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The Best Episodes of Murder One

Every episode of Murder One ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Murder One!

Binge this in 1d 6h•Peaking at 8.6/10

Theodore 'Teddy' Hoffman is a highly-regarded defense attorney in a prestigious Los Angeles law firm. Having successfully defended the wealthy but suspicious Richard Cross in a much-publicised murder trial, he is now involved in the

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Murder One Season 1 Episode 23 - Chapter Twenty-Three
    8.6/10(73 votes)

    #1 - Chapter Twenty-Three

    S1:E23

    With nothing left to lose, a dying Richard Cross tells Hoffman where to find the tape recorded in Jessica's apartment the night of her murder. In the aftermath of the jury's verdict in the Goldilocks murder case of Neil Avedon, Jessica's killer is unmasked and all loose ends tied up.

    Director:Michael Fresco
    Writers:Charles H. Eglee, Steven Bochco, William M. Finkelstein, Geoffrey Neigher

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  2. Murder One Season 1 Episode 22 - Chapter Twenty-Two
    8.3/10(68 votes)

    #2 - Chapter Twenty-Two

    S1:E22

    Hoffman races to track down Richard Cross and find the missing video tape even as a terrified Neil Avedon is attacked by a fellow inmate in prison; a possible mob connection surfaces in the case.

    Director:Unknown
    Writers:Steven Bochco, William M. Finkelstein

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  3. Murder One Season 1 Episode 1 - Chapter One
    8.2/10(105 votes)

    #3 - Chapter One

    S1:E1

    A powerful L.A. entrepreneur (Stanley Tucci) is accused of killing his mistress's 15-year-old sister, Jessica Costello, after she is found "naked, tied up, strangled, [with] drugs all over the place" in an apartment he owns. The murder of Jessica Costello becomes front-page news and the hottest new case for the law firm of Hoffman & Associates.

    Director:Charles Haid
    Writers:David Milch, Charles H. Eglee, Steven Bochco

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  4. Murder One Season 1 Episode 21 - Chapter Twenty-One
    8.2/10(67 votes)

    #4 - Chapter Twenty-One

    S1:E21

    Even as the jury reaches a verdict, Hoffman breaks into Jessica's apartment, convinced a hidden camera is located there and that a tape of the murder most likely exists. The jury delivers its verdict in the trial of Neil Avedon. Following the decision, Hoffman and Grasso appear on "Larry King Live" to discuss the case. King appears as himself. 

    Director:Marc Buckland
    Writers:Charles H. Eglee, Ann Donahue, Steven Bochco, William M. Finkelstein

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  5. Murder One Season 1 Episode 2 - Chapter Two
    8.1/10(90 votes)

    #5 - Chapter Two

    S1:E2

    Hoffman grows suspicious when Cross appears overly confident at his arraignment on the charge of murder; a surprise witness (Tia Carrere) comes forward with new information. Ted Hoffman goes from defending Richard Cross for the murder of Jessica Costello to defending Neil Avedon (Jason Gedrick) , a hot young Hollywood actor, for the same murder.

    Director:Michael Fresco
    Writer:Charles H. Eglee

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  6. Murder One Season 1 Episode 8 - Chapter Eight
    8.1/10(74 votes)

    #6 - Chapter Eight

    S1:E8

    Avedon plans a live television interview; a surprising source brings forth a videotape that further incriminates Avedon; Julie is arrested for DUI. Meanwhile, Appleton convinces a former patient (Charlotte Ross) of Dr. Lester to share her disturbing experiences with Julie.

    Director:Michael Fresco
    Writers:Charles Holland, Ann Donahue, Geoffrey Neigher

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Murder One

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  7. Murder One Season 1 Episode 17 - Chapter Seventeen
    8.1/10(69 votes)

    #7 - Chapter Seventeen

    S1:E17

    Eduardo Portalegre (Nick Corri) is again charged with rape and becomes a suspect in Jessica's murder. Patients of Graham Lester testify that he drugged and raped them while they were in his care. Julie and DA Garfield testify; Annie asks Ted for a divorce. Hoffman uncovers a costly connection between Richard Cross and Dr. Lester's nurse.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Murder One Season 1 Episode 18 - Chapter Eighteen
    8.1/10(66 votes)

