Jessica must find the murderer of her close friend whose will is in contention between family members and a popular evangelist.

Season 2, Episode 16: Murder In the Electric Cathedral (February 16, 1986)

Jessica’s old high school teacher, Carrie McKittrick (Mildred Natwick), wants to leave all of her money to Reverend Willie John Fargo (Steve Forrest) and Sister Ruth Fargo (Judy Geeson). Her family flips out, and Jessica gets involved.

Who’s in it, outside of Angela Lansbury?

Dr. Mark Bannon is played by Jack Bannon. His nurse, Sue Beth? That’s Barbi Benton!

Frank Bonner from WKRP In Cincinnat, i Earl Fargo.

Sam McKittrick, the grandson of Carrie, is Art Hindle (!), while her daughter-in-law Alice is Jeannie Wilson from Simon & Simon, and her stepson Harvey is Richard Herd.

DA Fred Whittaker is, of course, Dick Van Patten.

In smaller roles, Tammy Lee is played by Jill Hill, the director is Donald Craig, the driver is Owen Bush, Ethel is Belinda Beatty, Don Brodie plays a neighbor and Huck Liggett, Pat Poole, David Bowman, Bob Lee, Toni Lamond, Paul Bradley, Peter Eastman, Richard Patrick, Leoda Richards and Arthur Tovey are background characters.

What happens?

Right after the fight with the family, Carrie is hospitalized and dies. But Jessica finds a suspicious syringe, and yes, I know I have this theory that Mrs. Fletcher is the killer, but let’s move on.

As good as Carrie was to her — inspiring JB to be an author and teacher — Carrie’s son is horrible, abusing his wife. Then again, his father is just her stepson. It’s not her DNA, nature vs, nurture, all that.

Let’s discuss Willie John, who may start like your typical televangelist but is actually a good person who wants to use the money for good. A genuine surprise.

So if all these people — other than the preacher — want the money, who really would kill for it?

Who did it?

Ruth, the preacher’s wife! She was totally Tammy Faye, loving the lifestyle but sick of being a preacher’s wife. Yes, she was ignoring the sex she wanted to have. The scandal of a divorce would destroy her life, so she tried to blame it on her husband. As for Carrie’s family, they get to spend her money, but only if it goes to charity.

Who made it?

Another episode directed by the best TV movie director of all time, John Llewellyn Moxey. It was written by Dick Nelson.

Does Jessica get some?

No. I’m starting to rethink this question, as well as the next one: Does Jessica dress up and act stupid?

Was it any good?

Yes, other than being sexless for JB!

Any trivia?

Take a look at the will. It’s actually a page from a Jessica Fletcher novel!

Pat Poole and Dick Van Patten were married at the time of this episode.

Give me a reasonable quote:

Rev. Willie John Fargo: I’ve decided to go away for a while… to Africa, Asia, South America, any place the simple folks need me.

Jessica Fletcher: Well, I wish you luck, Willie John, and I hope that you find what you’re looking for.

Rev. Willie John Fargo: Oh, I will, Miss Jessica. I will, indeed, the good Lord willing.

What’s next?

Jessica finds herself in a tough spot when one of the auctioneers of a diary is murdered, and she has to rely on Harry McGraw to help her out.