

All That Glitters
Season 2 Episode 203 | 43m 31sVideo has Closed Captions
Alexa's personal and professional lives collide when she investigates the death of a drag queen.
Alexa's personal and professional lives collide when she investigates the death of a drag queen whose star was on the rise.
My Life is Murder is presented by your local public television station.
Distributed nationally by American Public Television

All That Glitters
Season 2 Episode 203 | 43m 31sVideo has Closed Captions
Alexa's personal and professional lives collide when she investigates the death of a drag queen whose star was on the rise.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship[ Upbeat music plays] ♪♪ [ Indistinct chatter ] -Looks like they're letting anyone in these days.
-Yeah, difference is, I can leave any time I like.
-[ Sighs ] You look like a million bucks.
-Well, I wish I got more interest.
-[ Chuckles ] -Have you lost weight?
-I have been working out in the yard.
Changed my life.
-Good.
Needed changing.
-Nah, seriously.
Things are looking up.
-What things?
-Oh, why do you sound suspicious?
-Do you blame me?
-Oh, come on, right through the left ventricle.
-Oh, I'm a miserable, miserable sister, who brought you what you asked for.
There's two months of books there.
-And instant noodles!
Is that it?
Why'd you get veggie flavored?
-Listen, I've got better things to do than be your personal courier.
-Like what?
You're retired.
-Like watching the washing machine go round.
I'm not bringing you foodstuffs for some racket.
-Oh, racket.
Instant noodles are a popular currency in here.
-Yeah?
Hey, what are you trading them for?
-You really have made my life easier... and I appreciate that, I do.
-I smell a but.
-Gross.
-What, are you 12?
-Come on, there's no but.
However, um, as a hypothetical, you think you could bring a phone charger in your next care package?
-Yeah, that's not gonna happen.
-Come on.
There's a gap in the market here.
-Will, you're already doing three years.
You want to risk six more months?
-Well, I won't get caught.
-Hilarious.
Do not take me for granted, Will.
I moved countries to be here for you.
[ Upbeat music plays ] ♪♪ -Hi.
-Hi.
-Get your personal matter sorted this morning?
-Yes.
Don't ask.
-Oh, hello.
I detect man trouble.
-Now you would think a detective saying the word "detect" would be amusing.
-Turns out, not at all.
-[ Chuckles ] You know, I'm pretty good at romantic advice.
-Really?
-In case you need me.
-Yeah, no, I don't, but thank you.
-Come on -- Aren't you looking for something long-lasting with depth and passion?
-Oh, God.
That's beautiful.
It's like a fridge magnet.
Well, here's a distraction.
Red Light District -- drag queen found dead on stage in the cabaret theater where he was rehearsing.
-Let's go with she, shall we?
-Well, she was Needa Martini, a.k.a.
David Holmes, popular performer, half of the successful drag duo, Ginger and Needa.
They've toured throughout New Zealand and Australia and were about to take the show to Vegas.
[ Cheers and applause ] -What'd she die of?
-According to the coroner, accidental electrocution.
She was rehearsing between shows.
She fell, grabbed for a giant martini glass on stage that contained water.
When the water hit the footlights, bang.
-That is bad luck.
-Maybe.
The club was closed, and her partner, Felix, confirmed that she was rehearsing alone.
But if Needa was alone, why the full slap?
Why bother if there's no audience?
-So maybe there was.
-No one's come forward.
-What do you make of the co-star?
-Felix, a.k.a.
Ginger Snaps, also her life partner and the one who found the body.
[ Somber music plays ] ♪♪ He was so distraught, his 1-1-1 call was incoherent.
-Needa could have been gussied up for a number of reasons.
Doesn't mean murder.
-People generally don't get dressed up unless they're trying to impress someone.
-Gosh, you are good at romantic advice.
So, who was all that glamour for?
[ Whimsical music plays ] ♪♪ -The utility provider confirmed the electricity cut out at 11:37 P.M., which fits with the estimated time of death.
