I haven’t subscribed to Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine for years and years, mainly because the short mystery has undergone the same transformation as the modern novel: puzzles and problems have been replaced with anger and ennui. But the local library has a large, comfortable magazine room, and every two months, I pick up the newest copy of EQMM on … Continue reading A MINI-SHIN HONKAKU REVIEW: “The Tragedy of Black Swan Lodge”
Author: Brad
FINAL TWISTS: A Columbo Quadruple Bill
In preparation for our upcoming draft of the best female murderers in Columbo, my pal Sergio Angelini sent me a list of twenty-one episodes. I have covered seventeen of them, and today we’ll look at the final four. Then I’m going to explain the upcoming draft to you – and why we’ll only be drafting fifteen episodes! I’ve only … Continue reading FINAL TWISTS: A Columbo Quadruple Bill
FAIT ACCOMPLI: Two More Columbo Adventures
In all fairness, “Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star” probably had no chance with me from the start. This 1991 episode pits the Lieutenant against Hugh Creighton, “the world’s best defense attorney” (Dabney Coleman). Now, I happen to be intimately acquainted with the world’s best defense attorney: his name is Perry Mason, and, … Continue reading FAIT ACCOMPLI: Two More Columbo Adventures
RATTLING THE LIEUTENANT: Two More Columbo Adventures
Like many popular crime TV series, Columbo succeeded because of, rather than despite, its formulaic structure. Fans endured waits lasting anywhere from weeks to years between episodes for the chance to see Peter Falk wield his fake humility against the overweening ego of a colorful guest star, pop up at awkward and arguably humorous moments to rattle … Continue reading RATTLING THE LIEUTENANT: Two More Columbo Adventures
LADY ON TOP: Two More Columbo Adventures
This new project of watching all the female murderers and accomplices on Columbo is not making an expert out of this first-time viewer. My sense is that the men who kill here are far more cold-blooded, motivated by greed, envy and a lust for . . . well, anything. And, from the feedback I’ve been getting, the … Continue reading LADY ON TOP: Two More Columbo Adventures
RUTHLESS RUTH! Two More Columbo Adventures
Our exploration into Distaff Columbo jumps to the second episode of 1976 and the first episode of the 1977 season. Both are a mere 75 minutes in length, both concern a murderess who is both sympathetic and ruthless – although one of them a character named Ruth and the other played by an actress named Ruth! - … Continue reading RUTHLESS RUTH! Two More Columbo Adventures
DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES: Two More Columbo Adventures
I don’t know the reasoning behind why some Columbo episodes were 75 minutes long and others ran to 95 minutes. “Any Old Port in the Storm,” the 2nd episode of the 3rd season, is a brilliant 75-minute-long case weighed down by twenty extra minutes. The fabled Carsini Winery is run by elder son Adrian Carsini (Donald Pleasance), whose ability … Continue reading DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES: Two More Columbo Adventures
“OH YOU CAN’T GET A MAN WITH A GUN . . . “: The Case of the Spurious Spinster
The course of true love never did run smooth . . . particularly when the situation burst from the fevered brain of Erle Stanley Gardner. So far, we’ve been on four matrimonial adventures where every bride, groom, husband and wife has had a helluva time. You might start asking yourself if you would be better … Continue reading “OH YOU CAN’T GET A MAN WITH A GUN . . . “: The Case of the Spurious Spinster
SCREAM QUEENS: Two More Columbo Adventures
In Season 2, Episode Four, Columbo sent its raincoated hero to London, gave him a camera, and shot lots of footage of the Lieutenant trying to get a photo of the Queen – and it was frankly a drag. So I’m happy to report that, in Season 2, Episode Five, things have mightily improved. Columbo is back … Continue reading SCREAM QUEENS: Two More Columbo Adventures
“WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS . . . ” An Agatha Christie Starter Kit
Summer is fast approaching – the official start is Thursday, June 20 – and that’s when the living is easy, COVID surges, a mammoth tornado season, and imminent elections-from-hell notwithstanding. I hope you are settling in for a nice spot of warm weather (but not too warm) and that you have plans on the horizon for an … Continue reading “WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS . . . ” An Agatha Christie Starter Kit
Ah Sweet Mystery! 