The script here gets very circumstantial, but then the directing of Patrick McGoohan often does. The plot is a different sort of twist as it makes everything appear Robert Vaughn (Charlie Clay)is the murderer. So much so in fact that even Columbo has him guilty until Clay turns up dead himself late in the episode. This makes it appear all of Columbo's work has been fruitless.
It seems the Commodore (John Dehner) is murdered and being one of the richest men around makes for a lot of suspects. The cast even includes Wilfred Hyde-White and is one of the strongest talent guest casts of the season. Still the episode plods until late into it.
The getting together of every suspect at the end is cliché like in many Murder She Wrotes, but with Columbo (Faulk) holding this court, it is more exciting than Ms. Fletcher. This sequence where the real murderer is sorted out is the best part of the show. The trouble is having the patience to get here. Still, this sequence and the loaded guest cast make it all a worthwhile wrap up to season 5.
It seems the Commodore (John Dehner) is murdered and being one of the richest men around makes for a lot of suspects. The cast even includes Wilfred Hyde-White and is one of the strongest talent guest casts of the season. Still the episode plods until late into it.
The getting together of every suspect at the end is cliché like in many Murder She Wrotes, but with Columbo (Faulk) holding this court, it is more exciting than Ms. Fletcher. This sequence where the real murderer is sorted out is the best part of the show. The trouble is having the patience to get here. Still, this sequence and the loaded guest cast make it all a worthwhile wrap up to season 5.