William Shatner does a much better performance as Fielding in "Butterfly in Shades of Grey" than as Ward Fowler in "Fade in to Murder." Rare that an ABC "Columbo" episode tops an NBC counterpart as that.

Never saw that one, but I know the role was played by a pre-Pillsbury Shatner. He could be good, and I'll always admire Captain Kirk, but his "Ward Fowler" gave me the creeps. Truth is, every episode after the fifth season has a similarly discouraging effect on me. I don't know why exactly, but I can certainly think of a few reasons.

In my view, a "Last salute" it was "In Deed"!

I agree...Personally, I think Feilding Chase is among the best of the Columbo ABC version murderers, and Butterflies in Shades of Grey one of the best of the ABC Columbo's. It's definitely a good role for Shatner to play, Selfish, Pompous, Arrogant, and not to mention Possessive, as he didn't want his adopted daughter to leave for a new career in New York.