This is one of the better 90s Columbos where they play with the classical story structure. Unlike in the episodes that make the canon, we do not see how the murder(s) take place, But (especially for the first one) we follow the (intended) killer and get nestled into his perspective, which provides a strong link to what makes Columbo stories function as they do.
Tyne Daly of Cagney and Lacey is a cool addition to Columbo's collection of suspects as she brings to life a character with some (hidden) gravitas.
The twists are multiple with this episode: The tension of seeing Columbo and everybody else right next to apparent danger is a high note, one that surpasses even many notable moments from 70s Columbos. All this while the intended murderer himself is confused and puzzled, totally lost when it comes to winging the whole deal.
As for the second murder: This time the pattern is braken for good because we never get inside the murderer's mind to figure out what their motivation and plan was. Even though the suspects aren't multiple, that's a fresh revision.
So yes, the structure is tampered with. But pleasantly so because we get to experience whole new emotions and tensions as our expectations and habits are challenged.
This episode could have been perfect if only the "gotchas" were smarter. Alas, they just sound too obvious and predictable.
Columbo smelling damp socks pulled from inside a boot is a new low for our stomachs and I never like it when they push the lieutenant's lack of ick to such levels. But hey, the man does his job.
Tyne Daly of Cagney and Lacey is a cool addition to Columbo's collection of suspects as she brings to life a character with some (hidden) gravitas.
The twists are multiple with this episode: The tension of seeing Columbo and everybody else right next to apparent danger is a high note, one that surpasses even many notable moments from 70s Columbos. All this while the intended murderer himself is confused and puzzled, totally lost when it comes to winging the whole deal.
As for the second murder: This time the pattern is braken for good because we never get inside the murderer's mind to figure out what their motivation and plan was. Even though the suspects aren't multiple, that's a fresh revision.
So yes, the structure is tampered with. But pleasantly so because we get to experience whole new emotions and tensions as our expectations and habits are challenged.
This episode could have been perfect if only the "gotchas" were smarter. Alas, they just sound too obvious and predictable.
Columbo smelling damp socks pulled from inside a boot is a new low for our stomachs and I never like it when they push the lieutenant's lack of ick to such levels. But hey, the man does his job.