User Reviews

"It's All In The Game" is another superior modern Columbo that easily ranks alongside the best 70s episodes. This is a timeless episode. All the elements of vintage Columbo are in place, with a few added twists.

The main attraction of this episode is the undercurrent between Columbo and murderess, played brilliantly by Faye Dunaway. As she says, you're never quite sure what Columbo is thinking. So you have conversations that work on different levels - superficially both Columbo and Dunawaye's character Lauren are flirting with each other and looking halfway to getting romantically involved, but under the surface they are basically just playing each other. That doesn't mean there isn't a genuine spark between the two, it's just a complicated mixture of head and heart. And with Columbo, his head always rules his heart - no matter how much he likes a murderer, he will never fail in his job to put them behind bars.

In this case the murderess has an accomplice, and Columbo goes so far as to spare her from arrest in return for Lauren's confession. The murder is a straightforward shooting, no trained dogs or magic markers balanced on record players. The relative simplicity of the case means that the episode can focus more on the dialogue and characterisation than an elaborate plot.

All in all this is a real classy episode that manages to be sophisticated and upmarket without ever becoming dreary in the process. The whole show was virtually single-handedly created by Peter Falk (well maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration) but it seems the more involvement he had in an episode, the better. He of all people knew how to get the best from Columbo.

Finally, no I don't think Columbo was ever remotely tempted to take his relationship with Lauren any further. The title explains everything: the flirting, the gentle frissons of romance are ultimately nothing more than Columbo's way of playing the game...

It's All In The Game is most definitely one of my all-time favourite Columbo episodes, and it is arguably the strongest of the 'later' series. What makes this work is the delicious chemistry between Faye Dunaway and Peter Falk, where both are playing a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse, with our Lt. tagging along to Lauren Staton's romantic gestures and gifts while trying hard to get to the truth of the murder of her sneaky younger boyfriend. Its the charming aspect of their interaction that makes It's All In The Game so divine to watch! Twists and turns, the usual humorous moments and the intriguing relationship between Dunaway's Staton and Claudia Christian's Lisa keeps the viewer guessing, with an admirable conclusion to the story that makes you realise the sympathy you have for the killer more than for the actual victim!

It's All In The Game is certainly an episode of Columbo that deviates away from its usual formula, and proved to be taken very seriously with an Emmy Award win for 'Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series' for Faye Dunaway in 1994, and a total of three Golden Globe nominations. An excellent edition in the series that will perhaps stand out more than any other episode. 9/10

Faye Dunaway guest stars as Lauren Staton, a beautiful, well-to-do woman who, along with a younger woman named Lisa Martin(played by Claudia Christian) kill a two-timing man named Nick Franco(played by Armando Pucci) who had been seeing them both. They make it look like a burglary gone wrong, but Lt. Columbo(Peter Falk) finds oddities in the case that bother him, which leads to the surprising development of Lauren openly flirting with Columbo in order to distract him from the case! Will the good Lt. fall from grace and betray his beloved Mrs. Columbo, or is it indeed all in the game? Dunaway is magnificent here, and entirely believable. Viewer may be made a bit uncomfortable by the apparent (protracted) seduction, but this well showcases Columbo's canny mind, which leads to a memorable ending.

Omg. Finally a guest star worthy of playing a Columbo villain. Fay Dunaway brings an intensity to her role usually reserved for only the very best villains on vintage Columbo. Here the villain is very likable. Fay Dunaway brings class and her great acting chops to the role. Fabulous edge of your seat drama. The story wastes no time getting right to it which is sometimes a problem with the later columbo movies. Too much filler. Here not a minute is wasted !! Fabulous chemistry between Fay and Peter Falk. Columbo really feels for her and knows he has to do what he must, but reluctantly. Superb.

Best moment : Fay buys a tie for Columbo and plants one on him. A kiss that is.

Out of the many "Columbo" TV episodes and movies, this one ranks among the best. Dunaway (who took home an Emmy for this) is sensational as a wealthy woman involved in the killing of her gambling, slimy younger boyfriend. She and Peter Falk play a game of cat and mouse with him constantly trying to get to the truth and her distracting him with offhand romantic comments and gestures. The chemistry between these very different actors is extraordinary. It sounds impossible that the queen of glamour would have any rapport with this rumpled, cross-eyed detective, but their relationship is fascinating. Falk's blushing at the interest from Dunaway is very charming and her adoration of him softens her sometimes severe edges. The convoluted story keeps viewers guessing as well, but the fun is in watching the stars bounce off each other. She is a monument to make-up and hairspray while he barely runs a comb through his hair, but they are a delight. WATCH THIS!