    #8 - Chapter Eighteen

    S1:E18

    The defense calls witnesses for Avedon, including his mother (Concetta Tomei); Hoffman considers the prosecution's offer to plea bargain; Appleton is reprimanded for her involvement with Richard Cross; Grasso suffers a personal tragedy.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Murder One Season 1 Episode 3 - Chapter Three
    8.0/10(87 votes)

    #9 - Chapter Three

    S1:E3

    A personal item belonging to Jessica Costello surfaces that could incriminate members of the Hollywood community; Avedon's substance abuse creates problems for Hoffman, who selects a new attorney for second chair. Lisa defends an investments specialist on trial for mishandling his clients' life savings.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Ann Donahue

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  10. Murder One Season 1 Episode 4 - Chapter Four
    8.0/10(77 votes)

    #10 - Chapter Four

    S1:E4

    Avedon takes a lie-detector test and is released on bail, but Grasso tries to get the bail revoked because of the incriminating sex tape brought in by Melissa. Meanwhile, Hoffman defends a police detective (Joe Spano) accused of using unnecessary force after responding to a domestic dispute call.

    Director:Michael Fresco
    Writer:Geoffrey Neigher

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  11. Murder One Season 1 Episode 5 - Chapter Five
    8.0/10(79 votes)

    #11 - Chapter Five

    S1:E5

    Avedon goes to court for his preliminary hearing; Blalock (Kevin Tighe) believes he's found a witness who can discredit Cross's alibi for the night of the murder. Meanwhile, Appleton defends a Jewish youth (Maury Ginsberg) accused of an anti-Semitic hate crime. After a lead in her sister's murder proves deadly, Julie Costello shows up at the law firm to talk to Hoffman, fearing that her own life is now in danger.

    Director:Nancy Savoca
    Writer:Charles Holland

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  12. Murder One Season 1 Episode 6 - Chapter Six
    8.0/10(77 votes)

    #12 - Chapter Six

    S1:E6

    Hoffman hires Velacek to investigate David Blalock's murder, and he retains an expert jury consultant (Lorraine Toussaint). Meanwhile, Avedon appears in court to see if his bail will be revoked, and Spivak defends a man (Billy Maddox) accused of a murder committed 17 years before. When Julie overdoses on drugs prescribed by Dr. Lester, Hoffman suspects the doctor has ulterior motives for keeping his female patients so heavily sedated.

    Director:Jim Charleston
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Murder One Season 1 Episode 9 - Chapter Nine
    8.0/10(79 votes)

    #13 - Chapter Nine

    S1:E9

    Convinced that Richard Cross is trying to manipulate the outcome of Neil Avedon's murder trail, Hoffman advises Justine to turn down a business opportunity from him.

    Director:Elodie Keene
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Murder One Season 1 Episode 10 - Chapter Ten
    8.0/10(73 votes)

    #14 - Chapter Ten

    S1:E10

    Jury selection begins in Avedon's murder trial, and among the potential jurors are an ex-cop, an ex-marine and a feminist. Meanwhile, a stalker (Debra Christofferson) reappears on Avedon's trail and Francesca (Donna Murphy) considers divorcing Richard. Hoffman faces a rumor that he had an affair with Francesca Cross, a rumor he believes was started by Richard Cross.

    Director:Unknown
    Writers:William M. Finkelstein, Geoffrey Neigher

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  15. Murder One Season 1 Episode 19 - Chapter Nineteen
    8.0/10(64 votes)

    #15 - Chapter Nineteen

    S1:E19

    Richard Cross is called as a witness for the defense. Cross acts strangely on the witness stand, Neil decides to testify in court on his own behalf, and Justine has an unnerving encounter with Cross in his office. Meanwhile, Appleton secretly goes through Cross's private files to obtain information that would aid the defense.

    Directors:William M. Finkelstein, Marc Buckland
    Writers:Charles H. Eglee, William M. Finkelstein

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  16. Murder One Season 1 Episode 20 - Chapter Twenty
    8.0/10(68 votes)

    #16 - Chapter Twenty

    S1:E20

    Avedon awaits his fate as closing arguments are heard and jury instructions are given. Meanwhile, the prosecution tries to have Judge Bornstein dismissed, due to allegations that she and Hoffman were once romantically linked. As Hoffman and Grasso deliver their closing arguments Justine realizes just how mentally unstable Cross is and finally discovers the cause of his erratic behavior.

