It’s still a cause of pride and joy for Columbo fans that a young Steven Spielberg was in the director’s chair for this.
TOP 20 COLUMBO EPISODES TV
So begins one of the pivotal TV experiences of our time.įrom those first arresting moments, Murder by the Book grabs the viewer by the throat and never lets go.
TOP 20 COLUMBO EPISODES DRIVER
As the typewriter continues to pound the car parks in an empty lot, the driver steps out and slips a gun into his jacket. A writer in a high-rise is lost in a world of his own invention.
A Mercedes cruises through the LA streets. Murder by the Book gets off to an arresting start – and it never lets upĪ typewriter pounds. The message is clear: he may be polite, he may be respectful. But the real highlight is the moment at the docks when Abi tells Columbo she thinks he’s a very kind man. His monologue to the ladies’ lunch, the exchange with Abi from behind the wheel of her Rolls Royce, and his sympathy with her for the loss of her niece all give good insights into his character and his past.
TOP 20 COLUMBO EPISODES SERIES
In a series of memorable scenes, Columbo gives away more of his real personality than we usually see in a single episode. The murder itself (Abi traps her supposedly treacherous nephew in an air-tight safe) is first rate, the conclusion is rewarding, but it is the rapport between Abi and the Lieutenant that really makes it sing. Many fans rate it amongst their very favourites and I’m no different. Ruth Gordon’s charming turn as diminutive mystery writer Abigail Mitchell (the oldest Columbo killer by a stretch) elevates this episode to stellar heights. And in catching his quarry we see Columbo employ a range of tricks and subterfuge that show just what he’s willing to do in the course of duty – a theme that will reappear time and again throughout the series. Notable for a beautifully presented murder scene, which at once shows us everything and nothing, and some innovative editing where the aftermath of the crime is played out in a montage on Brimmer’s glasses, this is a slice of 70s TV at its most absorbing. Throw in Falk’s exquisite performance and you have a Great Triumvirate at the peak of their powers.
He’s rich, powerful and used to having his way, but Milland successfully conveys his vulnerable edge and sadness at the death of his wife (at Brimmer’s furious hands). In contrast is Ray Milland’s dignified turn as wronged media mogul Arthur Kennicut. He’s a superb foil to the Lieutenant and a very dangerous foe. In the role of Investigator Brimmer, Robert Culp brings a barely contained rage to Columbo that makes for compelling viewing. The first episode of Season 1 to be filmed, Death Lends a Hand was ultimately bumped back from opening the series by the superior Murder by the Book, but it remains one of the show’s strongest chapters. Innovative editing techniques help Death Lends a Hand stand out I love Columbo Goes to College and Agenda for Murder from 1990, but I’m a purist at heart and nothing can beat the 70s classics. Spoiler alert: It won’t surprise most people who know me to learn there are no ‘new’ episodes included within this list. So the choices below are are my favourite episodes simply because they are the ones that I enjoy the most, and the ones that I come back to time and again and again when I need my Columbo fix. As I said in my ‘Top 10 gotchas’ blog, you’ve got to choose from the heart, not to satisfy public demand. Selecting the best Columbo episodes is always going to be subjective.
There’s every chance you won’t agree with all my choices and, as always with articles of this type there are some absolutely terrific episodes that haven’t made it on to my list.īut I make no apologies for that. I hope that an article on the subject could be a good way of encouraging debate amongst readers. With the help of my super-intelligent buddy MM7, I’ve been able to compute my Columbo top 10 If you’re a lover of Columbo and meet a fellow fan, the question of favourite episodes is always a good ice-breaker that guarantees a lively discussion.
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