I have always been a great fan of Columbo, especially of the pre-1989 episodes. Of the latter day episodes(1989 all the way up to 2003) It's All in the Game is one of the best, Ashes to Ashes and A Bird in the Hand I love just as much, and Agenda for Murder and Death Hits the Jackpot are equally worthy. It looks great, with beautiful locations and fashions and stylish photography. The music is moody and fitting, the writing is classy and sophisticated and while I initially found the story on the convoluted side I can now think of few latter-day Columbo episodes that had a story as clever and compelling as this one. But it is not a Columbo without Columbo himself, the guest villain and the rapport between them, and not only due the rapport scenes sizzle with tension and class but Peter Falk and Faye Dunnaway are both brilliant. All in all, one of the finest of the later episodes and worthy of the pre-1989 episodes. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Dunaway is astonishing in this, luminous, you cant take your eyes of her. The production values are tremendous, ,cinematography and editing are excellent, but it's the pacing that really makes this episode and the series as a whole work so well. There is the patient unhurried unveiling of evidence and plot , but this episode is different to the others because its the relationship between the two leads that keeps you involves as much as the story. and Falk as always is super. This really stands the test of time, superior television with a unique feel and tone, very different to everything we have now, do yourself a favour and take this in.

Faye Dunaway is the guest star of this marvelous Columbo, who seems to be entering into a flirtation with a beautiful socialite. This is a little off the beaten track for our sloppy detective friend as the lady even attempts to spiff him up with a new tie.

The socialite has, with a partner, murdered her gigolo lover and attempted to cover up the true time of the killing, thereby providing an alibi for herself. She's very clever. So, of course, is Columbo. The Dunaway character is depending on Columbo's attraction to her to get away scott-free.

This is a clever script with a marvelous performance by Dunaway, Claudia Christian, and the man himself, Peter Falk.

A romantic episode of Columbo? Perish the thought! And yet this late-entry episode in the long-running series works well, thanks to a script by Peter Falk, no less (for the only time in the series) and a guest appearance by the great Faye Dunaway, who really has a ball with her multi-layered guest villain role.

IT'S ALL IN THE GAME opens with quite a routine murder scene; no cunning plans here, just a straightforward shootings. There are the usual trivial clues that have no seeming link to the murder, but ones which Columbo gets his teeth into nonetheless. And Claudia Christian (THE HIDDEN) gives an ice-cold turn as the accomplice.

Where this episode offers something different is in the romance. Dunaway decides to seduce the sleuth, leading to scenes that are both touching and awkward; you've never seen Columbo like this before! Falk for his part plays it bashful and embarrassed, the two actors have genuine chemistry, and it's nice to see Dunaway on screen again years after she was a blockbuster actress. She won an Emmy for her performance here, so this episode is definitely worth a look for that reason alone.

When Columbo came back after an 11 year hiatus, the show was never as exciting as the earlier episodes. That is until It's All in the Game. This episode took me back to the glory days of Columbo where the chemistry between murderer and cop kept me highly entertained while Columbo asked all manner of questions no one else on the planet would even think of (let's face it, this is a man who could solve a murder by finding a piece of used chewing gum 3 blocks down the road and an empty wrapper at the scene of the crime! NB: This never happened so don't go crazy trying to figure out what episode, even though that would have been a highly fantastic plot!) anyway, i digress - this episode was every bit as good as some of the best episodes in the 70's and Faye Dunaway gave a brilliant performance. Written by Peter Falk and acted to perfection. 10 out of 10.

PLOT: Two women team-up to murder the womanizing gambler who's playing both of them (Faye Dunaway and Claudia Christian). When Columbo starts asking too many questions, Lauren (Dunaway) tries to distract him by flirting with him; and the bedraggled detective doesn't seem to mind.

COMMENTARY: This one's hailed in some circles because of the inclusion of Dunaway and her character's flirtations with Columbo. Another distinction is that it features the only teleplay written by Peter Falk. It's a decent entry but kinda humdrum, unless you favor the romantic angle. Yet the explanation at the close is compelling and clarifies things.

