Have you ever read the script for the Burgess Meredith episode? It's titled "In Deadly Hate". I happen to have a copy of it. Probably would have been a better episode than what they ended up with.

It's pretty bad when we have a useless character in the 90 minute episodes. Most of them you'll find in the 2 hour episodes, most of which probably could have been run betther at 90 (I.E. Etude In Black at 90 minutes).

shomrig, you might be right about Buddy Castle...he did serve a purpose....but the wife..Ruth Stafford?...........(well..here I go again guys!!!! ) .........when she eats that sandwich I just go wild!! I couldn't live without it!!

Yes, Etude was quite good in the 90minute version.

And Rex, I was looking at the scrapbook section of this site and I see your name is mentioned under "Original Columbo Titles"....cool!