La griffe du crime

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!

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.

By all means A Trace of Murder is not quite one of the best of the later episodes, but it is a more than watchable and worthy one. I wasn't too crazy about the ending though, I liked the twist, but the reveal itself too too dragged-out and contrived for my liking. Still, it is like all the Columbos a well made episode, with a score that fits well with the atmosphere and tension. The writing also convinces, especially in the pleasingly subtle comedy, and the story is diverting with a good mix of tense, charming and humorous scenes. Peter Falk is still excellent as Columbo, was there anything this man could not do, and while Shera Danese is solid in her most interesting role of the series I found Barry Corbin as the volatile framed husband even better. All in all, very watchable, and while not one of the best A Trace of Murder is a worthy episode still. 8/10 Bethany Cox

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.

I've read lots of comments about this movie, both good and bad, and I must say that I think it is one of the best of the newer Columbo movies. This was actually the first time I'd seen him stumped for the majority of the movie, and it wasn't until shortly before the end that he actually figured it out. Although I love Columbo, the main reason I decided to watch this one was because I loved David Rasche in Sledge Hammer (please make more of those). However, the plot for this one kept me riveted to the couch and not wanting to move. Possibly not as good as many of the classics from the 70s, but definitely better than most of the newer episodes I've seen. Watch it if you get a chance.