Columbo: It's All in 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

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!

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.

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.