Angela Lansbury is Thrilled the Murder, She Wrote Reboot Is Kaput

Sadly for those of us with a murder-mystery-shaped hole in our lives, the reboot of Murder, She Wrote starring the charming Octavia Spencer has been canceled. But there’s one person who is perfectly delighted, and that’s Angela Lansbury.

The ur-Fletch told the BBC that she was “terribly pleased and relieved” to hear of the cancellation, adding that “I knew it was a terrible mistake,” and, “I didn’t want to sully the memory.” Just like the house, Angela Lansbury always wins.

Not that she’s got anything against Octavia Spencer, mind you: “Octavia Spencer is a superb actress. She had no business being put into a situation that she couldn’t win.” That may be the most backhanded compliment I’ve ever heard—and I’m from Georgia.

Despite Dame Angela’s vocal disapproval, this is a setback for Spencer’s fans, i.e. everyone. Who wouldn’t want to see her as a crime-solving hospital administrator? But if TV execs absolutely must reboot an existing mystery franchise for her (as opposed to creating a brand new character, which would be ideal), we have a few suggestions:

Miss Marple (hats)

Poirot (set in Brooklyn, with fake mustache)

Columbo (trenchcoat!)

Perry Mason (what’s he famous for again?)

Matlock (just imagine the snappy light-gray suit)

Kojak (complete with lollipop)

Images via Getty