A scene from “Unfinished Business”

Freddy York: [after Jessica exposes him as the murderer] It's my luck. It's my dumb luck. Half the people in this club wanted Drake dead, and your niece's boyfriend's gotta get tagged for it. I knew you were trouble as soon as I saw you. What was I gonna do? Spend the rest of my life workin' in this rinky-dink club? You ever try to tell jokes when someone's got their hands on your throat?

Jessica Fletcher: Surely murder isn't the answer.

Freddy York: Yeah, well, you call it murder. I call it a career move. Look at me. What do you see? I'm not just another comedian. I'm Freddy York. I'm the first guy that did his own rim shots. I'm like the Edison of comedy. I'm Robert Fulton on the drums. So Al Drake sees me one Sunday night. He says, "Kid, you're good. Here's a long-term contract. It's your shot, your big break." He broke my spirit. That man broke my heart. I couldn't let him do that. I'm a creative genius. Fair is fair. He gave me a shot. I gave him a shot. Ba-dum-bum. Should've shoved you under that stage light.

Lt. Floyd Novack: Why did you rig that?

Freddy York: Why don't you ask her?

Jessica Fletcher: I think Mr. York was afraid the charges against Howard would be dropped. They weren't strong enough. So he thought perhaps another murder attempt, particularly against himself, would point to someone else.

Freddy York: Boy, you are good. I mean, you are really, really good. You ever think of taking your act on the road? You should play Vegas. That reminds me. I better cancel my tickets. Doesn't look like I'm gonna be going. It's too bad. I could've knocked 'em dead.

Jessica Fletcher: I'm sure you would have.