This episode aired October 12, 1975. Hector Elizondo, who played Hassan Sabah, fondly reflected on his experience shooting this episode: “You know what I remember? I remember laughing a lot. We had a great time.” Four months after this episode aired, actor Sal Mineo, who played Rahman Habib, was stabbed to death. Jeff Goldblum is…

Out and About with Sharky - The Distillery! Twitchy - Doing his part for the environment - A visit to the vet - Freeze-frame! How many treats does Sharky eat in a day? [Spoiler: It's actually double this.]

Although I may have slowed down, the Crime Binge continues (ticking past 775 international crime shows and counting!).  Here are five recent favorites... Your Friends & Neighbors - 1 season - United States A hedge fund manager resorts to burglary after losing his job, targeting wealthy neighbors to maintain his family's lifestyle, but makes a…

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…