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.
There are certainly far worse episodes of 'Murder She Wrote' and of Season 9, as well as much better on both counts, than "Family Secrets". "Family Secrets" is somewhere in the middle as far as 'Murder She Wrote' episodes go, nothing offends and it's far from terrible but it's all a bit bland. The main mystery and the conflicts are very intriguing and hold one's full attention, but the ending somehow felt a bit anaemic considering the promising build-up.
"Family Secrets" supporting acting is a long way from amateurish, not like in the previous episode or some of the acting in later episodes. At the same time, very little stands out as exceptional, the only thing support-acting-wise that stands out in a good way is the quite good performance of Brian McNamara. More of a dubious standout is the awkward acting of the person revealed to be the killer in the denouement. Some of the pacing could have been sharper and for a Cabot Cove episode it was somewhat of a missed opportunity not having more Cabot Cove recurring characters.
However, Angela Lansbury is her usual never less than very good self, while William Windom is charmingly curmudgeon as ever and Ron Masak is an easy presence in the always likable Mort who's never been written as a buffoon or a pushover. Louis Herthum subtly makes the most of little.
As said, the mystery intrigues and the writing is light-hearted and thought-provoking.
Production values are slick and stylish, Cabot Cove is always a welcome sight. 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.
In summary, decent enough if nothing special. 6/10 Bethany Cox