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.
"Shear Madness" may not be a high point of Season 6 or of 'Murder She Wrote', but it is nonetheless a good episode. It at times does descend a little too much into over-heated melodrama, like in the scene when the past murder is revealed and how it was done and written, and is a little too coincidence-heavy and reliant.
The mystery though does compel and has a lot of atmosphere. The identity of the murderer and the whole denouement (apart from the all too easy way the murderer is revealed, one of the biggest examples of the coincidences) is a surprise, with it pulling the rug from under the viewer after being surprised enough already by what the solution appeared to be at first.
Angela Lansbury cannot be faulted, and she has a strong supporting cast. While Robert Walker Jnr (especially his poignant and harrowing, if slightly melodramatic, acting in the past murder reveal), Barbara Babdock and Dennis Christopher make a positive impression, it's classy Shirley Jones who commands our attention.
Production values are slick and stylish. 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. Apart from the moments of melodrama, the writing is thought-provoking and amiable, treating the subject with respect while not taking it too seriously mostly.
In summation, good episode but not a great one. 7/10 Bethany Cox