Columbo: A Trace of Murder

This is a particularly enjoyable series entry because it is extremely well-written. David Rasche's character is particularly well-written and well-acted. He is never over the top, clumsy, or obvious. The clues that got Columbo on his trail were perfect -- subtle (i did not catch them, I must confess) but available and fair.

Shera Danese (Falk's real-life wife) is also extremely true to her character and is a joy to watch. She's been in about six or seven Columbo movies now, and she keeps delivering more on-target performances. And, some clever twists make Barry Corbin's character one of the best on a Columbo episode ever. I hope he shows up on a future Columbo.

A TRACE OF MURDER is one of the last of the Columbo series, and its odd to see the detective as a much older, weather-beaten character. He still seems to be in good shape though, and Peter Falk is certainly on very good form in what turns out to be a distinctly average mystery.

The guest star this time around is Shera Danese, Falk's real-life wife. She conspires with her lover to frame her domineering husband for murder, to get him sent to prison so she can get her hands on his fortune. To complicate matters further, her lover is a forensic expert who ends up working as Columbo's assistant on the case. How long before the wily detective sees through the charade?

A TRACE OF MURDER seems to have been hastily written as the mystery isn't up too much. The bit at the end where Columbo grabs a random couple of restaurant workers to explain the intricacies of the plot is an example of writing at its most threadbare. Even so, this is still a charming story and there's plenty of humour which works really well. I love the scene where Falk is flabbergasted after a sudden realisation, and the "three eyes are better than one" gag is top notch. This is still a Columbo well worth watching if only for the character. Barry Corbin is also great fun as the short-tempered husband.

Real life Mrs. Peter Falk, Shera Danese is one of two people who plot a killing, the other is her lover David Rasche. Danese is married to tycoon Barry Corbin who is a real loudmouth boor. But he's got her by the pre-nup, she gets not enough to continue the style of living she was accustomed to.

But if Corbin gets murdered she's looked at right away as a suspect. What to do, but murder someone that Corbin has a motive to kill. The poor schnook they pick on is someone who is suing Corbin and who Corbin had a public quarrel with.

That would be Raye Birk, middle-aged bachelor who lives a quiet conservative lifestyle. Rasche murders him and together evidence is planted implicating Corbin.

Truthfully I don't think many would have missed Corbin. But Birk is an innocent soul and these two are as coldblooded a pair that Columbo ever encountered.

It's as usual little details with Columbo that don't quite fit. He's up against something he's never faced before with one of the killers which I won't reveal. But it all hinges on Danese and Rasche keeping their relationship secret. And it's little things that give them away.

Columbo always spots these details, but in this one he's almost Monk like in his anal retentiveness.

One of the best of the newer batch.

Columbo is a unique character who is fun to watch. However, during "A Trace of Murder" the fun was coupled with a great plot. It is my favorite and probably the only one that provided its "fun" content due to the character. As usual, but also surprised many of us with a fresh, brilliant story line. Although I have always enjoyed Columbo, "A Trace of Murder" is the only one that comes to mind in detail when discussing the series with others. Let's have more work of that quality... and soon!

Overall this is a pretty good Columbo, in my opinion, though it does have some glaring weaknesses.

Barry Corbin is very good as the loud husband who gets framed by Shera Danese. Danese turns in her usual performance; she's lovely and interesting but seems to play essentially the same character in every episode.

The criminologist "bad guy" does a pretty sloppy job for a supposed expert -- that may be the biggest plot weakness; it's hard to believe he was that dumb. A long way from CSI.

The other weakness is the ending - the twist is good enough, I suppose, but the scene in which he reveals it is contrived and overplayed.

All in all, a good story. If they'd redone the ending and let the villain be a little more clever it would have been a great one. As it is, it's just good.

-B-