I watched this episode after reading the critics on IMDb. So, as a Columbo fan myself, I was waiting for a good moment with a 7/10 episode. To my surprise, I tremendously enjoyed this episode to the point that it instantly became my favorite one and that I felt the need to review it. And actually this is my first review on IMDb. I'm still under the charm of it while writing this review so I'll need a bit of thinking in order to put my finger on what made me like it so much. First, the acting was superb! Both Peter Falk and Lindsay Crouse were at the top of their art. Mrs Crouse was absolutely natural and everything she played was just right: her nervousness, her courage, her emotions always sounded real. As for Peter Falk, he is aging, it's certain, but he replaces his youth's intensity with a charming wit, a strengthened empathy and a wisdom only age brings. To the point of comedy, when people start to seek advices from him and get enthusiastic when answered tricky, general answers. And this was actually I think the funniest episode of all. I found myself laughing out loud numerous times. There were several scenes added only for their comedy value, like when Columbo plays the tuba or tries to rescue a clue from a chatty Russian maid. The clues weren't so obvious, so Columbo's opponent was still tricky to tame. The last part of the episode was executed like a ballet, when Columbo served back Dr. Allenby her own telephone dish. Last but not least, this is one of those rare episodes when Columbo, just like the spectator, feels sympathy and understanding for the murderer. Definitely a divine surprise after the mixed reviews I had read here.
Review of Sex and the Married Detective