-You got any footage of the actual show?
-Only about a million hours' worth.
They had a regular show, and Ginger and Needa were all about the socials.
This is their latest show, "Ginger and Needa Do Burlesque."
That's Ginger, a.k.a.
Felix, in the red wig.
And the blonde is Needa, also known as David, the deceased.
Together for 15 years -- that's a long time.
-What are the odds of someone jury-rigging a set in order to electrocute her?
-There must be easier ways to kill someone.
-Well, not if you want to make it look like an accident.
[ Trackpad clicks ] [ Photos rustle ] Where are those pictures of them rehearsing?
[ Trackpad clicks ] Okay.
If that's what they wear when they're rehearsing, then maybe Harry's right.
[ Photo flops ] Here.
What's wrong with this picture?
-Well, it looks like Needa died doing a show.
-Exactly, but who for?
And see this?
Find out if they tested that glass.
It might help tell us who was there watching that night.
[ Whimsical music plays ] ♪♪ ♪♪ -This is the first time I've been to a club since I moved here.
Hey, do you reckon they'll be any straight blokes?
-Yes, and they'll all be here with their wives.
So, you're still on the market, huh?
-Hard to believe, I know.
Yeah, this is the part where you say, "Yeah, that's insane."
Oh, by the way, there's no mention of the glass in the case file, because they didn't test it.
-Ugh.
Well, that makes sense if they thought it was an accident, I guess.
-Good evening, ladies.
-Hi.
-Hey.
[ Cheers and applause ] [ Swing music plays ] [ Cheering continues ] ♪♪ [ Cheering continues ] -Well, looks like Ginger's found herself a replacement.
-Yeah.
Do we know who she is?
[ Cheering continues ] -Ivana Martini, just like it says on the poster, also known as Nathan.
Guess they're still going to Vegas.
[ Cheers and applause ] -Mm-hmm, that's a big step up for the new girl.
[ Applause ] -It certainly is.
[ Cheering continues ] ♪♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Yeah, you're right.
I don't think I'm gonna have much luck here.
-[ Laughs ] ♪♪ -I'll check the place out.
-Good luck.
♪♪ -Drink?
-Thanks.
-You're so welcome.
-It's a popular show.
Why aren't they doing a longer run?
-Oh, they are, in Vegas.
-Vegas?
Really?
-Mm, now, honey, I'm not saying I hate them, because hate isn't strong enough.
[ Chuckles ] Hey, boo.
[ Music continues in distance ] ♪♪ [ Whimsical music plays ] ♪♪ -Hello, Ginger.
And you must be Ivana.
♪♪ [ Vehicle departs in distance ] [ Indistinct chatter ] But that must have been a shocking discovery.
-It was the worst day of my life.
-Look, it was a horrible accident that nobody wants to rehash.
We were told the investigation was done and dusted.
Another drink?
Silly question.
♪♪ -So you're taking the show to Vegas?
-A bittersweet career highlight.
-Because Needa should've been with you?
-And would have, if she hadn't been so obsessed with the staircase sequence.
She was determined to get it right before the Vegas tour.
-But she was rehearsing without you.
-She had a dodgy knee.
She was trying to find a workaround so she wouldn't let me down.
-Well, Ivana seems great.
It's amazing you were able to find a replacement so quickly.
-I can never replace David.
-You kind of did.
-Nathan was David's protégé, his drag daughter.
She was our costume mistress in Sydney, and she knows the routine.
Stepping in for David was the obvious solution.
-Yeah, I'm just saying, she's really great repla-- -Darling.
David loved Nathan.
She'd have been thrilled.
[ Somber music plays ] [ Footsteps depart ] [ Door slams ] -We are so devastated.
Needa had the biggest heart.
She had the biggest feet, too.
-People seem to like her replacement, though.
-Eh, there's been a little bit of shade around Ivana replacing Needa.
Those girls are just jealous.
And if you are asking for my professional, unbiased opinion, Needa was overworked, flat out.
