|
Columbo
Season 3
I recall that as a kid, the best part about any given
episode of Columbo was waiting and watching the guaranteed demise
of the murderer at the hands of the glass-eyed Lieutenant’s tedious
questioning, which invariably contained the famous “one more thing”
refrain. Watching these episodes in clear DVD transfer, I am pleased to
report the same enjoyment. Watching the murder being meticulously
executed, then the murderer being even more meticulously questioned and
investigated (so an inversion of the “whodunit”) is the biggest drawcard
I could find in the show.
The second-biggest would have to be the infectious
Peter Falk and his screen presence. The slurry speech, the eye, the
dishevelled trench coat… ah, what else can you ask for? The show also
featured a long string of special guest stars… some whom we’d have no
hope of recognising, and others whose names ring familiar: Martin Sheen,
for example.
I can’t really think of what else to talk about. As
should be obvious, I’m gushing in admiration. I love this show and
others who do will no doubt already have the DVDs. That only leaves the
people who have very little idea about the show. Take your standard
CSI or Law & Order. Remove the high-tech nerve-centre with
its swishy young professionals who type away and experiment with
reconstructing the crime-scene. You have a middle-aged, shabby, note-pad
carrying Lt who mumbles and stumbles his way through each case. His
sharp mind solves the cases by scrutinising minutely the many
inconsistencies the suspects are lulled into confessing during one of
Columbo’s numerous, seemingly sporadic visits. Okay, done. Hopefully
that convinced you. If not… we’ll agree to disagree! |
