Diagnosis Murder

Swan Song is a one‑off TV episode that aired as part of the anthology series Twilight Tales in 1992. It stars Mark Lawson as a down‑to‑earth solicitor whose quiet evening is interrupted by the arrival of his old university mate, the flamboyant Danielle Marsh (played by newcomer Claire Hargreaves). The guest spot from pop‑icon Helen Reddy, who pops up as a mysterious lounge singer, adds a touch of retro charm. Think of it as a cross between the tense “Murder, She Wrote” set‑piece and the moody British thrillers of the early ’90s. The story kicks off with Danielle’s erratic, almost manic behaviour – she’s jittery, keeps checking her phone, and mutters about “they’re watching”. Mark, ever the sceptic, brushes it off until a series of unsettling clues point to a professional hit being arranged on her. As the episode unfolds, the pair scramble through rain‑slick streets and cramped flat rooms, trying to piece together who wants her dead and why. The tension builds without giving away the killer’s identity, keeping you guessing right up to the final reveal. Honestly, it’s not a masterpiece, but it’s surprisingly good fun if you can overlook the dated production design and the occasional wooden line delivery. The pacing drags a touch in the middle, and the special effects look a bit ropy by today’s standards, yet the script’s twists feel fresh enough. Helen Reddy’s cameo is a quirky highlight, and the chemistry between Lawson and Hargreaves is decent, making the episode feel more like a proper thriller than a filler. Rated 15 for moderate violence and some language. Fair warning: the murder‑plot scenes are tense, and the 90s fashion might feel a bit cringe‑worthy. It was the first terrestrial showing of the episode, later repeated on cable in ’94. If you enjoy a bit of nostalgic British suspense with a dash of pop‑culture cameo, give Swan Song a go.