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.
Season 12, along with Seasons 9 and 11 one of the weaker and more variable ones of 'Murder She Wrote', starts off with one of its better episodes in "Nailed". "Nailed" may not be a great episode but it's a decent one, thanks to a mystery that's both intriguing, with plenty going on to keep one guessing, and entertaining. The entertainment value is also high, and not in an unintentionally camp way thankfully.
Angela Lansbury is terrific as always in one of her most justifiably best remembered roles. John O'Hurley gives the best performance of the guest stars.
Production values are slick and stylish with great use of the setting. 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. The writing is amiable and thought-provoking on the most part, though there are moments of overripe-ness.
"Nailed" would have been a better episode with more consistent writing and if it did a little bit less. The denouement was quite clever but it was not a surprising or ingenious one.
Of the supporting cast, only O'Hurley is inspired or memorable. The younger members in particular don't show much spark.
In conclusion, decent start and one of the season's better episodes. 7/10 Bethany Cox