I always felt that Old Fashioned Murder was one of the most boring shows in the series. The characters were dull and uncharismatic,

The plot is very similar to Playback, but not nearly as good.

The book is definitely worthwhile reading. It certainly casts a different light on Peter Falk. A lot of what prevented more episodes from being made was his own doing. He allowed the show to go way over budget by disregarding shooting schedules, spending multiple extra days reshooting and “perfecting” scenes. He hired his friends without permission and allowed them to interfere with scripts. And he was responsible for much of the excessive humor. I agree with what has been stated that the lesser Columbos are still decent, but it is a shame that certain things could have been so much better.

Look at the bright side.
We got two, maybe three more classic episodes from the reboot
WOLF
AGENDA
BUTTERFLY

Ill take it!😁

Elaine May?

I'm confused because I've never seen or heard her name mentioned in the episode or any other. Her daughter Jeanne Berlin is in the episode.

Elaine May?

I'm confused because I've never seen or heard her name mentioned in the episode or any other. Her daughter Jeanne Berlin is in the episode.

You have to read the book for the details. Her behind the scenes control of the episode on all levels (which was all Falk's doing) is the reason why her daughter is in the episode among other things.