This episode first aired May 2, 1994
This is the second EdMcBain book Executive Producer Peter Falk bought the rights to and had adapted for Columbo. Apparently, at the time it outperformed the previous episodes featuring Faye Dunaway and William Shatner – which I just don’t get. Over time, however, this (like the other Ed McBain-inspired outing) is considered one of Columbo’s worst.
This episode marks the fifth guest appearance by actress Shera Danese (who purportedly walked off the set during her last appearance in a huff). Columbo fans would be “treated” to a sixth and final Danese appearance in “A Trace of Murder”.
My thoughts on this episode in chronological viewing order…
A spooky night-time opening for this episode.
Shera Danese in the credits. Uh oh.
Does this guy really need to make such a mess while searching the apartment?
Oh no! Based on a book my Ed McBain! We’re doomed!
“I have to hang up, Selma. There’s shooting upstairs.” The matter-of-fact way she says this made me laugh.
A pretty gruesome murder scene for Columbo.
A piece of a jigsaw puzzle in the man’s hand!
Man, this episode feels unnecessarily confusing.
Why does Columbo have a partner in this episode?
They find the third puzzle piece. And, like the others, it’s in mighty fine condition considering it’s made of flimsy paper.
Columbo has to go undercover? Laaaaaaame.
Columbo peeks through the keyhole and notes the guy has a gun. How convenient.
Columbo slipping the piece of paper with the message “You’re a horse’s ass” before bursting in holding a gun (!) is the worst moment in the show’s history. Yes, worse than him playing the tuba and leading that parade of kids. Just awful.
Columbo is attacked and knocked unconscious. What show am I watching?
The nurse takes his pants so he can’t leave? Is that hospital policy? Also, why isn’t he allowed to make a call? Is this hospital in a prison?
Oh, boy, the reveal of Columbo wearing those rainbow clown MC Hammer pants… I’m sure Falk thought this was hilarious.
Holy shit! He’s still wearing the clown pants in the next scene!
This scene of Columbo changing in the car is pretty ridiculous too.
BUT not as ridiculous as Columbo’s undercover mafiosa schtick.
Sorry. Ferguson was having an affair with who now?
Danese is pretty over-the-top as Geraldine, but her performance is not that bad all things considered. She is far from the most annoying thing about this episode. Hell, she doesn’t even make the top ten.
Why is Tyne Daly back after only three episodes?
She’s actually quite good in this scene.
Why does Columbo kiss the strange woman full on the lips? Apparently, the beat was improvised by Falk. What was he thinking? About the kiss. About those clown pants. About this entire episode!
How convenient that the final piece is the most important one.
Ooof. The flamboyant Bramley Khan is a cringeworthy character.
The fingerprint on the coin. THAT’S the damning evidence they have against him?
She flips – I guess because she hasn’t watched enough crime shows to know that coin is hugely circumstantial evidence.
“Close, but no cigar.”
They recover the cash and Columbo leaves to take his dog for a walk. Ho hum.
I’m really conflicted. I can’t decide which was worse, this or the other Ed McBain adaptation. Most will refer to these as “departure episodes”, but I call them “NOT Columbo’s”. Confusing, awful performances, and some pitiful attempts at humor. This one was just embarrassing.
I’m hoping next episode will be at least marginally better – but am not enthusiastic about the prospect of George Wendt, Norm from Cheers, as our murderer.
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