I love the Columbo concept to begin with. These are mysteries where we, the audience, already know who the killer or killers are. We know how the murder was done. We, in fact, are privy to everything which means Columbo as a mystery show fails. But it is a mystery where we watch a policeman find a way to prove someone is guilty. It is never about whether or not that individual is guilty. It really is an amazing concept. I digress. This episode has Ross Martin kill his uncle so that he may take his art collection over as Martin is an art critic. We get Columbo learning about art, walking in on a beautiful nude being painted, wanting to look at watercolors, and offer his opinion when generally not solicited. Falk is always in fine form and Martin makes a good antagonist. The supporting players like Don Ameche, Kim Hunter(for me best-remembered from The Planet of the Apes), Vic Tayback, and the comical Mary Wickes in, for me, the best scene in the episode, as she is looking for a photo for Detective Columbo but stops and gives information about every other photo - the whole time Falk is looking into space, rolling his one eye, and trying to maintain his nice police persona. The ending, as aforementioned by many others, is the best part of the episode though I do feel that as a Columbo script goes - this one has some flaws. But it is very worthwhile and fun nevertheless.
Review of Suitable for Framing
