Columbo episode review — 1.5 — Lady in Waiting

Original air date: December 15, 1971
Director: Norman Lloyd
Writer: Steven Bochco

Rating: 8/10

The episode starts with a carefully planned murder by Beth Chadwick (Susan Clark), that doesn’t go quite to plan. She still kills her older brother, Bryce (Richard Anderson), though, with her suitor, Peter Hamilton (Leslie Nielsen), serving somewhat as a witness.

The relationship between these two characters ends up being the highlight of the episode, even over Columbo.

It’s an interesting relationship, and the source for some good drama, and ultimately the final clue that leads Columbo to solving the crime.

It’s a strong episode, though not as strong as the best of the season. It is well written and well acted, with some clever stuff. The best Columbo scene is when he meets the mother of the murderer. It’s some great contrast of characters that works both comedically and dramatically.