This episode first aired May 15, 1997.
This episode marks the (mercifully) final appearance of Shera Danese (Mrs. Peter Falk).
Actor David Rasche, who plays Patrick in this episode, was the star of ABC’s “Sledgehammer” and uses his character’s catchphrase from that series at one point in this episode: “I know what I’m doing.”
The writer of this episode, Charles Kipps, made his mark on “The Cosby Mysteries”.
Episode director McEveety has a small role as one of the helpers in the restaurant.
At one point in the episode, Columbo asks for Patrick’s help in questioning a suspect and says “Three eyes are better than one.”, suggesting that, like Falk, Columbo has a glass eye.
My thoughts on this episode in chronological viewing order…
The way they plot this murder is kind of lame. These are two of the most milquetoast killers in Columbo history.
Ah, back in the days when everyone didn’t have cell phones and you’d have to beg to use someone’s landline in an emergency.
Checking to make sure there’s no one else in the house in the most obvious way.
That cat has GOT to figure into this investigation somehow.
THAT is a lot of cat fur.
Why would the murderer be stupid enough to leave their cigar bit at the scene?
Why the need to set the alarm? I assume to establish a timeline, but it will, I’m sure, prove more troublesome than it’s worth.
At least this guy is smart enough to get rid of the murder weapon instead of burying it in his backyard.
Nothing subtle about all that cat fur getting smeared all over the back of his jacket.
Hmmm. Clearly the murder victim did not hit the panic button given where his body is found.
Oh, he works in the forensics department!
“That cat may be the only witness to this terrible crime.” !
Columbo back to his klepto ways, stealing the chocolates. Good thing the silverware has been locked away.
“If you answer a couple of questions I’ll be out of your hair.” Kind of obvious, but I guess it works.
Columbo finagles himself a cigar.
The gun is missing!
Columbo annoys Calvert by asking him point blank if he killed Howard Seltzer. If I was Calvert, I’d take my cigar back.
Ah, the backfiring Peugeot.
“It’s no secret how little cops make” as she sends him off with a fruit basket.
“That cop just came in. He’s handing out apples. I think the guy’s a little goofy.” Love this.
Patrick is more of a banana man. Columbo finds this hilarious.
“Oh, by the way. I vacuumed the rug. Guess what? I found a dime.”
“Good for you, lieutenant.”
It’s like talking to a child.
Columbo is relieved they found the cat.
And speaking of finding…aha! The cigar bit!
Columbo spends much of this episode nicking stuff – first the chocolates, now the cigars.
Why would a guy drive 5 miles after killing someone to buy cough drops? Maybe to establish an alibi?
“And now that dopey detective wants to talk to me!”
Columbo feigning stomach cramps.
Hooboy. This whole “Columbo noticing” sequence is so incredibly heavy-handed that it’s embarrassing. Not only does he look like he’s having a stroke in the middle of the diner, but he has to retreat to the bathroom in order to emote. Then, to top it all off, we get this seamless bit of subtle exposition: “These two know each other. They know each other well.”
“I’m not here as a cop. I’m here as a human being.”
“As opposed to what? A kangaroo?”
Aha! Calvert uses a cigar cutter. And he is critical of Columbo’s technique: “You gnaw on it like a beaver.”
Wow. Cathleen has quite the wardrobe of tacky orange outfits.
He claimshee found a fiber from the upholstery of a foreign car on the knife. Is she stupid enough to believe this? Yes. Yes, she is.
It takes surprisingly little effort from Columbo to turn them against each other.
News break! The lovers are testifying against each other!
This explanation tag is weird. They really should have done a better job of integrating this into the Gotcha!
Author David Koenig described Falk’s portrayal of Columbo in this episode as “borderline senile” and, well, it’s hard to argue against this interpretation given Columbo’s over-the-top facial gestures and body language. At times, it feels like this episode was dumbed down for elementary school viewers who might have missed the nuances, so everything is BIG! Overall, a few fun moments, and Barry Corbin as Clifford Calvert absolutely steals every scene he is in, but this one suffered from two exceptionally bland murderers. And, like I said, a very cartoonish Columbo. Not as bad as those Ed McBain episodes I suppose.
Next episodes, “Ashes to Ashes”, sees the return of Patrick McGoohan. Dare I get my muted hopes up?
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