on Murder She Wrote. Foster Brooks is a well known painter who has been working on yet another masterpiece all summer. His celebrity has a certain groupie appeal to the consternation of his wife Diane Baker. After a dinner party where Jessica Fletcher is one of the attendees, Brooks is discovered stabbed to death by Dr. Hazlitt the next day.

Suspicion falls on young widow Tess Harper who is a proud individual raising her son Chris Hebert. She's got one big secret to hide which when discovered by Angela Lansbury and Sheriff Tupper makes her the prime suspect. But you know it won't be in the end.

Keep in mind that groupie appeal, even Jessica Fletcher got this wrong, close but still wrong.

Simon says Colors me dead

[coltras35 · 5/10 · 17 August 2023]

The aftermath of a quiet dinner party with reclusive artist Simon Thane throws suspicions on single mother Irene Rutledge when Simon's wife discovers him dead in his studio and one of Irene's dresses turns up stained with his blood. Jessica believes wholeheartedly that the young woman didn't kill Simon. However, she suspects Irene has been hiding a secret and that such taciturnity could result in a conviction if she cannot find the truth about Irene's mysterious past.

Jessica is on the case again in this okish episode. I found it a little dullish and tedious but it gets more interesting in the second half. I liked the part where Sheriff Amos takes a shine to the boy, even to the point of wanting to adopt him. He's my favourite character - very human and very funny.