Dear friends, how long has it been? Many, many moons, I’m sure we can agree.
As you can’t fail to have noticed, the blog is languishing in a state of disuse – a pity, as otherwise I might be planning some blockbuster 10th anniversary content for the middle of the year to commemorate my first foray into Columbo blogging here waaaaay back in June 2015.
Happily, my lack of output has nothing to do with my daughter’s current health. She continues to recover well from her ghastly year of treatment in 2024 and we remain optimistic that a long and happy life lies ahead for her. At the time of writing, she’s enjoying an extended break with my wife in Europe, living it up in Paris and London as my son and I subsist on a frugal diet in Oz to avoid bankrupting the family.
Despite this, we are all battling some mental scars, and my own bouts of gloom are the single-biggest factor in a lack of blogging output. I still heart the good Lieutenant, of course, but putting pen to paper on the subject, so to speak, feels like an almighty effort. Indeed, looking back on the blog’s ‘glory years’ of 2017-2021, I can scarcely believe my output was so high.
At the time my daughter was rediagnosed in July 2023, I’d also reached a milestone in my Columbo chronicling. I’d recently completed the 69th and final episode review, and even though there’s no shortage of topics that could still be covered, I wasn’t necessarily leaving readers on a cliffhanger, wondering when or if I’d ever complete my Magnum Opus.
So, is there a future for the blog? Well, it certainly won’t be going anywhere, and it continues to attract impressive visitor figures and keen commentary despite the dearth of new content. But I can’t envisage a time when I’ll be back at the Columbo grindstone on a weekly basis like in years gone by.
However, if there are any sensational Columbo developments (e.g. reboot) or noteworthy matters, I’ll be sure to wade in on the debate and do what I can to raise awareness amongst the community of fellow Lieutenant lovers.
Speaking of which…
Hardcore fans will doubtless already have a copy of David Koenig’s marvellous Shooting Columbo book but if you haven’t, now’s the time to right that wrong as an expanded paperback version has just been released!
If you’re not familiar with the book, it’s a behind-the-scenes exposé of all 69 Columbo episodes, which David compiled after being granted unprecedented access to production notes and studio materials gain a glimpse of the show never previously revealed to the public! It’s one of the best and most significant Columbo books ever written and you can order your copy here. You won’t regret it!
There’s also another Columbo book in the wings, which is the work of long-time Columbophile blog commentator (and occasional contributor), Glenn Stewart!
Although I have not seen an official synopsis, Glenn’s tome is entitled Columbo Explains The Seventies, and, if my understanding is correct, it consists of a collection of essays on a variety of Columbo topics and how they relate to common aspects of life in the 1970s.
Most of the content has never been seen before, but some of Glenn’s excellent contributions to the blog will also be included. You can revisit some of those subjects right here.
Regular readers of the blog will doubtless be aware of Glenn, and I’m sure we all wish him well with the book. Once it’s on sale I’ll post more information on it so keen Columbophiles can get their trotters on a copy tout de suite.
That’s about all I have to report for now. Once again, apologies for the radio silence – particularly if you have emailed me in the past year, because I either haven’t had the heart to reply or it has simply passed me by. To quote the poor, late Bertie Hastings from The Bye-Bye Sky High IQ Murder Case, “I’ll try to do better…”
So glad to hear you’re daughter has battled her diagnosis well. Hoping we’ll get a blog from you by 2/26. Don’t know if this is listed in Columbophile, somewhere, but I just learned of James McEachin’s passing, 1/25. He and I talked via Messenger a couple times, but he did not get back with me in 2025. Very sad when these actors pass esp. the Columbo ones.
Good Heavens, I forgot to mention that I also bought THE COLUMBOPHILE book, which was excellent!!!
I recently learned of this website, and have been enjoying it very much. I have always loved Columbo. I loved reading the reviews, and am working my way through the articles.
Mark Dawidziak once gave a presentation at my library (Dracula, not Columbo) Afterwards I asked him if he would consider writing a sequel to THE COLUMBO PHILE, with information on the later episodes. I was delighted to learn, at this website, that he has indeed brought out a new edition, with commentary on the later episodes (although I do wish that he had done MORE). Now, I not only have a copy of the new edition, I have COLUMBO UNDER GLASS, SHOOTING COLUMBO, UNSHOT COLUMBO, and the book of short stories, all of which I learned about on this website. Thank you!
