The curious case of ‘Columbo Takes the Rap’
9All about the little-known stage play ‘Columbo Takes the Rap’ and how its hoped-for stint on Broadway never materialised…
William Link
Columbo pilot ‘Ransom for a Dead Man’ turns 50!
133Revisiting the official Columbo pilot episode Ransom for a Dead Man, which first aired 50 years ago on March 1st, 1971. Revel in its majesty and watch the episode in full right here!
In memoriam: the Columbo stars we lost in 2020
40Despite the impressive longevity of a high proportion of its guest stars, sadly no year elapses without a number of Columbo contributors passing on. Let’s raise a glass to the Columbo stars we lost in 2020, and thank them for the indelible mark they left on our favourite show.
Thanks for the memories: RIP William Link
25A torrid year rounded out on a further low note for Columbo fans with the news that character co-creator William Link passed away on December 27. Here I offer a humble tribute to this goliath of TV production and creation.
Book review: William Link’s ‘The Columbo Collection’
13Diving between the covers of ‘The Columbo Collection’ – an anthology of 12 short stories written by character co-creator William Link.
Does Mrs Columbo really exist?
82Every once in a while I’m stunned to encounter a Columbo fan who doubts the existence of the Lieutenant’s wife. Here I lay out the evidence for Mrs Columbo and pinpoint the moments that prove she’s the real deal.
The original Columbo Phile: an interview with author Mark Dawidziak
28He may not have appeared in any episodes, but that doesn’t stop Mark Dawidziak from being considered Columbo royalty. Here, the author of the critically acclaimed casebook The Columbo Phile, recalls his experiences of putting the book together as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Was Lieutenant Columbo’s first name really Frank?
184We’ve all seen the freeze frame close-ups of Columbo’s ID badge that state that his first name is ‘Frank’. But should we consider this canonical? I weigh up the options…
Columbo: an origin story
50As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first airing of Prescription: Miurder, here’s a little bit about the origins of the Columbo character – and the actors who played him before Peter Falk.
Christmas stocking fillers for the Columbo fan in your life!
5As it’s already well into November, it’s high time you started making Christmas plans for the Columbo fan in your life – or filling out your own Columbo wishlist if you’re the fan in someone else’s life. Here are some great Columbo gift ideas guaranteed to make hearts sing!
My wishlist to celebrate Columbo’s 50th anniversary
12The 50th anniversary of the first airing of Columbo Prescription: Murder is swiftly approaching. Here’s what’s on my wishlist to commemorate this momentous occasion.
Episode review: Columbo Dead Weight
169Filmed at a time of escalating tensions between studio and star, nothing was plain sailing for Season 1’s third episode, Dead Weight. Does it sink or swim? Let’s find out…
Episode review: Columbo Death Lends a Hand
141Let’s get ambidextrous and furious as we race back in time to 6 October 1971 to hang with three-time guest killer Robert Culp as he stars in Death Lends a Hand.
Episode review – Columbo Prescription: Murder
205Taking it back to where it all began on February 20, 1968, as Peter Falk dons the raincoat for the very first time in the seminal Prescription: Murder. We know how that panned out in the long run, but taken on its own merits, how well does Prescription: Murder still stack up? Let’s investigate…
The one book every Columbo fan should own
48if you’re a serious fan of Lieutenant Columbo the one book you absolutely positively have to dig up is Mark Dawidziak’s masterpiece The Columbo Phile. Here’s why it’s essential reading…
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