I began watching this show when I was in high school. At that time, it was a real eye-opener for me, showing me more of the issues "out in the world" that I may or may not face in the future. The characters were real and multi-dimensional. They had flaws and strengths. They had the ability to bring joy and to irritate! But the actors all worked together to bring us a moving story each week. My favorite was Sada Thompson, who had so many layers, that each week could bring surprises from her. Very endearing was her ability to bring subtle humor to many situations. A truly talented actress that the American public at large was fortunate to see, after her successes on the Broadway stage.

Andy Griffith is, as usual, wonderful as Ben Matlock, doing his thing in the courtroom, when confronting the real killer on the witness stand. However, this episode is more notable to me as the episode where he meets Julie March, the new assistant D.A., with which he would have a complicated relationship for the next 6 years, both in and out of the courtroom. There instant attraction is evident, but definitely understated. It is fun to watch Ben being concerned about his appearance and even a little preoccupied with the "new lady D.A." as his daughter, Charlene says to him. First class entertainment, as Julie Sommars is a breath of fresh air and a consumate actress in the roll of Julie March.

My first encounter with Julie Sommars was as J.J. in "The Governor and J.J.". As a child, I thought she was beautiful and loved her portrayal as the outspoken but loveable J.J. I continued to enjoy her performances in the movies and periodically caught her guest performance in one of the many television shows to which she lent her talent. But my favorite character is Julie March in Matlock. Ms. Sommars was even more beautiful at this age than I had seen her before (confirming my life-long wish to be a redhead). Her craft as an actress had matured and I enjoyed the subtleties of her facial expressions, vocal inflections (a lovely, honeyed voice) and body language as she interacted with the wonderful Andy Griffith and other characters on that show. I'm sure Ms. Sommars is enjoying her retirement and finding fulfillment in other pursuits, but I, for one, miss her...

As far as I'm concerned, Ms. Lansbury should be made "dame" of television as well as of the British Empire. Murder, She Wrote entertained (and continues to entertain through reruns and the release of DVDs) millions of people worldwide for 12 seasons. Angela Lansbury in the role of Jessica Fletcher creates such a warm character, that any of us would wish to have her as our favorite aunt! Her performances are timeless. Although stories such as those on Murder, She Wrote can sometimes be predictable, I found a certain comfort in that. That does not mean, however, that I was not often fooled, as I was fooled on numerous occasions. This is true probably because I was so focused on Ms. Lansbury's craft as an actress. When she is on the screen, can one look elsewhere? Even after the plots are memorized and episodes are rewatched, she continues to hold the attention of her audience. We are indeed blessed to have her body of work in Murder, She Wrote available on DVD.

I began watching Matlock at its onset. When the reruns began, I was thrilled to be watching Matlock again. I NEVER fail to be entertained by Andy Griffith. His multi-dimensional character is so loveable and engaging. The interaction between his character and the other characters, particularly Julie March, is so personal, amusing, and sometimes very heartwarming, that it is impossible not to watch his every move. This show had plot, pace and continued character development, which is so important in keeping audience interest. Every character keeps my attention and I will continue to watch it over and over again!