I was reading one of the articles–I think it was the one on the killing methods–when it occurred to me that some of the nastiest killings were done by doctors. Four psychiatrist/psychologists and a surgeon. It reminded me of Sherlock Holmes’ comment in “The Speckled Band” about how, when a doctor turns to crime, he is the worst of criminals. I thought that this might make an interesting article.
Some sad news as two Columbo stars have recently left us this past month:
Clive Revill
He starred in the final classic NBC 70s era Columbo, The Conspirators, as the limerick loving murderer Joe Devlin. He passed away from dementia on March 11 at the age of 94. He was an actor from New Zealand who starred in numerous productions and also worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He is also famous as being the original voice of Emperor Palpatine in the initial release of The Empire Strikes Back.
Here is a link to the review of the Conspirators, the final episode of the NBC run, to learn more about Clive Revill’s contribution to Columbo:
https://columbophile.com/2020/02/16/episode-review-columbo-the-conspirators/
Denis Arndt
He starred in the ABC “new Columbo” episode Agenda for Murder as the VP candidate Paul Mackey (Patrick McGoohan was the murderer, and also directed this episode). He was great playing a swarmy politician and always seemed more anxious around Columbo than the actual murderer (Oscar ‘poppycock’ Finch) was. Dennis Arndt passed away on March 25 at the age of 86. He appeared on numerous television shows and earned a Tony Award nomination in 2017 for his role in the play Heisenberg.
Here is a link to the episode review for Agenda For Murder, one of the best episodes of the ABC run, to learn more about Dennis Arndt’s contribution to Columbo:
https://columbophile.com/2020/08/30/episode-review-columbo-agenda-for-murder/
Ann Coleman
And finally, there is Ann Coleman. She is the “Tricon lady” from the classic NBC episode Exercise in Fatality (the episode starring Robert Conrad). She passed away on July 29 2023. For many years, the identity of the Tricon lady was a mystery. Here is the article about how David Keonig tracked down the mystery Tricon lady decades after the episode had aired:
https://columbophile.com/2022/03/20/cracking-the-case-of-the-tricon-mystery-woman/
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Let’s all drink a glass of Full’s Irish Dew along with a slice of cheese and a raw vegetable smoothie in honour of these great actors and their contributions to Columbo!
For the sake of initiating debate, I pose this question for the message board. Which individual Columbo episode(s), if any, do you view as superior to the movie Dial M for Murder?
Many CP site commenters have referenced Dial M as an obvious inspiration for Columbo over the years, so I won’t bother to reiterate the shared DNA. I will also recognize up front that the different mediums for these works matters — film (one-off characters, bigger budget) versus TV (serial storytelling, shorter production schedule). But since Columbo “TV movies” resemble films — and we’re all fans here — why not put them to the test.
Certainly one of Columbo’s greatest strengths/selling points is the cumulative value of giving us 60+ stories to enjoy. I don’t dismiss that lightly. But for this exercise, I’m asking if you think any one Columbo episode outshined what I think most agree is a mystery film classic in overall entertainment quality.
Yay/nay? Which ones and why?
I think A Friend in Need is on a par with Dial M as a standalone movie. It established its characters well, Falk was in his prime, IMO, as the Lieutenant; Kiley was outstanding, and the character actors and supporting cast were really good. And it was an original-feeling plot, as far as I’m concerned. And the gotcha, especially after Kiley had just said, with sneering contempt, “You just lost your badge, my friend!” Was SO satisfying.
Ditto to your whole post!
I would cite PLAYBACK.
1) The “gotcha” is great–presented straightforwardly to the viewer, with the added frisson that what distracts the killer into making his mistake simultaneously distracts the viewer, rendering it doubly invisible.
2) Fine villain in Oskar Werner, and strong support from Gena Rowlands and Martha Scott
3) Great mise en scene from Bernard Kowalski. The claustrophobia of the family situation is matched by the claustrophobia of the images. It is Columbo’s version of “Huis Clos.”
