AFTER SUSAN CLARK,(BETH) GETS A MAKEOVER AND A ROYAL BLUE 1971 DAYTONA FERRARI SHES NOT SMOKIN? AND IN MOST CRUCIAL GAME, OWNING A PRO FOOTBALL TEAM ISN'T MOTIVE? AND THE CHIMES ON THE CLOCK NOT BEING ON THE RECORDING DON'T CONCLUDE A WOULD BE PERFECT MURDER? ALONG WITH THE MELTING OF THE ICE CHUNK AS A WEAPON? A RE-WATCH IS IN ORDER.

My absolut favourite is Dagger in the mind.
Lady in waiting is good, but I really dont care for the actress who plays the killer. Dont know, but she just doesn`t do it for me..

On the other hand, the one episode I find truly boring is Murder by the book, which I know many have as their favourite. Jack Cassidy is a bit too much for me, and the story is dull and unrealistic.
Like that poor woman would have agreed to meet him at her house..! Yeah right!

And Troubled water is so nice and cosy, I love that one too.

I rate "Dagger Of The Mind" and "Forgotten Lady" highly among non-first season episodes. I also give higher marks than most people do to "Short Fuse" which I think is helped by a great cast and great directing and atmosphere (and a great payoff) that overcomes a weak script in internal logic.

My dislike of the usually well-liked "Any Old Port In A Storm" need not be rehashed.

Strange to read what you say regarding Short Fuse, because those are the arguments I always use. It is truly an atmosphere, and a really great cast!

I think A Deadly State of Mind is one of the top five ever, although I don't know that it's really underrated - I believe a lot of people on this board rate it highly.

Candidate for Crime is another one of my favorites, although trimming it to 90 minutes would have made it even better.

And I've always liked The Greenhouse Jungle. Ingenious murder plot... Columbo on the scene even before the victim gets it... a good final clue... and I have to say I always enjoyed Ray Milland's performance. A lot of people find it heavy-handed but I liked that for once a murderer was playing it for comedy.

I have a sentimental reason as well... The Greenhouse Jungle was the first Columbo I ever saw!

That's sweet Russell!

I would have to say my unusual favourite would be Old Fashioned Murder. I know a lot of people put it at the bottom of their list but I truly think it is a wonderful episode. The enchanting scenes within the museum are so enticing. I truly wish I could be there when there is that long silent scene of Columbo sitting in the room and becoming all enraptured by his surroundings.....wow!! let me pull up a chair next to him!!
And even though most people, including myself, agree that Joyce Van Patten's short role in Negative Reaction as the nun is so much more satisfying and delicious, I love her here too!
She plays the role so softly, and yet the fact that she has had to endure the indignity of her sister taking away her fiance years ago, she still remains with dignity and pride.
Take a look at this one again...and maybe some of you will like it better.