Many posts have asked "What's the best (or worst) Columbo?" or questions to that effect. I must get this opinion out there, to gauge how hard-core fans see it.
I have seen every episode multiple times (except the very last one) but there is one I simply will never watch again-"Forgotten Lady." WHY not? Because he lets the killer GET AWAY WITH IT! I don't care if she's senile, gonna die to-morrow, is completely comatose, I don't care. Columbo does not let ANYONE off scot-free.
No offense to anyone who enjoys it, of course. And please excuse my shouting.
I'm not a fan of this episode from the point of view that it has got all manner of padding in. It's got way too many Columbo being 'funny old Columbo' moments in it.
Re: Re: I may be the only person who thinks this way
I suppose it is an interesting point about "Forgotten Lady" that someone can shoot someone in the head and still have most of the audience feel sorry for her in the end. That is the magic within this particular script.
Let's not forget that Grace Wheeler already had the death sentence.
He didn't let a perpetrator get away with anything, because his first duty was to process a confession to the crime. His claim on Grace was only circumstantial anyway. He had NO iron clad proof, just probable cause to arrest her on suspicion.
In my view, that closing scene made the episode and among the most poignant ever produced: