7.0
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Murder Ordained
1987·Show
·2Episodes in1Season·
Murder Ordained fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline5
- Violence5
Heart
Moving
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
- Family Dynamics6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy0
World
Crime, a real life story, and history
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighNerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Murder Ordained is nerve-racking. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence5Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMoving
Emotionally, it's moving.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumCrime, a real life story, and history
Its world is built around crime, a real life story, and history.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Biographical9Lives of notable figures.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
Adultery and murder... the true story of Reverend Tom Bird
Murder Ordained is a television miniseries which originally aired for CBS in 1987, starring Keith Carradine, JoBeth Williams, and Kathy Bates. The telefilm was directed and co-written by Mike Robe. Based on actual events that occurred in Emporia, Kansas in 1983, the film tells the story of trooper John Rule whose investigation into a fatal traffic accident involving a local minister's wife turns into a case of murder when it becomes apparent that the accident was no accident at all. Much of the principal photography and filming occurred on location in Kansas and some of the dialogue comes directly from court transcripts.
The film was subsequently released on VHS and DVD. The cast also includes Terry Kinney, M. Emmet Walsh, John Goodman and Johnny Galecki. The miniseries was nominated for an Emmy Award.
True Crime MiniseriesPsychological ThrillerSmall-Town CorruptionReligious HypocrisyIntriguing MysteryCharacter-Driven DramaSlow-Burn InvestigationBased on Actual EventsDark & Suspenseful
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Murder Ordained
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Murder Ordained worth watching?
60
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61/100 (IMDb 7). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Murder Ordained rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does Murder Ordained have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 2 episodes.
Is Murder Ordained based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
When did Murder Ordained air?
S1
It ran from 1987 to 1987 and has ended.
What language is Murder Ordained in?
English
It was made in English.