Columbo: It's All in the Game

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!

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.

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

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.

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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