Der Tote in der Heizdecke

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