Marilee Coleson (Murder, She Wrote)

Marilee Coleson (Candice Azzara) is the main villainess from "Mr. Penroy's Vacation," episode 5.03 of Murder, She Wrote (airdate November 6, 1988). She is the wife of Cliff Coleson, a career criminal.
Cliff was revealed as one of three men who participated in the robbery of Boston & Western Railroad, which was the workplace of Morris Penroy, who died suddenly of a heart attack while proposing to Helen Appletree. Marilee stuck by Cliff while he was on the run from the law, and figured that after his big score from the robbery, they would enjoy the ill-gotten money together. Instead, Cliff decided to leave Marilee after the robbery, which understandably enraged her.
Knowing that Cliff would split up the money, Marilee followed him to Cabot Cove and tracked him to Penroy's home, where he was holding a briefcase while climbing down the ladder. Under the belief that Cliff had the money in his possession, Marilee waited for Cliff with a pitchfork in hand, and stabbed her husband to death with the weapon before taking the case. As it turned out, the briefcase contained baggage claim checks. Marilee appeared and posed as the wife of Penroy, "fainting" over the news of the death of her alleged "husband".
Marilee's true identity was revealed by Bart Klapper, who was investigating the robbery (and was later revealed as corrupt when he attempted to kill Helen and Lillian Appletree for the money). It was later revealed that Cliff called out the name, "Lee", during the murder. "Lee" is a nickname for Marilee. After Jessica revealed Marilee, the latter unleashed her anger at Cliff for leaving her following the robbery. It is assumed that she was arrested (off-screen) for her husband's murder.
== Quotes ==
* "Being married to Cliff was like being on a burning rollercoaster; he was up, he was down. He was always in trouble with the law, and when he finally made his one big beautiful score, he left me. The money was my only hope. I wasn't gonna let him get away with that. You understand, don't you?" (Marilee Coleson revealing her motive for killing her husband, Cliff Coleson)
== Gallery ==
Marilee Villainess.gif|Marilee killing her husband, Cliff
Marilee Reveal.jpg|Marilee during her reveal
Category:1980s
Category:Brunette
Category:Deceiver
Category:Greedy
Category:Live Action Villainess
Category:Makeshift Weapon
Category:Murderer
Category:Murder: Stabbing
Category:Thief
Category:Villain's Lover
Category:Villainous Reveal
Category:Fate: Inconclusive