This episode aired September 14, 1975. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were offered the roles of Henry and Grace Willis, but turned them down. This was the last year of Peter Falk's contract and the assumption at the time was that this would be the show's final season. According to Falk, this episode was a…

First and foremost, thanks to everyone who took time to offer recommendations for our upcoming "Best Episode Of..." watch marathon.  Check out Thursday (June 3rd's) blog entry for a full listing of the 30 sci-fi shows that will be the focus of our lengthy watch-athon. Prior to that, however, I'd like to do another marathon…

As I mentioned in a previous blog post (I think) I'd like to do a "Best Episode Of..." watch after completing season 7 of Columbo.  Basically, I would like to watch what is considered to be The Best Episode of each of 30 different science fiction shows. After much thought and back and forth, these…

This episode aired April 27, 1975 Dr. Mark Collier is the first of two murderers George Hamilton would play on the show. He'd return to play the equally treacherous Wade Anders in "Murder Can Be Hazardous to Your Health". Writer Peter S. Fischer talked about the episode's final Gotcha: “That was Dick Levin’s idea. It…

Sharky's Time Loop Adventure - Part 1 Sharky's Time Loop Adventures - Part 2 Sharky's Time Loop Adventures - Part 3 Sharky's Time Loop Adventures - Part 4 Green bean... Crazy playtime...

Back in Montreal, mom has been moved to a convalescent home where she will be undergoing geriatric physiotherapy to help her get back on her feet and mobile.  The long-term goal is have her back home within a month.  Best case scenario of course because if she's not fully mobile, there is o way she'll…

This episode aired March 2, 1975. This was actor Oskar Werner's sole television appearance. Peter Falk traveled to Switzerland to personally convince him to accept the role of Harold Van Wick. This is the only episode in which Columbo actually fires a gun. Peter Falk considered this episode one of his favorites. Actor Herbert Jefferson…

The Crime Writers' Association shortlist nominees were announced today and, having read most of the titles longlisted, I have some thoughts... The Crime Fiction in Translation Dagger 2 of my 4 favorites made the shortlist: Dogs & Wolves by Hervé Le Corre and Going to the Dogs by Pierre Lemaitre.  The Simple Act of Killing…

The Crime Writers' Association Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award longlist titles. My favorites... Sanctuary by Garry Disher Master thief Grace is on the run and seeks refuge in a quaint rural antique shop run by mysterious Erin. But as Grace's past threatens to catch up with her, she'll come to discover that she's not the…

This episode aired February 9, 1975 The episode was shot on an actual cruise ship, the Sun Princess, and cast and crew mingled with actual cruise ship passengers. In 2016, the ship was abandoned off the coast of Thailand where it sank. Direct Ben Gazzara recalled: “We sailed from San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta, and…

Wake up! Out and About: Pointe Claire Village... Laugh therapy... Out and about: The Station Cafe... Out and about: Las Fincas... Back to Toronto... Sharky goes shopping...

The Crime Writers' Association Golden Dagger Award longlist titles. My favorites... Man of Bones by Ben Creed In 1953 Leningrad, militia detective Revol Rossel investigates a hit-and-run that claimed the lives of two people. Caught between the ruthless MGB secret police warning him off the case and his superior officer pressuring him to press ahead,…

Our Columbo rewatch continues with... "By Dawn's Early Light" This episode aired October 27, 1974 Peter Falk remarked on what made this episode vintage Columbo, referring to it as "‘the perfect balance between being both compelling and amusing’. The campus scenes were shot at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. Patrick McGoohan won an Emmy…

The Crime Writers' Association (@The_CWA) Twisted Dagger Award longlist titles. My favorites... The Stranger in Her House by John Marrs When handyman Paul begins to insinuate himself into the life of her widowed mother, Connie suspects he is up to no good. In time, she and Paul will clash, vying for the trust and affection…

The Crime Writers' Association (@The_CWA) Whodunit Dagger Award longlist titles. My favorites... The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen Ex CIA agent Maggie Bird's retirement is upended when a corpse is dumped on her driveway. With the help of some friends, all post-spook retirees, she endeavors to find out who left her the grisly message and…