Honey, she was exhausted.
Oh, girl, I gotta go.
You good?
-I'm good.
-You're good, boo.
♪♪ -Hello.
Look, I'm sorry if I upset you earlier.
-Forget about it.
It's just been hard.
Needa, she was the kindest, most generous person I ever knew.
She introduced me to this world.
She showed me who I really am, and I owe her everything.
-Well, Ginger and Ivana has a nice ring to it.
-It was our manager's idea.
It's the same show.
It's a different duo.
-Well, that must be strange, considering you were all supposed to go to Vegas together.
-I feel sick that I only got my break because she died.
-But not so sick that you won't go.
-There's my superstar.
-Hey!
-Ah, and you must be Alexa.
Police consultant, was it?
-Something like that.
-Mm, Kathleen Boyce, manager.
-Manager extraordinaire, to be accurate.
-Stop it.
-Well, congratulations on a most successful show.
-Oh, yes, thanks.
I've discovered a knack for backing talent.
[ Chuckles ] Oh, actually, that reminds me, can you go speak to Ginger?
She's a little down in the mouth.
-Yeah.
-Uh, one more.
Oh, do you want one?
-Thanks, but I'm an old-fashioned girl.
And besides, if you bought me a drink, who knows where it would lead?
We might start to get on, and then it would get awkward when I have to ask you to stop pestering my girls.
-Oh.
You get it, right?
I need them in tip-top shape for the Vegas tour, physically and emotionally.
And frankly [Sighs] we all just want to move on.
Best if the coppers do, too.
♪♪ -According to Polly, the whole drag community loved Ginger and Needa.
-According to whom?
-Oh, Polly Amorous.
And by the way, there's only one door out the back.
-Here.
Wet your whistle, honey.
-Merci.
-Cheers, babe.
-How many of those have you had?
What's even in them?
-Oh, it's mainly fruit.
I'll be fine.
[ Whimsical music plays ] ♪♪ [ Sighs ] [ Spoon clatters ] [ Sighs ] [ Trackpad clicks ] What?
-Nothing.
[ Trackpad clicks ] -"I told you so" is the most unattractive phrase in the English language, Madison.
-Uh, I didn't say anything.
-You know, just because no one was there when Needa died doesn't mean that someone wasn't there earlier to cause the accident.
And Nathan has a motive.
-But Polly Amorous said Nathan loved David like a mother.
-Oh, pish.
I know people who'd kill their mother for a custard pie, let alone a trip to Vegas.
What do you got on the charmer?
-Kathleen Boyce, prosecuted for fraud five years ago.
Tried to scam punters out of thousands of dollars for a non-existent music festival.
-Mm.
-Well, maybe she's perfecting her scam and working it in Vegas.
-But why would she kill one of her marks?
-Maybe Needa, a.k.a.
David, was onto her and maybe she had something going with Nathan.
-Stab in the dark -- I think Nathan's gay.
-They could have a weird mommy fetish.
Do not look that up.
-If it's a scam, it's a pretty good one.
[ Upbeat music plays ] ♪♪ -Oh, Vegas, aye?
-Oh, I wish.
-You know, I've always wanted to go on one of those gondola rides in Vegas.
But it's a bit passé now, aye, bit old-fashioned.
-Oh, I think it was a bit passé when it started.
[ Whimsical music plays ] -[ Sighs ] Something I said?
-Oh, yeah.
[ Both chuckle ] ♪♪ What's going on?
-Hello.
You see this?
The manager, Kathleen, said she's an old-fashioned girl.
This drink is called an old-fashioned.
-Right.
Meaning?
-Meaning, I think Kathleen was at the club the night Needa died.
[ Upbeat music plays ] ♪♪ -Oh, hey, I was wondering if you can help me.
I'm traveling with the Ginger and Ivana show next month, and I just wanted to check I have a room booked.
Oh, sure, hon.
I'm their personal trainer.
My name?
Madison Booty.
Oh, okay.
That's weird.
I'll have to follow up with them on that.
Thank you so much for your help.
The Vegas show is legit.
They're booked courtesy of Kathleen Boyce.
But get this, Alexa, the only guests listed, are Nathan, Kathleen, and Felix, somebody knew Needa wasn't gonna be in that show.
[ Whimsical music plays ] ♪♪ -Did Kathleen tell you that she wanted Needa out of the show?
-Yes.
Kathleen wanted it to happen as soon as the Vegas gig was confirmed, and I was to be the bearer of the bad news.
-Really?
-I insisted it came from me.
But I couldn't do it.
I knew how upset she'd be.
-So you just let her keep rehearsing for show she could never be part of?
-I'm a coward.
How can I tell her she was being replaced by someone younger?
It would've destroyed her, us.
[ Sighs ] I was terrified of losing everything we had together.
-Where were you when it happened?
-Birthday drinks with friends.
Needa was supposed to join us once you finished rehearsing.
-So that's why she was dressed to the nines?
Or did she often rehearse in full drag?
-Yeah, occasionally.
-But she didn't show up?
-David rang me, upset.
Kathleen had gone ahead and told him the bad news, so I lied.
I told him I'd never dream of doing the show without him and to keep on rehearsing.
I got plastered.
And the next morning when David wasn't there, I rang.
No answer.
So I went looking.
[ Somber music plays ] ♪♪ -Does anyone else have keys to the club?
-Please don't tell me you think David's death was suspicious.
-Well, that's what I'm trying to rule out.
-♪ I need a shot ♪ ♪♪ -Look, is there a reason why you're ruining my downtime?
-Well, yes.
I want to know why you were at the club the night Needa died.
-Mm.
Yeah, as soon as you tell me why you're poking around my business.
It's not like you're a cop anymore.
-You wanted to dump Needa from the show.
She turned up dead, so I'm interested.
I know you were at the club.
Why didn't you tell the police that?
-I'm their manager.
I dropped in.
So what?
I'd been to dinner with Ivana, who had been freaking out because Ginger hadn't told Needa the bad news yet, so I decided to rip the Band-Aid off myself.
-How was she dressed?
-I -- I don't know.
T-shirt, sweat pants.
-And how did she react to the news?
-Oh, she did a little skip of joy.
How do you think?
Anyway, she's -- she's dead now, so what does it matter?
-It matters to Ginger.
-Yeah.
Which is exactly why I need you to stay away from us.
Okay, we've got enough going on without some bored ex-cop opening up old wounds.
-Oh, just one thing.
You've got a bit of lippy on your teeth.
There you go.
[ Whimsical music plays ] -Mads.
-Hey!
-Can you find out if Ivana and Kathleen had dinner the night Needa died?
-Sorry, Ivana is Nathan, right?
-Yeah, that's right.
-Cool.
Does that mean that I get to interview a suspect?
-No, you're on a fact-finding mission.
-Where are you?
-Craft beer workshop, learning how to make a hoppy pale ale.
-Why?
Oh, I get it.
It's heaving with eligible hipsters.
-Oh, "hipsters" -- who even uses that word?
But yes, when you're in the market, sometimes you have to go to the market.
[ Whimsical music plays ] ♪♪ Nathan, what time were at you dinner till?
-I don't know, 8:30.
-Guess you talked about Needa and the show, huh?
-What do you want me to say?
We're a family.
Of course we talked about her.
Why wouldn't we?
-And where did Kathleen go afterwards?
-How would I know?
Sorry.
Is there a point to this tedious Q&A?
-Just cross-checking alibis.
-Well, you know where I was, so I guess we're done.
[ Fingers snap ] [ Dough slamming ] -Is that normal, or you're trying to kill it?
[ Dough slams ] -So Kathleen and Ivana both had motives.
The question is how?
Kathleen, if she had already dumped Needa, why would she go to the trouble of killing her?
-With Kathleen's record, there's nothing in it that suggests murderous mastermind.
-Oh, yeah?
What does it suggest?
-A smart, lying opportunist.
Her record's all shoplifting, possession, con jobs with dodgy mates.
Nothing murderous.
-Well, my gut says that this one is.
Could be wrong, of course.
-But you don't actually think that.
-Course not.
I'm never wrong.
-You would've been a great cop if you just had a bit more self-confidence.
-Oh, yeah?
Thanks.
-[ Chuckles ] -Hiya.
-Hello.
-So they did have dinner together at Luigi's, but Ivana is definitely guilty and squirming about something.
-Super.
So they're all complicit in the big lie about Needa getting dumped.
Tell me this.
If Kathleen did it, would Ivana cover for her?
-Well, Kathleen is offering the chance of a lifetime.
-Then how would she or they arrange an electrocution?
I mean, that is next level.
Is there anything in her record that suggests she'd have to know-how?
-Not to me.
You're welcome to have a look.
-Alright.
How on earth did they do it?
-Third party?
-Maybe.
I mean, that would explain why David put on the Needa gear after he was dumped.
-Well, I'm sure you'll crack it.
I believe in you.
Is this you trying to give me self-confidence.
-Well spotted.
-[ Chuckles ] [ Whimsical music plays ] ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ You have got to be kidding me.
♪♪ Great.
♪♪ -Ooh, shrimp?
I thought I was in the dog box.
-Yeah, you sort of are, but, um, I got to thinking, "Well, you're my brother, and I hardly knows ya," right?
You know, I don't know anything about your life, really, or who you've been hanging out with.
There's so many family memories that we could've shared but didn't.
-Yeah.
You know, the memory that jumps out at me is you telling me that I was an embarrassment.
-Well, you sort of are, but, uh, blood's thicker than water.
-What do you want?
-I am just trying to reconnect with my brother.
-[ Scoffs ] Oh, yeah, right.
Come on.
-Okay.
-There you go.
-What do you know about Kathleen Boyce?
-Did you bring the phone charger?
-No, I did not.
-Hmm.
And why do you want to know about Kathleen?
-I just do.
-Really?
[ Inhales deeply ] You're back in harness.
-I am not.
-Yeah, you are.
-Homicide?
-No.
-No?
-Mnh-mnh.
-I remember Dad telling Mum once that Alexa's an excellent liar.
It's a sign of an imaginative brain.
-Are you gonna tell me what you know?
-Well, I may be many things, but a dog isn't one of them.
-What about the quid pro quo?
Every dog has its price.
-Alright.
Kathleen.
Great shoes, excellent shopping skills.
She moved like a cat.
She only got pinched for half the job she pulled.
-Tell me about one of the jobs where she didn't get pinched.
-Oh, she was part of a crew that did a lucrative arson job.
Two security guards died, didn't seem to bother her.
-How did the security guards die?
-I think she was seeing a sparkie.
It was their job is to make it look like an electrical fire.
They didn't realize that the two security guards had been on the piss and were asleep on the premises.
-Oh, that will do.
-Well, you got your quid.
When do I get the pro quo?
[ Upbeat music plays ] ♪♪ ♪♪ -Hi again.
Can we have another chat?
-About what?
-About you replacing Needa for the Vegas show and not bothering to tell her?
-Kathleen said we don't have to talk to you or your friend.
-Won't take long.
-I don't have anything else to say.
-But don't you want to hear what I have to say?
Let's have some tea.
-What do you mean "suspicious"?
-Apparently, the police don't think it was an accident.
They think someone killed her.
You all wanted Needa out of the show, and she ends up accidentally electrocuted.
You gotta admit, it's kind of weird timing.
-That's ridiculous.
Nobody wanted her dead.
-What if someone was going to benefit from her being dead, like you?
-You can't believe that I was responsible.
-Well, not me, obviously, but maybe you have some thoughts about who it could have been?
-No, I don't.
-Whose idea was it to replace Needa?
-Kathleen's, after she saw me in the Sydney show.
But that doesn't prove anything.
-No, sure, it's not proof.
-Please just leave.
-Sure.
[ Switch clicks ] You know, I've heard chamomile tea's pretty good.
Helps soothe the nerves.
[ Whimsical music plays ] [ Door closes ] ♪♪ -She's trying to convince him of something, but what?
-Ooh, he's afraid of her.
So, either he knows what she did to Needa, or he suspects it.
-Whatever it is, he's trying to hide it.
-I'd love to know the content of that conversation.
-I should have bugged him.
-Agreed.
-Oh, here we go.
♪♪ Maybe she actually cares about him after all.
-Don't be crazy.
That's just good performance.
She's all about the money.
♪♪ -I get that Kathleen wanted to replace Needa with a younger version, but why murder?
-Money.
I mean, what if she had to buy Needa out of her contract, and Needa wouldn't go there?
-How do we find that out?
-Call Ginger.
Ask her when Needa's contract was due to expire, but keep it casual.
[ Upbeat music plays ] ♪♪ -Here you go, amigo.
-Ah.
Thanking you kindly.
Hey, I was wondering if you'd be interested in doing theme loaves for special holidays.
-Such as?
-Well, Valentine's Day.
Maybe Father's Day -What does a Father's Day loaf look like?
A TV remote.
No!
A kid waiting at a window for a visit that never comes.
-I was thinking more like putting "Dad" on top.
-Oh.
-I asked you to stop harassing us, but clearly the message was loud enough.
-Kath, have some bread.
-I hate being called Kath.
-And I hate calling you Kath, so I guess we're even.
-Ivana is a mess, and now your assistant is badgering Ginger about her contract.
-Damn, I've told Madison about the badgering.
-I've spent weeks getting Ginger and Ivana back on form.
Stay the hell away from them.
-You know trying to stop an investigation makes you look dodgy, right, especially with your background.
-Do you know how much time and money I've invested in this tour, how much I have riding on it?
-Why don't you fill me in?
-If you mess this up for me, I will come after you for everything you own.
-You know, I'm strangely aroused by that.
-Lady, Needa was blind as a bat, okay?
She tripped on the bloody stairs and fell.
-Wait a sec.
So, when you went to the club that night, was Needa wearing her glasses?
[ Tense music plays ] ♪♪ [ Door slams ] -Well, this is the most challenging show we've ever attempted, and we are so excited to be bringing it to Sydney.
You can expect double the frocks and double the double entendres.
-Oh, yes.
Sauce factor five!
-Let's just hope this one's knee holds up.
-[ Laughs ] -You do not want to know how she injured it.
-Oh, the bare-bottomed cheek of it.
-[ Laughs ] -So I'm going out.
-Madison, look at that.
[ Cat purring ] He's wearing glasses.
Chowder, he's wearing glasses.
[ Cat meows ] Okay, the only time that David's not wearing glasses is when he's Needa.
Here she is, no glasses and no mention of them in the police report.
Now, why would a queen who can barely see at all, who's got a dicky knee, rehearse on stairs with high heels and a long dress?
-Contact lenses?
-No, there's no mention of that in the coroner report.
-Well, maybe the cops missed the glasses?
-Wait a minute.
If Needa wasn't wearing glasses or contact lenses, how'd she do her own makeup?
-You're right.
My mum is shortsighted, and there is no way she could do her makeup without contacts or having her nose pressed right up against the mirror.
It's virtually impossible.
-Unless somebody else did the makeup.
-Kathleen.
-Oh, no.
She can hardly do her own.
No, I think another drag queen did this.
[ Upbeat music plays ] ♪♪ -Did you ever see Needa perform in glasses?
-God, no, girl.
She was far too vain for that.
She wouldn't be caught dead in them.
Oh, that was a bad choice of words.
-And where were you on the night that she died?
-I was in Rotorua at a whanau gathering.
That's like a family thing.
-Do you have someone who can verify that?
-Oh.
Okay.
How about 75 someones?
-Wow, that's even bigger than my family.
Thank you.
-Evening.
-Oh, God.
-I bring a peace offering.
-[ Sighs ] -In case it's not clear, I'm working.
-Relax, I just want to ask you one question.
-[ Sighs ] -When Needa did her makeup, did she wear glasses or contacts?
-Contacts.
Although quite often I did her makeup.
That's how I learned.
-What about the night she died?
-That's two questions.
-Indulge me.
-I already told you, I didn't see her the night she died, and I wish to God that I did.
Do you genuinely think she was killed?
-Yes, I do.
-[ Gasps ] Oh, God.
[ Sobs ] -Hey.
-Hi.
-You come to give me a pep talk?
-No, I've come to tell you, David's glasses weren't at the scene.
-Oh.
-And that Kathleen Boyce has registered an official complaint against you.
-Really?
-You know she's claiming financial losses if her stars pull out of the Vegas show because you messed with them, right?
-Oh, that's great.
[ Cellphone vibrates ] -Is it?
-Yeah, 'cause it means she's rattled -- hang on.
[ Sighs ] Bloody men.
-What?
-Nothing.
Yeah, it's great.
Thank you.
[ Bottles rattle ] -Homework, and before you ask, no, I didn't a study buddy home with me.
Hey, what's happened?
-You looks suspiciously upbeat.
-I've just been talking to the pathologist who did Needa's autopsy.
-Yeah?
-I wanted to know if there was anything strange about the makeup.
She said that the makeup hadn't been absorbed by the skin.
It was just lying on top, like paint.
-Which means what?
-It was applied postmortem.
-Oh, my God, weird.
Why would anyone put makeup on a corpse?
-Why does anyone put makeup on a corpse?
-To make them look better for everyone to view.
-Bingo.
[ Upbeat music plays ] ♪♪ So this is a bit uncomfortable.
-Okay.
-It seems that someone did Needa's makeup after death, someone who knew exactly how to do it.
-Are you suggesting Nathan?
-Yeah, maybe.
-Nathan adored David.
-Well, maybe she adored starring in a Vegas show more.
But why do the makeup after death?
-I couldn't possibly imagine.
-Well, can you make a guess?
-Suppose she couldn't bear for Needa to be found looking like a dog's dinner.
I mean, she'd hate that.
She'd want to go out looking her best.
One last magnificent curtain call.
-Oh.
So it was an act of love making sure she looked okay before anyone else saw her?
-I don't know.
I just don't know.
[ Whimsical music plays ] ♪♪ -Needa's glasses were just sitting there.
-So what if Needa's glasses were at the apartment?
It was home.
She probably had more than one pair.
[ Thud ] [ Groans ] [ Glass thuds ] Okay, officially not a fan of stout.
-What is all this in aid of?
-I'm training my palate.
Thing is, it's not even a crime to do someone's makeup, is it?
I mean, even if they're dead.
Still think it was murder?
-How do you feel about dancing?
[ Jazz music plays ] ♪♪ -[ Smooches ] ♪♪ -Kisses, kisses.
-Is this absolutely necessary?
-Yeah, course.
Otherwise I wouldn't have asked you to do it, would I?
-Pretty sure there are health and safety rules.
-Health and safety?
Oh, honey, that is adorable.
-Okay.
So, she's coming down a couple of steps and then... Yep, and turn.
There, stop, stop.
[ Keyboard clacks ] And then turn to your left.
No, your other left.
-Yep.
-[ Laughs ] -Two hands on that vase.
Bend your knees and stick out your butt.
-It's a booty pop.
-Do it.
-Mm-hmm.
-Bam.
[ Laughter ] [ Applause ] -I feel like I'm being mocked.
-No!
-No, not at all.
-Just practice that before you unleash it on the world.
-Well, I can see any number of ways that she could have fallen.
-Those vases -- are they heavy?
Are they bolted down?
-They're super heavy.
Uh, they're weighted at the bottom.
-Wait.
There used to be a vase in that corner.
