Episode 75: You Shouldn't Have Done That, Mrs. Fletcher (aka the Eileen Brennan Hour)

TONIGHT ON MURDER, SHE WROTE, Petra and Viktor acknowledge that OLD HABITS DIE HARD, particularly when it comes to convent humor. Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) and her college bud Claire (Jane Powell) are a Sister Act as they determine the identity of the unholy murderer behind the death of popular nun Sister Emily (Evelyn Keyes). When she is found in her room, pill bottle emptied, Jessica isn't sure it's suicide like the diocese insists; in fact, it's any number of possibilities. The novice Sarah (Sherri Stoner) may still be devoted to her former lover, Mike (Mark Kaylyn) despite her impending vows; meanwhile former wild child ex-con Nancy Bates (Cindy Fisher) is back in town with a possible chip upon her shoulder; and of course the mayor (Ed Nelson) seems to be hiding some sort of secret that a private investigator (Clu Gulager) may be after. There's also the doctor (Scott Paulin), who no one seems to know. Naturally, our center figure is the brilliant Eileen Brennan—as Marian Simpson—between genius performances in PRIVATE BENJAMIN, CLUE, and WILL AND GRACE. Her appearance is of special note, elevating this already significantly spooky locked-room mystery to even higher echelons, with glorious scenes, sparkling monologues, and exceptional facial expressions to watch for. This is a high-marked outing in Season 4 with special appearances from Robert Prosky and a bunch of white women dressed as nuns; we encourage you to genuflect and pause in advance: your faith may be rattled. Get your water pitcher if you feel it may be extra hard to swallow.