A Slice of America: Columbo

Years: 1968-2003
Broadcaster: NBC, ABC
Written by: Richard Levinson, William Link, Jackson Gillis,
Peter S. Fischer, Steven Bochco, Jeffrey Bloom, Larry Cohen,
William Driskill, Dean Hargrove, Robert Van Scoyk, William Read Woodfield
Howard Berk, John T. Dugan, Peter S. Feibleman, Evan Hunter,
Roland Kibbee, Patrick McGoohan, Stanley Ralph Ross, Lou Shaw,
Gene Thompson, Michael Alaimo, Myrna Bercovici, Robert Blees Booker Bradshaw,
Stephen J. Cannell, Jeffrey Cava, Gerry Day, Peter Falk,
Patricia Ford, Alvin R. Friedman, Henry Garson, Jeffrey Hatcher,
Shirl Hendryx, Frederick King Keller, William Kelley, Charles Kipps
Anthony Lawrence. Jonathan Latimer, Tom Lazarus. David P. Lewis,
Jerrold L. Ludwig, James Menzies, Irv Pearlberg, Lester Pine,
Tina Pine, Brad Radnitz, David Rayfiel, April Raynell,
Pat Robison, Sy Salkowitz, Robert Sherman, Richard Alan Simmons,
Barney Slater, Michael Sloan, Robert Specht, Paul Tuckahoe,
Sonia Wolf, Robert M. Young
Stars: Peter Falk
Episodes: 69
Episode Average: 6.696

BEST EPISODES:
Any Old Port in a Storm (1973), A Friend in Deed (1974)

DETECTIVE LIEUTENANT FRANK COLUMBO

Played by Peter Falk

1968

2003

TV MOVIE OF
THE WEEK

(1968)

PILOT

PRESCRIPTION: MURDER

Originally broadcast: 20 February 1968
Directed by: Richard Irving
Written by: Richard Levinson, William Link

A psychiatrist faces professional ruin when he's threatened with divorce, his actress girlfriend helps to provide an alibi for the perfect murder, and Lt. Columbo arrives on the scene when the wife is found close to death.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

SERIES PILOT

(1971)

PILOT

RANSOM FOR A DEAD MAN

Originally broadcast: 1 March 1971
Directed by: Richard Irving
Written by: Dean Hargrove, Richard Levinson, William Link

A lawyer fakes her husband's kidnapping so she can shoot him dead, an empty ransom bag is one of a series of details to trouble Columbo, and the victim's daughter demands to know what's happened to her father.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

SEASON ONE

(1971-1972)
7 episodes
Season Score: 49
Episode Average: 7.00
Perfect 10's: 1

S1E1

MURDER BY THE BOOK

Originally broadcast: 15 September 1971
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Steven Bochco

One half of a crime writing team comes up with a plan to kill his partner, Columbo grabs an opportunity to show off his only skill in the kitchen, and a blackmailing witness threatens to tell the police what she knows.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E2

DEATH LENDS A HAND

Originally broadcast: 6 October 1971
Directed by: Bernard L. Kowalksi
Written by: Richard Levinson, William Link

A private detective tries to blackmail the wife of one of his clients, refusal to play along and a threat to reveal the truth leads to a moment of rage, and the murderer is hired by the husband to help with the investigation.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E3

DEAD WEIGHT

Originally broadcast: 27 October 1971
Directed by: Jack Smight
Written by: John T. Dugan

A retired General learns that his business deals are about to be exposed, a woman claims to have seen someone shoot a man wearing a uniform, and the witness quickly falls under the spell of the charming killer.

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E4

SUITABLE FOR FRAMING

Originally broadcast: 17 November 1971
Directed by: Hy Averback
Written by: Jackson Gillis

An art critic shoots his uncle and steals two pictures from his collection, a gunshot alerts a patrolman to the crime while the killer is elsewhere, and Columbo can't help questioning why the alibi is so watertight.

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E5

LADY IN WAITING

Originally broadcast: 15 December 1971
Directed by: Norman Lloyd
Written by: Steven Bochco, Barney Slater

A disapproving brother threatens to fire his sister's lover from the family business, a plan for an accident gets spoilt by the uncooperative victim, and a newspaper convinces Columbo that something doesn't add up.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E6

SHORT FUSE

Originally broadcast: 19 January 1972
Directed by: Edward M. Abroms
Written by: Jackson Gillis, Lester Pine, Tina Pine

A man tries to gain full control of his family's business so he can sell it, his nephew takes revenge for a blackmail attempt by planting a bomb, and Columbo spots something while listening to a recorded message.

