Murder, She Wrote season 9 episode 18 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Dana Ballard, entangled in illegal insider trading with Regitek stock, is implicated in a murder. Mrs. Fletcher, suspecting inconsistencies in Dana's stories, uncovers her web of lies, including a fabricated employment history with Jessica Fletcher herself. Dana's arrest for the murder of Ethan Stevens leads to an investigation, revealing a planned theft with her accomplice, Todd Merlin. Despite Dana's history of deceit, she insists on her innocence in the murder. The true culprit, Bruce Hastings, is exposed and apprehended, connected to financial fraud and Ethan Stevens' death. Dana, starting therapy for her lying, looks towards a future in education, with support from attorney Vincent Polaski.

Full Episode S09E18 Recap

### Scene: Confrontation and Revelations - Dana Ballard is accused of insider trading with Regitek stock and possibly connected to a murder. - Tension rises between Gabe and another character over Dana's situation. - Mrs. Fletcher (Jessica Fletcher) receives a phone call from Helen McCurdy, revealing Dana never contacted her, contradicting Dana's claim. - Dana uses Jessica Fletcher's reputation to gain trust in a job interview, fabricating her previous employment with Jessica. - Dana plans to leave for new opportunities, expressing regret over past mistakes. ### Scene: Jessica Fletcher Investigates - Jessica, suspecting inconsistencies in Dana's stories, starts her own investigation. - She discovers that Dana had lied about contacting Mrs. McCurdy and other references. - Dana's fabrications and lies about her work and background are gradually uncovered. - Jessica receives a call from Ethan Stevens about Dana, raising further suspicions. ### Scene: Dana Ballard's Arrest and Investigation - Dana is arrested for the murder of Ethan Stevens. - Evidence against her includes a gun with her fingerprints and positive paraffin tests indicating she fired a weapon. - Jessica and attorney Vincent Polaski discuss Dana's case; Polaski struggles with Dana's credibility. - Despite her lies, Polaski and Jessica decide to give Dana a chance to prove her innocence. ### Scene: Dana's Confession and The Real Murderer - Dana confesses her involvement in a planned theft with Todd Merlin, her accomplice from her hometown. - She recounts the events leading to Ethan Stevens' murder, insisting her innocence in the killing. - Jessica and Polaski delve deeper into the case, uncovering financial fraud involving Ethan Stevens. - The true murderer, revealed to be Bruce Hastings, is apprehended after an attempted blackmail and confession. ### Scene: Resolution and Future Plans - Dana starts therapy for her compulsive lying and plans to pursue education. - Vincent Polaski and Wanda, his partner, reflect on the case's resolution and their future plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Dana Ballard accused of being involved with?

Dana Ballard is accused of illegal insider trading with Regitek stock and possibly connected to a murder.

What does Mrs. Fletcher discover about Dana's background?

Mrs. Fletcher discovers that Dana lied about contacting Helen McCurdy and other references, revealing a pattern of fabrications.

What job does Dana Ballard fabricate having in her interview?

Dana fabricates having been a personal assistant to mystery novelist Jessica Fletcher in her job interview.

Why is Dana Ballard arrested?

Dana Ballard is arrested for the murder of Ethan Stevens, with evidence including a gun with her fingerprints and positive paraffin tests.

What does Dana Ballard confess to Jessica and Polaski?

Dana confesses her involvement in a planned theft with Todd Merlin, an accomplice from her hometown, and insists she didn't murder Ethan Stevens.

Who is revealed to be the real murderer of Ethan Stevens?

Bruce Hastings is revealed to be the real murderer of Ethan Stevens.

What plans does Dana have for her future after resolving the case?

Dana plans to start therapy for her compulsive lying and pursue her education, with a possibility of working for attorney Vincent Polaski in the future.

How is the murderer, Bruce Hastings, apprehended?

Bruce Hastings is apprehended after an attempted blackmail is interrupted by police, leading to his confession and arrest.

What connection is uncovered between Dana Ballard and Todd Merlin?

It is uncovered that Dana Ballard and Todd Merlin were accomplices, both involved in a plan to steal from Ethan Stevens' company.

Murder, She Wrote season 9 episode 18

Dead to Rights