Starring man mountain George Wendt as an unlikely double killer and Oscar-winning actor Rod Steiger as a menacing mob boss, ‘Strange Bedfellows’ burst onto screens on May 8, 1995. A sure-fire winner or another also-ran? Let’s find out…
He may not have the highest profile or have played a major role, but Bruce Kirby was nevertheless Columbo royalty. Here I chronicle the contribution he made to the series over a period of more than 20 years.
Saints be praised! Columbo’s revival was given one of the biggest boosts imaginable when Patrick McGoohan returned to the show to star in and direct Agenda for Murder. Can it be as good as it sounds? Let’s find out…
Columbo’s first foot in the 1990s was a thoroughly modern and unique outing, with the Lieutenant investigating a suspected murder within the ‘naughty magazine’ sector. Can a change of formula and pace give the series a much-needed shot in the arm? Let’s hope so…
Apparently Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned – a premise put to the test in Make Me a Perfect Murder. Is it a sure-fire ratings hit, or a dismal flop certain to lead to bungling TV executives being given their marching orders? Let’s find out…
May 2nd, 1976 looked set to be the end of an era. With Peter Falk out of contract, Last Salute to the Commodore threatened to be Lieutenant Columbo’s swan song. Is it a bon voyage, or is it dredging untold depths? Let’s take a deep breath and find out…
Columbo colossus Patrick McGoohan was back to leave another indelible mark on the series on November 2, 1975, as the show’s fifth season reached its halfway stage in the shape of Identity Crisis. After a comparatively lacklustre season up to now, can the presence of McGoohan elevate this to Columbo’s top table? Let’s see…
Following five excellent episodes, Columbo’s fourth season rounded out on 27 April 1975 in the suave form of A Deadly State of Mind. Does it usher out Season 4 in suitably strong style? Let’s have a look…
October 27, 1974 was a BIG DAY in Columbo circles: it was the day Patrick McGoohan made his series’ debut in By Dawn’s Early Light. Is it a full-blooded hero of an episode, or the televisual equivalent of a pathetic Boodle Boy? Read on, soldier!
A tribute to Columbo’s ‘Super-Six’ support stars Val Avery, Fred Draper, Vito Scotti, Bruce Kirby, John Finnegan and Mike Lally, who clocked up 60 appearances between them.
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