GRADE: B

It's All in the Game is one of the more fascinating of the latter-day Columbo movies for three reasons: 1. Peter Falk wrote this episode. 2. Faye Dunaway plays a character who flirts with the Leutenant in order to distract him from his suspicions. 3. Columbo almost seems to fall for her. As another poster mentioned, I did see some kind of lesbian subtext in an early scene between Dunaway's character and that of Claudia Christian's in the latter's apartment before the big reveal at the end. Also appearing were Bill Macy as the building super and Shelley Morrison, years before playing Karen's maid in Will and Grace, as the murdered victim's maid who is amusing showing Falk how she cleans the refrigerator. So the Leutenant likes peanut butter and raisins. O-k-a-y! Highly amusing and suspenseful and Ms. Dunaway deserved her Emmy. Definitely recommended for Columbo fans.

This may have been the case Columbo wanted least to solve, but solve it he does even if justice is not quite served.

Most of the time on Columbo the killers are truly despicable people. Here however Armando Pucci the victim was a two timing dog of a human being who used and disposed of women like tissue paper. Only this time both Faye Dunaway and Claudia Christian find out about each other and when Dunaway shoots Pucci, Christian sets up an alibi.

The closest Columbo ever came to a dalliance is with Dunaway. But the more charm offensive she throws his way, no matter how tempted he is, the more convinced he is that she's the killer.

In the end he convinces Dunaway to confess, it's the only way he can clear this one and she only does it part way. How he does it is for you to see. At the very end is the only mention of Mrs. Columbo.

You also find out what a snake Pucci truly is.

This has got to be one of the best written Columbo episodes. Not that it's more clever than others (but it's not stupid either) but it's just more layered. Because of this, this Columbo movie entry can also be seen as one that doesn't stick necessarily purely just to the usual formula.

It's a surprising thing that this episode was written by Peter Falk himself. Amazing since he had never written a screenplay in his life before (at least not one that got turned into a movie) and it as of yet is also the last and only one he ever penned down. I guess starring in so many Columbo movies makes you an expert on police thrillers and Peter Falk one day decided to write down some of his own ideas. The result is a more personal Columbo movie, in which we get to see a more personal side (do we?) of the Lieutenant when he apparently falls for the charms of a young(er) beautiful woman, who however also happens to be the suspect in a murder case.

It's perhaps also a movie that moves along a bit slower than the usual Columbo movie entry. This is because the movie also focuses more on its characters, instead of just purely its murder plot. Still the movie itself also features some nice twists and other clever detective movie aspects. The lover of this genre will surely enjoy this movie even if that one isn't familiar with 'Columbo'.

Another nice thing about this movie is that is stars Faye Dunaway, who of course is a big star, especially back in those days. She plays a good role. We as the viewers knows what she is doing and that she is manipulating but yet we still care for- and appreciate the character, which is really thanks to Dunaway's performance. It's great to see her in the sequences together with Peter Falk. There was some good movie chemistry there.

A better- and slightly different than usual Columbo movie.

8/10

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I began to watch the Colombo episodes since 2 months ago. Some are interesting, some are good. Honestly, When you 're in the mood, you understand easily how he solves the plot. When I began this one, immediately, I thought that Peter Falk was largely inspired by the french movie by Henry-Georges Clouzot, "Les Diaboliques", in which two women (the wife and the lover) decides to murder the man using them, for the money and for sex. In that movie, based on a novel by Boileau and Narcejac (french writers of the novel used for the plot of Vertigo), it's not clearly established that the two women have a love affair; in the Jeremiah Chechik remake, it's more evident. So, the pot of this Colombo episode reminds me that french novel (Am I clear ? lol) But I have to admit, Falk wrote an interesting approach. It touched me, and this is a very special plot in Colombo's episodes. It's very interesting how the lieutenant reacts to Dunaways's character, how the story develops. To me, since the very first episode, this one is the most elaborate, the most truly heartfull and I'm sure the writing and the acting of Peter Falk has an importance. It's my opinion of course but this episode is very interesting for multiple reasons.

