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.
While there are some excellent previous episodes to Season 5 (especially "Mr Penroy's Vacation", "The Search for Peter Kerry", "A Little Night Work", "Fire Burn, Cauldron Bubble" and "The Last Flight of the Dixie Damsel"), which generally is one of the better seasons, not all the episodes are great. While it is better than "Truck Stop" (to me the weakest and strangest of Season 5), "Three Strikes You're Out" did feel a bit lacking.
The mystery itself engages in how the deductions are done and how it is solved and everything revolving the baseball and the conflicts behind the scenes were interesting, but there are far more inspired and crisper paced mysteries. As well as more surprising reveals and more believable motives, the nature of the murder was less surprising.
Neither are most of the supporting cast are that inspired as characters that are not particularly well defined. Only Anne Lockhart and Vince Edwards rise properly above the material or stand out. Terri Garber also fares very well in one of the juicier roles but she deserved more to do. There are no problems to be had with Angela Lansbury though, she's terrific.
Production values as ever are slick and stylish, love the setting here. 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 mostly thought-provoking, light-hearted and amiable.
Overall, above average but lacking and less than inspired episode. 6/10 Bethany Cox