So just saw this episode again recently, and I think I now believe Paul Gerard might be one of the biggest morons in the whole series. So he agrees to cook and have dinner with Columbo, despite Columbo making a promise the day before at the banquet that he would bring Vittorio's killer to justice the next day. If that wasn't a warning enough, he decides to again, try the poison-in-the-bottle-opener trick. I don't know, Paul, you think maybe you might want to see the case Columbo is building? So set that aside, Columbo starts to pretty much tell him how he knows how the killer got the poison into the bottle. Gerard "regrettably" understands what Columbo means. Gerard asks about proof. Columbo says pretty much he doesn't have proof. So, Paul, I'm thinking, let's not try and poison the good Lieutenant. Nope, he tries to poison him, Columbo then has the proof he needs. I used to think Kay Freestone was the biggest idiot (tossing the powder-burnt glove, having her dry cleaning still delivered to Mark's house) but Paul Gerard pretty much gave himself up. Anyone agree?

To be honest this episode wasn't one of the finest. It used a well worn and tried formula (food poisoning) which has been used on several episodes since. But as usual the killer's arrogance and contempt for Columbo's seeming haphazard methods always catch them out. In that respect the episode was no better or worse than others, it just didn't seem to sparkle or have any last minute "Gotcha" moments.

At least it has that great closing line by the Gerard character.

I must be in the minority because I like this episode with the exception of Mario and the food marching scene. It has some good moments between Columbo and the killer. My three favorites being the Japanese dinner scene where Columbo says "I've got my eye on one." and looks at Gerard and they smile at each other, another being the scene where Columbo is shopping for vegetables and is talking to Gerard about and after Gerard agrees that maybe Vittorio poisoned himself and with mock surprise says "You can, sir? Then maybe you can explain it to me." and the third being being the final dinner scene. I do agree with you that Gerard was an idiot for trying to poison Columbo. He's just another in the list of killers that would probably have gotten away with it if they would have left well enough alone.

As others have mentioned, there is a lot to like about this one even if it isn't an absolute classic.

One really gets me though is that Vittorio wants out of the deal because he is tired of being extorted. The other members of the "restaurant developers association" don't seem to mind. So much so, when they have the golden opportunity to spill all and tell Columbo how they pay for rave reviews they don't bother. Also, neither of them report why Vittorio may have a major problem with Paul. They are almost party to an obstruction of justice.

That part makes little sense.

I know I always say this about DEATH LENDS A HAND, but Vittorio always makes me wish he'd use counter-blackmail by THREATENING to expose Paul as an extortionist instead of PROMISING to do it. Of course, then maybe there would be no story (unless that alone were enough to scare Paul).