Fair Warning
Hello, and welcome back to Cabot Cove for another cozy murder mystery. Before reading further, please watch the episode, there will be spoilers! If you’ve got a beach nearby, this episode pairs nicely with a New England Clambake.
There are four parts to this episode guide:
- This is Part 1, an introduction including the setting, characters, and context of the episode.
- Part 2 is a detailed timeline of the episode’s events.
- Part 3 is my analysis of the episode.
- Part 4 is a collection of fun extras that I like to call Bonus Features.
A Crash Course in Road Safety
Welcome back to Cabot Cove for Jessica’s second collaboration with Sheriff Tupper. Or is it? Either way, there’s an absolute fleet of autos that make this episode go. Even the famously non-driving Jessica gets her turn behind the wheel.
Putting Cabot Cove on the Map
This episode gives us enough clues to conclude the MSWSW search for Cabot Cove. We’ll also get our first lesson about the Cove’s history and culture.
When Are We?
The Original Airdate
In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the first guiding principal I use in my work on the MSWSW canon timeline is to place an episode’s events before, but as close as possible to, the initial airdate. This episode first aired on Sunday, November 25, 1984.
The Oeuvre of J.B. Fletcher
This episode doesn’t include any details about J.B. Fletcher’s writing, although we do get to see the author at work at her typewriter. When Jessica first meets Leslie Andler, the newcomer says she’s read Jessica’s “books” plural, which means the events of this episode took place no earlier than May 1984.
The Clambakes and Cookouts
The denizens of Cabot Cove are outdoors enjoying warm weather throughout this episode. The town holds a celebratory picnic, Daniel hosts a cookout, and the rose bushes are in bloom. All of this points to a warmer time of year, if not strictly summer, then certainly sometime between May and September.
The Unbroken Ice
With all that lovely warm weather, the ice between Jessica and Sheriff Tupper strikes one as a bit strange. Just a few episodes ago, Amos unhesitatingly called Jessica as soon as there was a whiff of foul play.
And yet, here they are, smack dab in the middle of episode 7, acting like they’ve never even thought of cooperating on a case.
It’s my theory that this episode is, in fact, the first time Jessica and Amos work together. Further, the sweeping aerial shots of rugged coastline and the majestic musical score give the opening scenes of this episode a premiere aesthetic. I feel almost certain that this episode was originally intended to air as the series’ first episode after the pilot, or at least as the series’ first episode set in Cabot Cove.
So, in terms of our MSW canon timeline, I’ve decided the events of Hit, Run and Homicide occur before those of Deadly Lady, explaining the differences in Jessica and Amos’ rapport, and placing Hit, Run and Homicide sometime between May and early July 1984.
The Players
In order of appearance, the locals we’ll meet this episode, plus a few from away:
Jessica Fletcher
Jessica, alert cyclist and “Cabot Cove’s one and only celebrity,” gets taken for a ride this episode.
Daniel O’Brien
Daniel, textbook example of the absent-minded professor, may pose a danger to himself and/or others.
Captain Ethan Cragg
Captain Cragg, softball enthusiast, comes to Jessica’s rescue in this episode’s only full speed car chase.
Charles Woodley
Charles Woodley, first electronics entrepreneur and pedestrian extraordinaire, survives two low speed car chases.
Sheriff Amos Tupper
Sheriff Tupper, the lesser half of this episode’s crime fighting duo, is taking names. The rest is up to Mrs. Fletcher.
Katie Simmons
Katie, friend and houseguest of Daniel, is very lovely, and also a bit superfluous to the plot.
Tony
Tony, Daniel’s nephew, is newly engaged to a woman he met a month ago.
Leslie Andler
Leslie Andler, a traveling “saleslady” and Tony’s fiancée, is being shown off “like a new sedan.” Her words. Ick.
Dean Merrill
Dean Merrill, second electronics entrepreneur, is merely a pedestrian ordinaire, and succumbs to his first low speed car chase.
Denizens of Cabot Cove
We continue to build our list of Cabot Cove locals this episode. Special mention goes to Lois Hoey, in her second, and sadly, last appearance as Jessica’s friend and a Cabot Cove lady about town. Other denizens we encounter this episode include Letitia, Nurse Bates, and Cora.
The Automobiles
A veritable fleet of vehicles provides the driving force for this episode. Some of these autos almost have as much personality as the actual characters. In order of appearance:
The Red and Gray Van
Large, looming, and ominous, what is the purpose of this mysterious vehicle, and who is the shadowy figure behind the wheel?
The Driverless Station Wagon
Oh, the dream of the safe, reliable, self-driving car. Forty years later, and we still haven’t figured it out.
Ethan’s Old Pick Up
A vehicle beatified by its service and honest wear, it is a reflection of the man behind the wheel. This must be Ethan’s business-mobile, as it bears the name and crest of Cragg’s Charter Services.
Leslie, the New Sedan
Ick, ick, triple ick upon the writers’ room, for creating a character who voluntarily and needlessly likens herself to a sedan. Girl, if you’re going to objectify yourself, be a Porsche, be a Maserati, be a pink Cadillac. Or, you know, don’t.
The Rental
While a Bostonian like Tony could get by without a car, it’s unusual for a traveling saleslady not to own one.
The Moving Van Heading North on Highway 27
This van is headed towards Augusta, and away from the truth.
The Panda
Cabot Cove’s finest serve and protect in this law enforcement classic.
The Arcade Game
Ethan and Jessica play the 1983 arcade classic Spy Hunter. Jessica’s turn at the wheel inspires this episode’s aha moment.
Part 2: The Timeline
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