Étude in Black

A slightly unoriginal plot aside, this is a well-unravelled, holding Columbo story, highlighted by some thoughtfully conceived and executed sequences involving real-life friends Peter Falk and John Cassavetes; a fact which unquestionably amplifies the script's effectiveness.

Ordinarily, the quality of the sequences of banter between detective and villain is a significant yardstick in the overall success of the episode; in this case, despite this characteristic, other scenes could have been expanded to better effect - no motive is really ever discussed and Columbo seems to latch onto the villain with less evident evidence than in some other experiences (the important factors about the pink carnation are not significantly developed until later).

One other slight fault is that there are less pieces of evidence to grab hold of here, but in one respect, the script-writer is very clever in intimating that the carnation is going to play an important part in this story, but the nailing of the villain is perhaps not as straightforward as one might have expected.

Generally, a very pleasing episode, which is not as predictable as one may think.

Alex (John Cassavetes) is a very rich and successful conductor. However, he is in a difficult situation....his mistress insists he must marry her and make an honest woman of her or else. But Alex is married and likes his current life, so he decides to kill her. His plan is excellent and well executed and initially it looks like the victim committed suicide. But Columbo is doggedly determined to investigate the likelihood it was murder....after all, he read the script and it IS the "Columbo" show!

I liked the intricate way the murder was orchestrated....it was the highlight of the show. I also liked the introduction of Columbo's new dog....and it's the first glimpse viewers get of a look at Columbo's family (he always talks about his wife but you never see her). Overall, quite good and a pretty typical story for the series.

Etude in Black is one of my favourite Columbo episodes, it was one of my first ones as well and the one that officially made me a fan. I agree it is not note-perfect, the scene with Myrna Loy and the fogies is very badly played and one or two of the clues were a little too obvious too early especially the carnation at the scene of the crime(which the mystery revolves around) and while I loved the chemistry between Columbo and Benedict I personally would've liked more mind games between the two perhaps.

However, when it comes to the production values Etude in Black is one of the most visually beautiful and interesting of the Columbo episodes with skilled camera shots and lighting. The music is a sheer delight, and part of the reason why this episode holds a special place in my heart. The premise is a clever one, and the story is very well constructed with some fun scenes. Here Columbo is delightful, he does get increasingly irritating throughout Etude in Black but deliberately so. There is also a razor-sharp script, satisfying chemistry between Columbo and Benedict and good direction.

The acting on the whole is great. Peter Falk is exceptional once again, particularly in the monologue which cleverly expresses Columbo's disbelief at how anybody would kill themselves. I also liked the scene(s) with his new dog, which thankfully were appropriately awkward(fitting Columbo's character) and low-key. Blythe Danner is divine as Janice, she looks lovely and acts very convincingly, Myrna Loy has a smaller role and is merely okay. John Cassevetes however is brilliant, very sexy and deliciously stone-cold as well. His way of conducting is the only part of his performance that rings false(not only was it an odd way of conducting but some of it was out of time as well), but his voice, mannerisms, interaction with Columbo and delivery more than compensated, he is both dark and wacky in the ending which wraps things up well.

All in all, a fine episode and while not perfect it is a personal favourite. 8.5/10 Bethany Cox

This Columbo episode is one of the better and perhaps one of my personal favorites. The cast includes Rosemary's Baby John Cassavetes as the maestro, his wife played by Blythe Danner (Gwyneth Paltrow's mom) and his mother-in-law played by Myrna Loy (one of America's greatest leading actresses in film of our time). Anyway I disagree with anybody who criticizes against this film. This episode is one of my favorites because you have an excellent cast who do a superb job in performing. I love watching Columbo with his beloved dog who he never names in the series. This time, the episode focuses in on classical music at the Hollywood Bowl, one of L.A.'s attractions. Of course, Columbo becomes as interested in classical music as he does anything else involving a crime.

ETUDE IN BLACK is one of the strongest of the early COLUMBO episodes, where it seemed the writers could do no wrong. It benefits from the fine acting of guest villain John Cassavetes, who really gets into the nitty gritty, egotistical mindset of one of the world's top conductors, who's forced into bumping off his mistress in order to keep his life perfect.

The story is a relatively complex one, offering few clues for Columbo to get his teeth into, but he does eventually start picking the story apart. Blythe Danner has a nice role as Cassavetes's ice-cold wife, and there's welcome comic relief from the detective's dog, who appears for the first time in the series. Altogether, the production values are very strong, the pacing is decent, and the sense of time and place is exemplary.