This episode, judging by the Columbo vote, doesn't appear to be too popular with fans. I watched it again yesterday and I have to admit I like it. I think Braille was an arrogant killer and I loved the ending where Columbo states that he and Braille agree but really don't like each other. I also love that line about militray mintaures - that's toy soldiers and Braille's telling of Columbo not to patronise him. Simple soultion with the box of books but nicely done.

Any views on what for me is an underrated episode?

It was just an "OK" episode for me. Obviously, Braille was a mean SOB. And really defiant throughout the whole thing with General Padgett and his wife. I give it a 6.5 out of 10

But we never see how he switched the books with the soldiers, so we don't know how he did his trick. So we have no way of trying to solve the crime.

Joe

"Grand Deceptions" gets better with repeated viewings. I did not care for it when first seeing it. My opinion changed for the better when seeing it a few more times.