AllMovie

This episode is dedicated to the memory of the late Colleen Dewhurst, the actress who played Avery Brown, mother of Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) on two memorable occasions. Much to the surprise of the "FYI" staff, Murphy exhibits no emotion over the death of her mother, but this is because of a promise made that Avery would "return" once more so long as Murphy held back the grief. During a wake for Avery at Phil's place, Murphy makes an effort to mend fences between herself and her father Bill (Darren McGavin), but nothing much happens until the climactic sequence, wherein we realize that Avery's spirit has indeed made a return appearance--but not in the anticipated manner.