IDENTITY CRISIS is another Columbo instalment starring Patrick McGoohan, certainly the most prolific and hard-working of returning guest stars. McGoohan is a hoot in this one, and plays the most likable villain of his Columbo career: he's a spy who bumps off a rival and makes it look like a mugging, at least until Columbo shows up. Said rival is Leslie Nielsen, still playing it straight at this stage of his career.
This is one of the episodes that's slightly unusual and works well for being atypical. The background is one of spies and spying and the viewer is treated to the sight of Columbo being tailed by a couple of CIA agents for part of the running time, which is quite amusing. The emphasis on humour is strong and the scene at the gas station is particularly amusing. However, my favourite moment is the lengthy conversation between Falk and McGoohan towards the climax, where they chill out in McGoohan's house and discuss his possessions. Two fine actors at the top of their game - what more could you possibly want?
This is one of the episodes that's slightly unusual and works well for being atypical. The background is one of spies and spying and the viewer is treated to the sight of Columbo being tailed by a couple of CIA agents for part of the running time, which is quite amusing. The emphasis on humour is strong and the scene at the gas station is particularly amusing. However, my favourite moment is the lengthy conversation between Falk and McGoohan towards the climax, where they chill out in McGoohan's house and discuss his possessions. Two fine actors at the top of their game - what more could you possibly want?