One of the rare misses in a Columbo episode. Fortunately this early weak one did not derail the many fine episodes to come. Jack Cassidy is a wonderfully smarmy villain. Peter Falk is great. But the writing, especially at the end? Not so much. Columbo says he initially suspected Cassidy's character when he chose to drive from San Diego to L.A. rather than fly. Really? That set him off? Flimsy, and Cassidy explains it. And then the conclusion - wow! A man who has murdered TWO people gives up and confesses on the weakest bit of evidence imaginable. Just poor writing, no matter the interesting byplay between Falk and Cassidy.
Review of Murder by the Book
