Usually, Dawn is the preferred choice by fans as the better of the two 70s McGoohans, but I would like to defend Identity as being (slightly) superior.
1. McGoohan's Col. Rumford is a brilliant character, but it is hugely enjoyable to see Patrick as a spy (pardon me, an operator) in Identity. If you have seen THE PRISONER, you'll get a special joy from this episode. Is this #6's new gig? LOL
2. Good atmosphere throughout: the seedy amusement park, the beach and Sinbad's, the meeting on the train engine, Melville and "Steinmetz" on the dark road etc.
3. Barbara Rhodes. 'Nuff said.
4. It's hilarious to see Columbo being tailed and consequently being underestimated by a more powerful class of people. His scenes with Nelson, though, are terrifically sly (despite Columbo overdoing it with trying to give back the ten dollars!)
5. I'll concede that Dawn's final clue is more clever and satisfying, but at this point I enjoy watching Columbos over for the sheer pleasure of various moments.
-A question: Do you think Columbo tries to bring Brenner in or does he walk away from the situation after the final scene?
Steinmetz, I love both of these episodes...for the obvious reason...Patrick McGoohan....such a cool guy.
In Dawn's Early Light, I love the scene where he is talking to Columbo in his office and he his sharing his softest wishes to him....to be with his roses...it is just so tender a side of a man who has spent his entire life in the military.......having a rose garden myself I can relate to the peace he craves of being with his roses again.
In Identity Crisis there is that wonderful scene where Columbo visits him at his home and they spend a wonderful afternoon together...sharing some wine and some food and talking of the mural on the wall and Madame Butterfly....and talk of all the games we play in life...what a sensuous scene....
Both characters are a deep complicated portrayal by McGoohan....but I suppose I find the Nelson Brenner one a bit more intriguing....I would have loved to have known him.
Agreed! She certainly has a better presence than in her first "Columbo" appearance in "Lady In Waiting" (which often got cut out from syndicated prints).
She's credited simply as "Hostess", and she's in the scene where Columbo goes to see Beth at the beauty salon after he has lunch with Peter. Barbara tells Columbo to put out his cigar before going in, even though he'd just lit it.
Shows you what I know...I have seen that scene and I thought it was Shera Danese!...but I just looked it up in the Columbo Phile and you are exactly right. Thanks Eric!
I also prefer Patrick McGoohan's
performance in "Identity Crisis" over
that in "Dawn's Early Light" (which is
still a fine episode). In "Identity" he
can use his British accent freely whereas
in "Dawn" he has trouble fighting it and
it pops out from time to time". Patrick
is the quintessential spy character
and he can play it to the full in "Identity".
And he takes that line and draws it out all so slow!! Wonderful...his voice is so rich and different from so many other actors...it is really a treasure. That is how I fell in love with my husband...his voice...it is so gruff and gravely and sexy.....so I know a thing or 2 about voices. Patrick McGoohan's was sublime. His cadence and syntax are beyong compare. And, as was pointed out by YM, his true voice can be heard in Identity Crisis.
And what about that 'little' scene where Columbo visits him at his home while he is having that party and McGoohan is pouring the orange juice?? Such simple scenes like that are just pure splendour.