It seems strange to say this, because Peter Falk's portrayal of Columbo, was such an enormous part of what made the show successful, but by the last season of the original shows, it is he who spoils some otherwise truly inspiring stories. He is no longer a help, but a hindrance. Why does he suddenly play the role so differently? I am aware that there was a new producer, in Richard Alan Simmons, with new ideas, but even Falk's voice sounds different - much older and more muffled, and his rather exaggerated movements become irritating within no time. I wondered whether Falk was wearing a new pair of dentures, indeed if he wore them at all, because his lips seem to move strangely, too. He was just so brilliant in those previous seasons, but by this period i feel he was the weakest link.

In the modern Columbo's he never quite manages to get back to his earlier form, either, but age may have been an issue by that time. If he hadn't already made his name as Columbo, i wonder in his later form, whether he would ever have been considered?

Season seven starts with Try and Catch Me which I regard as one of his best cases. His acting is right up there along with Ruth Gordon (Miss Abigail). So many cryptic and ironic lines between Columbo and Miss Abigail, they were a perfect match for each other. Yes, as usual, a few scenes that stray off the plot (as usual) but on the whole S7 was no better or worse than others. When Peter took on the role of Executive Producer in the 90's THAT's when it all started going awry!!!

i did think he was strange in Make Me A Perfect Murder. that episode is a favourite of mine but Falk seema a bit off and cold in this one. When he confronts Kay at the end of the episode he seems arrogant and distant and she hadn't been a killer he took a particular disliking to throughout the episode and yet at the end he just seems cold. That episode belongs to Trish Van Devere anyway, she was great.

I agree, Edward. If you notice it in season 7, then you'll REALLY notice it in the later seasons. For me it becomes an undeniable distraction in seasons 9 to 10. like a goofy grampa with an ego. The goof becomes even more obvious when the supporting cast is apparently told to act in an eye-rolling sort of demeanor toward the Lt. Which is a departure from what directors wanted to convey in the earlier years. Even as a senior detective, he was serious, direct and the smartest one in the room. It all changes at some point, as you mentioned.