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(More customer reviews)I have never been a huge fan of murder mysteries, either in book, TV or movie form. I either figure them out too soon or in the cases where I don't, the resolution tends to be a severe let down. Its not that I'm some sort of amateur genius detective or anything, I just have a very good memory and tend to keep certain aspects of the mystery catalogued as I watch and figure them out based on that minor skill. Columbo, however, is a murder mystery show of a different animal. Quite frankly, no show of its type has been more original in presentation, format or style before or after its initial launch in the 60's.
The reason for this bold claim? Peter Falk and the innovative idea to reveal the murderer at the start of the tale. The enjoyment, and I'm sure many of you have heard this time and time again, in watching a Columbo episode is; a. the interaction between Columbo and the suspect; b. the personal mannerisms of the Columbo character; c. following Columbo as he uncovers every facet of the crime committed and pieces them together and; d. the satisfaction of being in on the moment when the killer is exposed. Instead of being surprised like the killer is, you get the satisfaction of being a silent partner with Columbo as he brings the culprit to justice.
Few shows are based in total reality, and indeed, this show harkens back to a time when people weren't as savvy about every detail of crime solving as they are now what with constant airings of documentaries on A&E such as Cold Case Files and drama based modern shows like CSI on CBS. But what helps Columbo stand the test of time ultimately is the performance of Peter Falk in the role of Columbo and a sense of relief in not having to constantly try and figure out who the killer is throughout the episode. Below is a short synopsis of the episodes and original movies that will be included on this 5 disc set:
Prescription: Murder (1968)
Gene Barry plays a cheating doctor out to get rid of the main obstacle standing in the way of him and his young, pretty actress girlfriend. This first movie introduces the audience to the typical type of villain Columbo will face in future episodes; rich, famous and well connected politically...and sometimes all three.
Note: This episode is especially interesting to watch due to the fact that the Columbo character had yet to be fully fleshed out by Peter Falk. He is seen being rather harsh in this episode and would only rarely show this type of rage again in any other episode. He toned down the character and made him much more laid back later on.
Ransom for a Dead Man (1971)
A lawyer (Lee Grant) kills her husband for the insurance money and makes the whole thing look like a kidnapping. It never hurt the Columbo series that most of the guest stars were actors or actresses every bit as talented as Peter Falk himself, something Murder She Wrote could rarely claim.
Murder by the Book (1971)
Jack Cassidy in one of a number of memorable turns on the show plays one half of a successful writing team...the untalented half. When his partner makes it known his intentions to break up the team, Jack Cassidy's character makes sure he regrets that decision.
Note: Jack Cassidy is the father of Shawn and David Cassidy. This episode is directed by a very young Steven Spielberg whose other early TV directing gig was an episode of Night Gallery.
Death Lends a Hand (1971)
Robert Culp guests as the owner of a powerful detective agency who murders a client's wife. One of my favorite episodes of them all, and includes some of the earliest tidbits of information regarding Columbos past.
Dead Weight (1971)
Eddie Albert plays a retired military officer bent on keeping his corruption a secret, even if it requires murdering a subordinate. The only problem? Helen Stewart (Suzanne Pleshette) sees the whole thing from a row boat on the water. The only obstacle she has is proving to the police and her own mother that she isn't batty and just seeing things. Of course, Columbo believes her, which is strangely fitting since the police on the scene feel he's just as batty as she is!
Suitable for Framing (1971)
Ross Martin kills his uncle for a valuable art collection and tries to pin the whole thing on said uncle's first wife. Overall, the only weak link in an otherwise stellar first season in my opinion but a good episode regardless. And be sure to look out for Don Ameche in a guest starring role.
Note: Ross Martin was the one time acting teacher to Peter Falk.
Lady in Waiting (1971)
Susan Clark plays a woman who kills her brother in order to take over the family company. She attempts to make it seem like a case of mistaken identity thinking he is an intruder. Leslie Nielsen guest stars as her non-bumbling boyfriend.
Note: This episode was written by Steven Bochco who later gave us stunning television such as Cop Rock. ;)
Short Fuse (1972)
Roddy McDowall guest stars as a brilliant scientist whose uncle wants to force out of the family chemical company. Something tells us that the uncle won't make it very far in the episode with that sort of attitude! Cigars play a crucial role in uncovering the nephew's guilt. Something I'm sure Columbo relishes in the end.
Blueprint For Murder (1972)
Forrest Tucker makes a brief but memorable turn as an obnoxious Texas developer who gets the short end of the jerky stick when his architect murders him to keep a proposed building project from being axed. Probably my second favorite episode from the first season and it ends up being the toughest case so far for Columbo to break.
So there you have it. An outstanding start to an outstanding series. I have heard grumblings from other reviewers regarding the lack of extras, but as for me, I'm just glad they are finally being released. This is the first and probably last review I will write for a television program, but Columbo deserves my attention and will hopefully earn yours as well. Forget the A-Team DVD set and plunk down your hard earned cash on this one instead, you won't regret it!
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