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I was introduced to Columbo by a housemate a few years ago and was instantly hooked. The episode you mentioned is excellent, as are all the Jack Cassidy ones.

I was introduced to Columbo by a housemate a few years ago and was instantly hooked. The episode you mentioned is excellent, as are all the Jack Cassidy ones. For me the standout episode is 'Any Old Port in a Storm' (1973) with Donald Pleasance.

lqet 5y ago
I think there are 4 things that make a Columbo episode enjoyable: 1) Peter Falk 2) Creative murder ideas 3) Great plot 4) Supporting performances In "Any Old Port in a Storm" the acting by both Falk and Pleasence is outstanding. Regarding 2), I always adored "Now You See Him" (the magician episode, also with Cassidy) and "Swan Song" (the airplane murder with Johnny Cash).
- Comevius 5y ago
  I think what makes Columbo good is how out he is of his element. The perpetrators are always from a higher social class and he always takes advantage of their hubris, lulling them into a false sense of security, agitating them until they give up clues. All that while being polite and sympathetic. There is no shoehorned social commentary in Columbo. It's pure entertainment, which is hard to find these days.
  - sumtechguy 5y ago
    Kinda a lot of episodes were like that. The more interesting episodes I think it was more of a he was 'a sly little elf perched on his toadstool'. He was unassuming. He disguised himself to be invisible and would pick apart everything usually very methodically. He 'took a defect and used it as a tool'. Even the way he would blow people off was to be unassuming 'oh my boss he is a very exacting man', 'oh just a routine question'. When it was usually him looking for that information. He would many times make the perp 'self own' themselves by their own lies. The writers were also very good on making sure motive, means and opportunity were clearly picked apart in all ways. Apparently the whole crew was in on it and would make sure that the story stayed true. Making sure things were filmed so they did not contradict later or past actions. The 90s series was a bit less tight and more of the 'stick it to the rich'. They were enjoyable enough. But something was missing.
- coderdd 5y ago
  I would add great pacing, with long, slow shots. I counted random modern film scene switches, it is average 2 seconds per switch. Other is adding atmospheric elements that serve no purpose to the plot, just paint scenes of life. In modern films, most things shown will have to compulsively have some utility later.
  - fzzzy 5y ago
    I have been buying a lot of laserdiscs lately, and this is what I enjoy most about 70s-early 80s movies. Really long, interesting shots and way less music.
lttlrck 5y ago
Jack Cassidy is amazing in all three? of the episodes he's in. The show oozes genuine charisma, and the slow 1970's pacing is an absolute joy.

lqet 5y ago

I think there are 4 things that make a Columbo episode enjoyable: 1) Peter Falk 2) Creative murder ideas 3) Great plot 4) Supporting performances In "Any Old Port in a Storm" the acting by both Falk and Pleasence is outstanding. Regarding 2), I always adored "Now You See Him" (the magician episode, also with Cassidy) and "Swan Song" (the airplane murder with Johnny Cash).

Comevius 5y ago
I think what makes Columbo good is how out he is of his element. The perpetrators are always from a higher social class and he always takes advantage of their hubris, lulling them into a false sense of security, agitating them until they give up clues. All that while being polite and sympathetic. There is no shoehorned social commentary in Columbo. It's pure entertainment, which is hard to find these days.
- sumtechguy 5y ago
  Kinda a lot of episodes were like that. The more interesting episodes I think it was more of a he was 'a sly little elf perched on his toadstool'. He was unassuming. He disguised himself to be invisible and would pick apart everything usually very methodically. He 'took a defect and used it as a tool'. Even the way he would blow people off was to be unassuming 'oh my boss he is a very exacting man', 'oh just a routine question'. When it was usually him looking for that information. He would many times make the perp 'self own' themselves by their own lies. The writers were also very good on making sure motive, means and opportunity were clearly picked apart in all ways. Apparently the whole crew was in on it and would make sure that the story stayed true. Making sure things were filmed so they did not contradict later or past actions. The 90s series was a bit less tight and more of the 'stick it to the rich'. They were enjoyable enough. But something was missing.
coderdd 5y ago
I would add great pacing, with long, slow shots. I counted random modern film scene switches, it is average 2 seconds per switch. Other is adding atmospheric elements that serve no purpose to the plot, just paint scenes of life. In modern films, most things shown will have to compulsively have some utility later.
- fzzzy 5y ago
  I have been buying a lot of laserdiscs lately, and this is what I enjoy most about 70s-early 80s movies. Really long, interesting shots and way less music.

lttlrck 5y ago

Jack Cassidy is amazing in all three? of the episodes he's in. The show oozes genuine charisma, and the slow 1970's pacing is an absolute joy.