You know, on the video of the show, there's 12 vases on this set.
-Well, there are only 10 now.
-So where are the other two?
♪♪ -Ohh!
Thank you so much.
-Thank you.
Okay.
Well, keep an eye out for... Hello.
-Oh, wow.
You're stronger than you look.
-Yes, that's 'cause someone's taken the weights out of that one.
Whereas this one... [ Grunts ] [ Vase thuds ] -Right, hang on.
This plan leaves way too much to chance.
If Needa hadn't fallen, she could have just as easily sprained something.
-I think you might be onto something there.
[ Upbeat music plays ] ♪♪ -Wish me luck, dear.
[ Door closes ] This is not a good time.
Perhaps you could speak to us after the show.
-I came looking for you, the one who loved Needa more than anybody.
-Look, doll, enough is enough.
-Felix...
I have the vase.
-What are you talking about?
-I'm talking about you not wanting to hurt Needa by telling her she was cut from the Vegas show, because it would have destroyed her.
So you tampered with the set.
You knew she'd do the move, putting her full weight on the vase, expecting it to be solid.
You hoped she would fall, get injured, and be forced to pull out.
Your relationship would be intact.
Everybody would get what they wanted.
Well, except Needa, of course.
Scene set, you left via the back exit where you knew there was no CCTV.
You joined your friends, and you waited to get a call from Needa to say she'd had an accident... [ Cellphone rings ] ...and when the call came, it wasn't about that.
It was about getting dumped, about what Kathleen said.
Only Needa wouldn't believe that you'd agree to that.
So it was easy to lie.
You told her you'd sort it out and to go on rehearsing, which she did with fatal consequences.
♪♪ [ Electricity crackling ] -This is insane.
And ludicrous.
-Yes, and very, very true.
Isn't it?
And when she didn't come home, you went to the club, where you found her body.
[ Somber music plays ] ♪♪ You couldn't stand for her to be found looking a mess.
So he restored her to glamorous Needa, 'cause you knew that's what she would have wanted.
And you removed the evidence.
You hid the tampered vase, and you took her glasses.
And when you came back in the morning, you called the police and reported your "discovery."
-I didn't want to hurt her.
♪♪ I only took her glasses 'cause it made me feel like she wasn't really gone.
♪♪ Like she'd walk into the house, looking for them.
I didn't want people to gossip.
Just wanted her to look like a star right till the end.
♪♪ -One last magnificent curtain call.
♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ -Pleased with yourself, you interfering cow?
Do you have any idea how much money you have lost us?
You've cost me my career.
-Oh, come on.
A smooth operator like you?
Won't take you long to find a new Ginger Snaps.
That's how you roll.
[ Upbeat music plays ] ♪♪ Hey, how about I cook us a celebratory dinner, three courses with complementary craft beer?
Even this.
-Yeah, sure.
-Oh, unless you're busy.
-No, no, I've just got a few things to take care of.
But then a late dinner would be good.
-Something fun?
-Not really, no.
-You know, if you're seeing someone, you can tell me, right?
-Oh, okay.
-So are you?
♪♪ -Didn't know if you were gonna show.
-Unlike some members of the family, I am trustworthy.
-I'm trustworthy.
-Says the con man.
-Alleged.
-Convicted.
-Mm, semantics.
-Not really.
Here.
Brought you some bread.
-What, you make this?
-This morning.
-Nice.
What about the quid pro quo?
-You're looking at it.
-Oh, baked in.
Clever.
-Sometimes, a loaf of bread is just a loaf of bread.
But good bread.
-What?
I thought we had a deal.
-Hey, I guarantee that is the best pro quo you'll eat in weeks.
[ Upbeat music plays ] ♪♪ And it beats the heck out of noodles.
♪♪ [ Bread thuds ] ♪♪ [ Woman vocalizing ] ♪♪ [ Vocalizing continues ] ♪♪ [ Vocalizing continues ]
My Life is Murder is presented by your local public television station.
Distributed nationally by American Public Television