On first viewing I was rather underwhelmed and confused by this complex multi-murder mystery. But repeated viewings add more and more to the movie, making it rank as one of my Top 10 Columbo episodes of all time.
I disagree with the poster who said Greg Evigan is a horrible actor. I think he's fantastic. His character is horrible, that's for sure, but in terms of shifty, haunted-looking characters who end up totally out of their depth, you couldn't ask for more. He just oozes desperation, which makes for an unnerving but riveting viewing experience. This is my favourite type of Columbo baddie, the ones who come across as preoccupied and on edge, even if they try to mask their anxieties with arrogant bluster. Needless to say Tyne Daly is also a joy to watch from start to finish. Bright enough to plot a murder or two, but not sharp enough to withstand the Lieutenant's questioning.
Aesthetically this isn't a very stylish episode, with loud music, terrible hairstyles and hideous fashion sense, but as with my favourite movie Scarface, the tacky brashness adds to the sense of cheap tastelessness (in terms of the characters' lifestyles and morals). Some of the more lavish, arty-looking Columbos lack suspense and momentum, whereas this one is gripping all the way, especially as the net closes in.
Another extra dimension of this episode is that there are two would-be murderers (one beats the other to it), so not only does that mean twice the usual Columbo cat and mouse games, it also results in an increasingly tense relationship between the two villains. The downside is that maybe at first it's a difficult story to follow, because we only really find out exactly what's been going on at the end of the movie.
All in all this is another 90s episode far better than some of the poorer 70s ones like "Dagger Of The Mind" (the worst Columbo ever, from way back in '72). Not quite as good as "Swan Song", "Any Old Port In A Storm" or "A Friend In Deed", but not far off.
I disagree with the poster who said Greg Evigan is a horrible actor. I think he's fantastic. His character is horrible, that's for sure, but in terms of shifty, haunted-looking characters who end up totally out of their depth, you couldn't ask for more. He just oozes desperation, which makes for an unnerving but riveting viewing experience. This is my favourite type of Columbo baddie, the ones who come across as preoccupied and on edge, even if they try to mask their anxieties with arrogant bluster. Needless to say Tyne Daly is also a joy to watch from start to finish. Bright enough to plot a murder or two, but not sharp enough to withstand the Lieutenant's questioning.
Aesthetically this isn't a very stylish episode, with loud music, terrible hairstyles and hideous fashion sense, but as with my favourite movie Scarface, the tacky brashness adds to the sense of cheap tastelessness (in terms of the characters' lifestyles and morals). Some of the more lavish, arty-looking Columbos lack suspense and momentum, whereas this one is gripping all the way, especially as the net closes in.
Another extra dimension of this episode is that there are two would-be murderers (one beats the other to it), so not only does that mean twice the usual Columbo cat and mouse games, it also results in an increasingly tense relationship between the two villains. The downside is that maybe at first it's a difficult story to follow, because we only really find out exactly what's been going on at the end of the movie.
All in all this is another 90s episode far better than some of the poorer 70s ones like "Dagger Of The Mind" (the worst Columbo ever, from way back in '72). Not quite as good as "Swan Song", "Any Old Port In A Storm" or "A Friend In Deed", but not far off.