4) The episode does not wear out its welcome by adding subplots. It is a succinct/swift 73 minutes.
5) Good Columbo-out-of-his-element scene.
6) Superb final image, where Columbo shows regret for what he had to do, as he switches off the monitor and tilts his head down.
7) Clear motivation for the murder, with careful planning in advance. A human/unplanned element unravels the crime, just as in DIAL M FOR MURDER.
IDENTITY CRISIS and FORGOTTEN LADY lie second and third.
Playback was actually the first one that came to mind for me, and I agree with all the points you made. But A Friend in Need edges it out, just slightly, because the villain was so evil and so powerful in Columbo’s day-to-day work. To have to solve a murder that your superior in your job did made it so much more risky yet imperative for Columbo. Werner’s character was evil, but Columbo risked very little in pursuing him as the suspect. That said, Playback is GREAT and stands on its own for sure as a movie. Gena Rowlands was awesome, too! Not a fan of Identity Crisis, but Forgotten Lady was another great one!
I agree that the risk factor for Columbo is greater in A FRIEND IN NEED, but what nudges PLAYBACK in front for me is the direction. It is one of the handful of Columbo episodes where visual style reinforces/matches the narrative. Most episodes are competently directly, but rarely am I enjoying the images as much as the writing and the acting, so the experience feels unbalanced for me.
Harvey Hart and Patrick McGoohan are also good directors, but those episodes falter for me in other areas.
You both make good cases. And I agree the climactic gotcha in Friend hits sharper and harder than the ruse in Dial M.
Nice to hear your daughter is doing better; I was curious, because I couldn’t find it on this page: do you have any other articles you’re thinking about regarding the already existing episodes, now that your ranking is done?
My family and I can relate how much energy output goes into caring for a sick child, and so I was amazed how your wonderful posts were (are), even through your daughter’s illness! You truly inspired me and brought joy through our own rough days! And one more thing 🚬 ….God bless you and your family 💗😌
Two famous actors with links to Columbo passed away during 2024. For those who may have missed the news, here are the details:
Gena Rowlands.
Gena Rowlands appeared in the episode “Playback”, as the wife of the murderer, and excelled in the role. She was married to one of Peter Falk’s BFFs, John Cassavetes (who appeared as the murderer in Etude in Black).
She had a long and successful career as an actress (1949-2014), and was nominated for an Academy Award multiple times.
She passed away on August 14 at the age of 94.
Dabney Coleman.
Dabney Coleman appeared in two Columbo episodes. He appeared as a detective in 1973’s Double Shock on NBC, and returned to Columbo in the 1990s ABC episode Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star (he was the best part of that weak episode).
He appeared in over 175 film and television roles from 1961-2019 and won Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG awards for his roles.
He passed away on May 16 at the age of 92.
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Big thanks to both of these incredible actors for their stellar contributions to Columbo, which we will continue to enjoy for many years to come!
We just discovered your wonderful blog. Thanks for your witty insights into one of our favorite shows. Glad to hear your family is doing well.
Great news to hear the family is well. I hope they enjoy the trip to Europe! It’s understandable you are not motivated to write at this time.
One idea to keep the blog active would perhaps be to occasionally post open forums. For example, you could post “Columbo stars we lost in 2024” as the topic. There are numerous Columbophiles visiting this site who could add to that thread with their updates. Or an open forum when season 2 of Poker Face arrives?
Another idea is occasional guest posts. Glenn Stewart could do a guest post about his upcoming book as many of us would love to know more.
The is so much existing content here that even without much new material, we can keep busy with reviewing archive articles for years.
Wishing you and your family all the best and looking forward to your future posts when you are ready to return. Thanks for the update as it was great to hear from you!
I’m delighted to hear your daughter is doing well! It’s always great to see your posts, even if they’re understandably less frequent now.
I had no idea there was such a large Columbo community my wife and I love it and we are so excited to have found your blog. Well wishes for you and your loved ones! Thank you for all you do!
I’ve been a silent follower of this page for years and like others I’m so happy that your daughter is recovering well and travelling around Europe will be such a fantastic experience for her.
