Columbo episode review — 12.1 — It’s All in the Game

Original air date: October 31, 1993
Director: Vincent McEveety
Writer: Peter Falk

Rating: 7/10

Columbo ends up kind of dating his main suspect in this odd episode. Faye Dunaway plays Lauren Staton, socialite and co-murderer of her lover, along with her daughter, Lisa Martin (Claudia Christian). As time passes throughout the investigation, she actually starts to enjoy her time with Columbo, and while she attempts to seduce him out of a desire to control him, she does have genuine feelings for him as well.

Dunaway is quite good in her role, and she makes the conflicting feelings her character feels quite convincing. It’s also a bit of a departure from how most murderers in the show feel towards Columbo, as they’re genuinely very annoyed, and just trying to hide it by being polite. Here, she’s not annoyed, and likes him quite a bit.

It’s a fun episode even if it doesn’t compare to the classics. I like how Columbo claims his first name is Lieutenant. I know that’s been part of the show’s lore for a long time, but I believe this is the first time it’s been vocalized.