The classic TV series Diagnosis Murder is a treasure trove for fans of intriguing mysteries and, let’s be honest, deliciously wicked villainesses. As someone deeply familiar with complex systems, whether it’s the intricate mechanics of a high-performance engine or the convoluted plots of our favorite crime shows, I can appreciate a well-crafted deception. And “Murder by the Book,” an episode I recently revisited, delivers a masterclass in misdirection, much like a seemingly simple car issue that turns out to be a symptom of a much deeper problem.
This particular episode throws us right into the literary world, opening at a book signing event attended by our beloved Dr. Mark Sloan, alongside Jesse Travis and Amanda Bentley. The featured book, Munchies, Snacks, and Spreads, initially seems like a harmless cookbook, possibly penned by a friend. However, Amanda quickly clarifies that this is far from a collection of recipes.
Instead, Munchies, Snacks, and Spreads is revealed to be a scandalous tell-all memoir by call girls Shauna Teague, Carrie, and Melissa Farnes – a revelation that certainly raises Mark’s eyebrows. Jesse, on the other hand, is immediately captivated by Shauna, even getting some juicy details about the book straight from the source before she steps into a limousine. The plot thickens when Melissa and Carrie appear for a radio interview, only to be interrupted by a chilling phone call. The caller claims to have Shauna captive, and moments later, shockingly, Shauna is seemingly murdered! This dramatic event unfolds after Melissa discovers a death threat hidden inside a copy of their tell-all, and the danger escalates when Carrie also becomes a victim.
The ensuing investigation points towards Thomas Pitt, an ex-convict, but he is found dead inside a taxi. Yet, the danger is far from over. In a thrilling climax reminiscent of a high-speed chase scene – perhaps not unlike diagnosing a runaway “murder car” problem – Melissa finds herself pursued by a driver attempting to run her down. Just when things look dire, Steve Sloan intervenes, firing shots at the vehicle. The car screeches to a halt, the driver presumably neutralized. But the real shock comes when Steve opens the driver’s side door: the person behind the wheel is none other than Shauna – the supposedly abducted and murdered woman!
The truth unravels like a complex diagnostic process revealing a hidden fault in a vehicle’s system. Despite their collaboration on the tell-all book, Shauna had turned against her co-authors, orchestrating a deadly scheme for financial gain, which included staging her own death. Her plan was to exploit an all-rights clause under an assumed identity. Pitt, it turns out, was Shauna’s accomplice, tasked with abducting Carrie so Shauna could eliminate her. However, Pitt, riddled with guilt and nervousness, considered confessing to Carrie. After Shauna murdered Carrie, she silenced Pitt as well, and then made her attempt on Melissa before Steve’s intervention brought her deadly charade to an end.
“Murder by the Book,” airing on April 19, 1996, was a standout episode from Diagnosis Murder‘s third season. Musetta Vander’s portrayal of Shauna Teague, the episode’s concealed mastermind, is truly memorable. Shauna embodies the classic greedy and ruthless villainess, willing to eliminate anyone, even close associates, to achieve her goals. While Vander’s screen time primarily showcases Shauna’s seductive and provocative persona, it doesn’t diminish the impact of Shauna Teague as one of the series’ most compelling antagonists. It’s a fitting, if grim, conclusion that such a devious “murder car” driving force of villainy would meet such a definitive end.
Musetta Vander boasts an impressive resume of villainous roles across television and film. Her appearance as Shauna Teague is just one of at least ten villainous characters she has portrayed, including appearances in Xena: Warrior Princess and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This versatile actress, originally from South Africa, has also graced episodes of Stargate SG-1 and NCIS, and even showcased her comedic side in the 2005 film Kicking and Screaming.
If you enjoyed this breakdown of Shauna Teague’s deceptive scheme and the “murder car” plot of “Murder by the Book,” be sure to show your appreciation and subscribe for more deep dives into the mechanics of mystery and villainy!