Take all the time you need, we understand the last few years have been a massive strain, so we know that this page is not your first priority.
Take care.
hmmm, your partner disappears and now you don’t know the point of ever writing again…just kidding. thanks for the update!
Oh, I am so glad to hear from you and to learn things are going well for your daughter and you! What an ordeal you’ve had. I had been checking the blog periodically hoping for an optimistic update.
The Columbophile is chock full of enough great tidbits to keep us occupied for a while. Take the time you need. We’ll be here!
Hello, Columbophile! Great news about your daughter, and that’s nice you have your son with you while the ladies are away. Your writing is as witty as ever – blessings to you always! 🎬💛
I’m happy to hear that your daughter is well.
You description of not wanting to work on the blog reminds me of when I myself get burnt out on stuff. Don’t force it… the output will suffer… and so will you. Take some time and come back to it later… if you want.
With all that said, there are two things that I personally would wish you would revisit in the future (when you feel up to it):
1. I miss reading the Columbo Stars We Lost each year. It’s a bit morbid, and we were getting down to some bit parts, but for some reason I enjoy it. It gives honor and remembrance to those we lost, and it gives me a reason to re-watch certain episodes (something that was a family tradition for a while).
2. Will you follow up the book you published with a second volume? I know that’s about the more recent eps that you dislike, but it sure would be cool to put that book on my shelf next to the first one (and the rest of my Columbo books).
Anyway, regardless of how things go in the future, thanks for everything you have done. It has enriched our lives.
Greetings! I am truly relieved to know that your daughter is doing well and touring the Continent with her mother, and that you and your son are faring well together at home in Oz. I know what you mean about Europe being expensive. I visited there a year ago and it certainly was not cheap!
And I am elated that you’ve resumed blogging about our favourite detective! We all treasure your words and value your insights into Columbo and his world. I hope and pray that you will continue The Great Work of shedding even further light on this most interesting of subjects! I’m a Super Fan, so this content is my life’s blood.
Likewise, I am genuinely excited to experience the publication of ‘Columbo Explains the Seventies’ by Glenn Stewart, since those were golden days of my life, full of wondrous memories, which especially included viewing all of the ‘Columbo’ episodes as first-run broadcasts. I even recall enjoying the fun Columbo Yoghurt radio commercials, which were a blast!
Some five years ago you were asking us who was the most dastardly of all the ‘Columbo’ series villains, and so to give a fair and accurate answer I replayed the entire series, all 69 episodes, and determined who that villainous character was! And so, extremely belatedly, I’d like to now announce that it was….. Alex Benedict as played by John Cassavetes in ‘Étude in Black’ way back in 1972. Any man who kills an innocent parrot who did not deserve to die should suffer the wrath of The Gods to fall upon him! (You see, I’m a big fan of parrots!) And the truth is, he brought his doom upon himself by failing to keep his lapel flower on. Sloppy villains get caught! Alex Benedict was smart, but he didn’t think his crime out far enough, else he would have known that the girl’s pet bird’s preventable demise was a dead give-away to a sharp sleuth. And no shamus is sharper than Columbo! What an evil man that Alex Benedict was, however suave and talented his demeanor!
Anyway, thanks for bringing the Light of Columbo into our lives! Best Wishes to you and your family! We all appreciate the work you do for us Columbo fans! You’re The Best!
Oh it ALWAYS chills me when I watch that one and the bird cries out after he hits her! Gets to me everytime!
Thank you for the update and good news about your daughter. Your episode reviews may be complete, but there is much else you do that I have missed. The blu-ray commentary fiasco, the memorials for Columbo contributors who have died, and your thoughts on Elsbeth, for example. Of course, tell us more about Glenn Stewart’s book as information becomes available. Thanks!
Thanks for the update! I’m happy for your family. Enjoy 2025!!
Great to hear about your daughters recovery 🙂 – I got your fantastic book at Xmas and have been re-watching many episodes as a result.
So happy to hear from you and get the encouraging news about your daughter. Write when the spirit prompts…. otherwise, be kind to yourself. 🙂 This is still the best site ever.