I have to say that this episode of Columbo is a lot better than the newer ones that started coming back in 1990 with new episodes. It's still the same Columbo though and I would have him anyway to watch. Lieutenant Columbo is one of the best characters on television today or ever. He has charisma, charm, and class. Columbo is also one of the most intelligent characters on television as well. He doesn't dumb down his suspects or the audience. So this episode was indeed worth watching because of Faye Dunaway's performance. I think she is one of the best American actresses around today. She won an Emmy award for her performance in this film. Faye always has class and style. Her character is equally delicious to watch as she does what she does. I won't spoil the plot. It's great for Faye Dunaway fans and it shows that older women are more like fine wine. I wish Faye would do more acting but they would cast her in grandmother roles rather than the seductive, sensual woman that she exhibits on screen. She is one of America's legends on screen and she should be still working. She has talent, beauty, and intelligence.

Lauren Staton is a classy lady – far too classy to put up with the betrayal and two-timing of lover Nick Franco. With the help of another of Nick's lovers (Lisa) she kills Nick and sets up a great alibi. When Columbo starts sniffing around the case though Lauren decides it is best to stick close to him and starts flirting with him. Columbo is very taken by her but knows that something is up and struggles to reconcile his feelings with his belief that Lauren is not as innocent as she appears.

As with many TV film series (such as Perry Mason), if you like one or two of them then you'll pretty much like them all. This entry in the Columbo series pretty much follows the usual formula – we know the killer and the "perfect" plan but then watch Columbo follow his hunch and gradually starts to pick holes in the story he is told before eventually finding enough to prove his suspicions. Knowing this ahead of time won't ruin anything for you; it is simply what happens in all the films. With this strict adherence to formula it is usually simple enough for the series to do the business although I have had my fingers burnt with some of the "new" Columbo's. This one came to me with an Emmy to its credit and I had some confidence that it would be quite good. In some respects I was right but the script was a gamble that didn't totally come off. It is a switch to the usual cat'n'mouse stuff to add a flash of romance but the problem is the character of Columbo.

Columbo's boyish affection for Lauren doesn't totally ring true. There is an element of it where he knows he is being played but is also semi-playing her as well, but the script doesn't bring out this uneasy mix very well – it tends to be one or the other. The mystery itself is OK but I felt it was placed behind the central relationship and it didn't seemed to move forward as well as the better stories (even some of the modern ones). Falk tries hard to keep Columbo within his normal boundaries but he can't manage it – mainly because he doesn't quite know what Columbo is meant to be feeling throughout. Dunaway is better as she seems to have more of a grasp on her character and she does tend to overshadow Falk somewhat – unfortunately damaging their chemistry somewhat. Support is fairly unmemorable but not terrible, although I didn't like the fact that we had so many scenes with the bar owner where Columbo hangs out.

Overall this is a good try at something different and, although it is quite good, it doesn't quite hang together as it should. The romance is a nice change from the usual hunter/hunted chemistry but I wasn't totally convinced by it all the time. Worth seeing because it is different but it is not quite the Columbo I love and what it tries to do is not enough to replace what it doesn't do.

An episode that credits Peter Falk as the writer. It features Oscar winning actress Faye Dunaway who plays Lauren Staton who along with a younger woman called Lisa (Claudia Christian) kill a smooth talking playboy who has had a dalliance with both of them. They make the murder look like a burglary gone wrong.

The episode keeps you guessing as to the precise relationship between the women. However to distract Columbo who is poking his nose about, Lauren flirts with our favourite shambolic looking ruffled detective. She buys him a tie, goes out for a drink with him, she even kisses him.

Faye Dunaway achieved stardom in Bonnie & Clyde and The Thomas Crown Affair in the late 60s. The 70s were a great decade for her as she went to celluloid greatness in movies such as Network, Chinatown, The Three days of the Condor, The Three Musketeers among others.

Her career declined in the 1980s, her performances becoming more campy. Here Dunaway hits the right note. She is flirty, fluffy, vulnerable yet her feelings towards Columbo is sincere.

We get an indication at the end as to why she killed her suitor and Columbo even has a touch of sympathy for her plight.

Yet the episode is not that great, it is rather mundane and I never bought the alleged romance between the two characters. Columbo would know he is being played and keep going on about Mrs Columbo.

I reckon Falk wrote the scenes and wanted Dunaway cast for the role because he always fancied her. Nothing wrong with that, most of us did back in the day before she had all that plastic surgery done.