‘Columbo’ Finds Killer Close At Hand
When you’re good, you’re good. Peter Falk as Los Angeles detective Lt. Columbo has been good for 25 years now.
There’s cause to celebrate the small-screen sleuth’s silver anniversary. “Columbo: A Trace of Murder” (ABC at 9) is a dandy little mystery, and Falk has never been more entertaining.
David Rasche guest-stars as a police forensics expert who conspires with his lover (Shera Danese) to frame her husband (Barry Corbin) with the murder of a business rival. Columbo finds himself working side by side with the killer he’s trying to nab.
As usual, the movie opens with the crime, seemingly perfectly executed. Then, it’s time to sit back and watch the disarming detective do his thing.
The great thing about this script is that all along it appears to be forensic evidence that’s the key to solving the crime. Instead, Columbo figures it all out simply by observing human behavior.
The best line of the show comes when Columbo invites Rasche’s character, Patrick, to assist him.
“You and me together, Pat,” Columbo says, “Three eyes are better than one.” The dry remark, you must know, is a reference to Falk’s (and Columbo’s) glass eye.
Highlights
“The Three Stooges Greatest Hits,” ABC at 8: Listen up, porcupines! Martin Short hosts this homage to the Stooges, which includes film clips and home movies.
Little Richard performs his version of “The Curly Shuffle,” and Barry Williams (“The Brady Bunch”) offers a very-Brady musical tribute.
“Grumpy Old Men,” CBS at 8: Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon play bitter enemies competing for the attentions of an alluring neighbor (Ann-Margret). The old odd couple is hard to resist, but the shtick gets old in little time.
Daryl Hannah and Kevin Pollak also star.
“Friends,” NBC at 8: In the season finale, the gang rents a shore house, where Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) encounters an old family friend named Phoebe (Teri Garr), who may know more about the identity of her father. A possible reconciliation for Ross and Rachel (David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston) is chilled by the arrival of his new girlfriend (Christine Taylor).
“Mystery!,” KSPS at 8: PBS offers a repeat Sherlock Holmes mystery titled “The Cardboard Box.” Jeremy Brett stars.
“Seinfeld,” NBC at 9: There are lots of zany moments in the season-ender, but the best of all perhaps is Kramer’s adventures as a seat-filler at the Tony Awards. Imagine the trouble he can cause.
Raquel Welch and Molly Shannon (“Saturday Night Live”) guest-star.
“48 Hours,” CBS at 10: The story of a young man paralyzed in a body-surfing accident is the basis for a strong hour on the fate of victims of spinal cord injuries. Christopher Reeve is interviewed.
“ER,” NBC at 10: Several characters are confronted with grave developments in the third-season finale.
The survival of Benton’s (Eriq La Salle) premature child remains in doubt. Anspaugh (John Aylward) threatens to crash Carter’s (Noah Wyle) career. Green (Anthony Edwards) shows troubling side effects stemming from his attack. And Ross and Hathaway (George Clooney, Julianna Margulies) appear headed in different directions after all.
Cable Calls
“A Tribute to Ray Charles,” BRAVO at 9:30: A celebration of the singer-musician’s 50th anniversary in show business includes Charles’ first performance with Stevie Wonder. Others taking part include Bill Cosby, Michael Bolton, Gloria Estefan, Quincy Jones, Randy Travis, Gladys Knight and Willie Nelson.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Fran Drescher (“The Nanny”) and musical group Depeche Mode.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Helen Hunt (“Mad About You”), Jeffrey Tambor (“The Larry Sanders Show”) and sword swallower Brad Byers.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Gary Busey.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: To be announced.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Courtney Thorne-Smith (“Melrose Place”), Norm Macdonald (“Saturday Night Live”) and musical guest Collective Soul.