So glad to hear your daughter is doing better! And thank you for all you’ve done to make this site so enjoyable.
Still love this blog!
Very glad for your daughter ! That’s all that really matters!
Thank God your daughter is better!!! My daughter, who is a grown woman, had health issues from the beginning of 2024 to the end of it. She, too, is much better. But I feel like I held my breath ALL last year and lost my ability to feel joy. I am thankful for the healing of your child and mine.
It doesn’t matter how old they get, they are still our children, and if they are ill so are we. I’m sure we all understand that family comes first—even before Colombo!! lolol
I never thought anyone loved Colombo—the character or the show—more than I did, and I’m really happy to find your blog and realize how wrong I was!!
Thank you so much for the update. I know how difficult it must have been for you to to post. All the best to you and your family during this difficult time.
Hallmark Mysteries – Channel 75 on my local Cable – does have Columbo in their rotation. Usually early in the morning
Wonderful to read from you again, and even greater news about your daughter! I can certainly imagine that the past few years have left their marks, completely understand how difficult it must be to focus on your blog now. I wish you and your family all the best for 2025 and thank you for getting in touch with us!
It’s simply great to hear from you and more importantly your daughter is well.
And things that we can only have every so often are usually the best. LOL!
I am so happy to hear that your daughter is better. I hope that you take time every day to take good care of yourself. You can see that we care about you, Columbophile. Thanks for taking the time to let us know how you are doing.
So happy to hear from you & all the very best to your wonderful family as you all heal. Your content remains stellar & abundant & many (including myself) are very grateful to you. Wishing you glorious days ahead!
Great news about your daughter. We all hope her path to full health remains a smooth one. And the blog doesn’t need weekly posts to keep it thriving. Just an occasional entry to make us anticipate Sunday mornings once again.
Good to read your message and I’m glad your daughter is doing well.
Happy 2025 ,Columbophile,thank you for your episodes and more.
We love the old man and you!
So glad to read that things are better for your family. Hope your gloom lifts soon.
Thanks for the update! I certainly understand reacting to life’s difficulties, having lost my husband in 2023. Columbo remains great comfort-TV for me although I am also very fond of the English countryside setting of Midsomer Murders. Very convoluted plots compared to Columbo!
Terrific to hear from you after such a long time and very pleased your daughter is progressing well to good natural health.
Take care in the blazing heat of the OZ WA summer; and hope we hear from you at least occasionally 🙂
So glad to hear that the family is well. Take all the time you need to recover for yourself. It has been a harrowing experience for you all. Happy to hear from you whenever you are up to it.
Happy New Year Columbophile to you and your family. It’s wonderful to hear from you and heartening to hear your daughter is continuing to recover well, thank goodness. After viewing an episode, we go back to your review of it and reread your take on it. We often catch something you mention that we’ve forgotten about and it makes it all the more interesting. We appreciate you and all of your efforts. We look forward to hearing from you in the future. Whenever that may be. You’re well worth waiting for.
Good to hear from you. I kept thinking about how your daughter is doing. Very relieved to hear she is feeling better and traveling! Always great to read Columbophile blog entries.
Thank you. All the best to you and your family. Happy New Year!
I’m so relieved to read your daughter is doing better. But I totally understand your mental and emotional fatigue.
I was thinking one easy fun thing you could do is a recap or two of Poker Face on Peacock. It’s an open homage to Columbia and a no pressure fun watch for you.
Delighted to receive an update! I look forward to reading new blogs no matter the frequency!’
I wish you all the prayers for your daughter and family. Thank you for all the gard work you put into this columbo blog. It appreciated by me so very much, it’s the quality not quantity so what you have or will post gas been appreciated,enjoyed, and fulfilling as a Columbo fan . All the best, Donna Gerhardt
I’m so happy to hear from you, and to hear that your daughter is well!
SO happy to see this! Glad to hear of happier times for you all.
How uncanny! I was just thinking about you yesterday and was hoping for the best. I’m quite relieved to hear that your daughter is recovering.
So glad to hear your daughter is doing well and traveling! Thank you for letting all of us know. Love the blog.
Columbophile – Thanks for what you do
There’s plenty here to keep us occupied