The question was then asked about how the writers decided when and where Harkness would appear over time, and Shaeffer explained the process. She said he likes to give writers homework. One assignment was: “Tell me five vile, shameful things Agatha did in her deep past.”

Neither the Hindenburg nor the Titanic would be considered “low level,” and frankly neither would trying to steal Dolly Parton’s man! The cheek, the nerves, the cheek, the boldness and the courage! Shaeffer credited author Laura Donney with the idea and described it when she presented it to the team.

“That was Laura Donney’s idea. And I remember it being one of the funnest days in the room with everyone coming in with their brand of low-level Agatha villainy. And that was Laura Donney. She was like, “She’s Jolene.” And we just thought it was so funny.