Columbo: It's All in the Game

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

"It's All In The Game" is another superior modern Columbo that easily ranks alongside the best 70s episodes. This is a timeless episode. All the elements of vintage Columbo are in place, with a few added twists.

The main attraction of this episode is the undercurrent between Columbo and murderess, played brilliantly by Faye Dunaway. As she says, you're never quite sure what Columbo is thinking. So you have conversations that work on different levels - superficially both Columbo and Dunawaye's character Lauren are flirting with each other and looking halfway to getting romantically involved, but under the surface they are basically just playing each other. That doesn't mean there isn't a genuine spark between the two, it's just a complicated mixture of head and heart. And with Columbo, his head always rules his heart - no matter how much he likes a murderer, he will never fail in his job to put them behind bars.

In this case the murderess has an accomplice, and Columbo goes so far as to spare her from arrest in return for Lauren's confession. The murder is a straightforward shooting, no trained dogs or magic markers balanced on record players. The relative simplicity of the case means that the episode can focus more on the dialogue and characterisation than an elaborate plot.

All in all this is a real classy episode that manages to be sophisticated and upmarket without ever becoming dreary in the process. The whole show was virtually single-handedly created by Peter Falk (well maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration) but it seems the more involvement he had in an episode, the better. He of all people knew how to get the best from Columbo.

Finally, no I don't think Columbo was ever remotely tempted to take his relationship with Lauren any further. The title explains everything: the flirting, the gentle frissons of romance are ultimately nothing more than Columbo's way of playing 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

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.

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.