MOW=Movie of the Week.

Sorry, but I wouldn't read too much into that blurb. Peter has a long history of talking-up future "Columbo" projects that were not (yet) really in the works at the time. It's a way to keep the ball rolling.

The phrase "in development" doesn't have a specific meaning. When something is "in production", it's time to get excited.

Thanks Ted. I would have thought if a new movie had been made then we'd have known about it by now. We can only hope!