PLOT: Lindsay Crouse plays a sex therapist/radio show host who murders her cheating lover by masquerading as a mysterious "lady in black" high-class hooker.
COMMENTARY: This is a strong latter-day segment highlighted by Crouse as the brainy sex counselor masquerading as the black-clad courtesan in order to get away with murder. One reviewer argued that she's the farthest thing from attractive, even as the mysterious call girl, but I beg to differ. She's my kind of woman: intelligent, not too young and curvy. Her only downfall is that she's ruthlessly vindictive.
The quality score displays some sweet sensuous sax throughout. Another highlight is the scene where Columbo visits the magnificent abode of Dr. Allenby (Crouse) and, to her dismay, the mysterious suitcase that contains evidence linking her to the murder becomes the center of attention.
People complain about two 'filler' parts: (1.) When Columbo plays the tuba at the music institute and comically becomes a veritable pied piper; and (2.) when he offers relationship advice to one employee after another at the sex therapy center. My response is that ALL of the second generation Columbos (1989-2003) run around 94 minutes and so there's padding in every one of them. At least these two parts are amusing. Besides, not every episode has to be ultra-serious from beginning-to-end. There's room for a dash of light comedy and cuteness.
GRADE: B+
COMMENTARY: This is a strong latter-day segment highlighted by Crouse as the brainy sex counselor masquerading as the black-clad courtesan in order to get away with murder. One reviewer argued that she's the farthest thing from attractive, even as the mysterious call girl, but I beg to differ. She's my kind of woman: intelligent, not too young and curvy. Her only downfall is that she's ruthlessly vindictive.
The quality score displays some sweet sensuous sax throughout. Another highlight is the scene where Columbo visits the magnificent abode of Dr. Allenby (Crouse) and, to her dismay, the mysterious suitcase that contains evidence linking her to the murder becomes the center of attention.
People complain about two 'filler' parts: (1.) When Columbo plays the tuba at the music institute and comically becomes a veritable pied piper; and (2.) when he offers relationship advice to one employee after another at the sex therapy center. My response is that ALL of the second generation Columbos (1989-2003) run around 94 minutes and so there's padding in every one of them. At least these two parts are amusing. Besides, not every episode has to be ultra-serious from beginning-to-end. There's room for a dash of light comedy and cuteness.
GRADE: B+