    Director:Donna Deitch
    Writer:Geoffrey Neigher

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  17. Murder One Season 1 Episode 12 - Chapter Twelve
    7.9/10(71 votes)

    #17 - Chapter Twelve

    S1:E12

    The "Goldilocks Murder" trial begins with opening statements and the prosecution's first witness (Ted Marcoux), who testifies he heard Avedon threaten Jessica. When a member of his family is abducted, Hoffman suspects someone is trying to send him a message about the Avedon murder case and that Cross is somehow involved.Meanwhile, Appleton's business relationship with Cross is questioned.

    Director:Rick Wallace
    Writers:Charles H. Eglee, William M. Finkelstein

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  18. Murder One Season 1 Episode 16 - Chapter Sixteen
    7.9/10(68 votes)

    #18 - Chapter Sixteen

    S1:E16

    After Jessica's diary is entered as evidence, Hoffman calls to the stand some of the men Jessica mentioned in her diary, including Gary Blondo and Rusty Arnold. Meanwhile, Julie agrees to testify about her relationship with Richard Cross, but Hoffman is later stunned after she takes the stand and claims she no longer has to answer his questions.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Murder One Season 2 Episode 1 - Chapter One, Year Two
    7.9/10(51 votes)

    #19 - Chapter One, Year Two

    S2:E1

    Deputy District Attorney Jimmy Wyler joins Hoffman & Associates, and for his first case he defends Sharon Rooney, who was arrested for murdering the governor of California.

    Director:Michael Fresco
    Writer:Geoffrey Neigher

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  20. Murder One Season 1 Episode 7 - Chapter Seven
    7.8/10(74 votes)

    #20 - Chapter Seven

    S1:E7

    Hoffman receives information that Avedon may have confessed to killing Jessica Costello; someone is suspected of leaking facts to the press. Meanwhile, Gillespie defends a 12-year-old gang member (DeJuan Guy) accused of murdering a rival at a funeral.

    Director:Donna Deitch
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Murder One Season 1 Episode 14 - Chapter Fourteen
    7.8/10(95 votes)

    #21 - Chapter Fourteen

    S1:E14

    A copy of the videotape that may have gotten David Blalock killed surfaces; the woman (Anna Gunn) who appeared to be strangled by Avedon in a sex video testifies. As more evidence comes to light proving Richard Cross lied about his activities the night of Jessica's murder, Hoffman begins experiencing marital problems.

    Director:Randall Zisk
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Murder One Season 1 Episode 15 - Chapter Fifteen
    7.8/10(71 votes)

    #22 - Chapter Fifteen

    S1:E15

    The murder trial is halted when two male jurors argue over a woman juror as a love triangle is exposed. Judge Bornstein orders that Dr. Lester's records on Avedon be unsealed, forcing the physician to testify; Dr. Lester testifies that Neil Avedon made a startling confession the night Jessica was murdered. Passion develops between Arnold and Julie Costello.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Murder One Season 1 Episode 11 - Chapter Eleven
    7.7/10(71 votes)

    #23 - Chapter Eleven

    S1:E11

    Hoffman tries to get Avedon's charges dropped due to Holly Gerges's confession. Meanwhile, jury selection continues, with a law professor (Steven Gilborn) among those questioned. Hoffman becomes suspicious after Cross asks him to help Roberto Portalegre, an influential associate from Brazil whose son was accused of date rape.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Murder One Season 2 Episode 14 - Chapter Fourteen, Year Two
    7.7/10(44 votes)

    #24 - Chapter Fourteen, Year Two

    S2:E14

    Jury selection for the Banks' trial proves difficult as many of the jurors interviewed feel Banks is a hero for killing murderers who received light sentences for their horrific crimes.

    Director:Marc Buckland
    Writer:Geoffrey Neigher

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  25. Murder One Season 2 Episode 2 - Chapter Two, Year Two
    7.6/10(50 votes)

    #25 - Chapter Two, Year Two

    S2:E2

    Sharon testifies she was pregnant with Governor Van Allan's child, but he made her have an abortion, while Wyler learns the governor's wife was having an affair of her own.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Chapter Twenty-Three" is the best rated episode of "Murder One". It scored 8.6/10 based on 73 votes. Directed by Michael Fresco and written by Charles H. Eglee, Steven Bochco, William M. Finkelstein, Geoffrey Neigher, it aired on 4/23/1996. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "Chapter Twenty-Two".