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E7

BLUEPRINT FOR MURDER

Originally broadcast: 9 February 1972
Directed by: Peter Falk
Written by: Steven Bochco, William Kelley

A man reacts angrily when he finds his money being spent on a new city,
the architect resorts to murder to secure the future of his project, and a tape puzzles Columbo when the victim's car is found at the airport.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

SEASON TWO

(1972-1973)
8 episodes
Season Score: 52
Episode Average: 6.50
Perfect 10's: 1

S2E1

ÉTUDE IN BLACK

Originally broadcast: 17 September 1972
Directed by: Nicholas Colasanto, John Cassavetes, Peter Falk
Written by: Steven Bochco, Richard Levinson, William Link

An orchestral conductor creates an alibi by taking his car in to be fixed, his demanding mistress pays the price for trying to wreck his marriage, and Columbo searches for a suitable name for his new best friend.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E2

THE GREENHOUSE JUNGLE

Originally broadcast: 15 October 1972
Directed by: Boris Sagal
Written by: Jonathan Latimer

A botanist concocts a plan to break a trust fund by staging a kidnapping, Columbo discovers that he has been assigned a new partner for the case, and things take a more sinister turn once the ransom has been paid.

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 1
TOTAL: 3

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E3

THE MOST CRUCIAL GAME

Originally broadcast: 5 November 1972
Directed by: Jeremy Kagan
Written by: John T. Dugan

The general manager of a football team calls his boss during a game, the playboy owner drowns minutes later after being hit with a block of ice, and Columbo sees enough evidence to suggest that it wasn't an accident.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E4

DAGGER OF THE MIND

Originally broadcast: 26 November 1972
Directed by: Richard Quine
Written by: Jackson Gillis, Richard Levinson, William Link

A theatre producer is killed during an argument with an acting couple, the body is moved to the man's home to make it look like an accident, and Columbo finds himself at the scene during a visit to Scotland Yard.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 5

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E5

REQUIEM FOR A FALLING STAR

Originally broadcast: 21 January 1973
Directed by: Richard Quine
Written by: Jackson Gillis

A journalist tries to blackmail an actress with information from her past, the death of a secretary in an exploding car seems to be a mistake, and Columbo struggles to hide his admiration while working on the case.

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 10

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E6

A STITCH IN CRIME

Originally broadcast: 11 February 1973
Directed by: Hy Averback
Written by: Shirl Hendryx

A cardiac surgeon sees a chance to kill his cautious research partner, a suspicious nurse pays the price for asking questions about an operation, and Columbo's not convinced when stolen drugs are found in her home.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E7

THE MOST DANGEROUS MATCH

Originally broadcast: 4 March 1973
Directed by: Edward M. Abroms
Written by: Jackson Gillis, Richard Levinson, William Link

A chess Grandmaster comes out of retirement to play the champion, his worried opponent resorts to murder when he realises that he can't win, and Columbo wonders about the significance of a strong smell of garlic.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E8

DOUBLE SHOCK

Originally broadcast: 25 March 1973
Directed by: Robert Butler
Written by: Steven Bochco, Jackson Gillis,
Richard Levinson, William Link

A man plans to marry a woman young enough to be his granddaughter, his nephew protects his inheritance by murdering him with a food mixer, and Columbo finds his job complicated by the arrival of a twin brother.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

SEASON THREE

(1973-1974)
8 episodes
Season Score: 67
Episode Average: 8.38
Perfect 10's: 4

S3E1

LOVELY BUT LETHAL

Originally broadcast: 23 September 1973
Directed by: Jeannot Szwarc
Written by: Jackson Gillis, Myrna Bercovici

A cosmetics mogul hopes that a miracle cream will save her company, an ex-lover and employee pays the price for refusing to sell her the formula, and Columbo notices something strange about a series of doodles.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E2

ANY OLD PORT IN A STORM

Originally broadcast: 7 October 1973
Directed by: Leo Penn
Written by: Stanley Ralph Ross, Larry Cohen

A respected winery owner kills his brother to protect the family vineyard, Columbo looks into a missing person report for the victim's fiancée, and the discovery of the body by fisherman suggests a scuba-diving accident.

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E3

CANDIDATE FOR CRIME

Originally broadcast: 4 November 1973
Directed by: Boris Sagal
Written by: Irving Pearlberg, Alvin R. Friedman,
Roland Kibbee, Dean Hargrove, Larry Cohen

A senatorial candidate is told to end an affair by his campaign manager, a fabricated media story about death threats provides cover for murder, and Columbo is relieved when he learns the true identity of the victim.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E4

DOUBLE EXPOSURE

Originally broadcast: 16 December 1973
Directed by: Richard Quine
Written by: Stephen J. Cannell

A motivation research specialist tries to blackmail a client after setting him up, the uncooperative man is shot dead during a film screening, and Columbo develops a thirst after helping himself to some Iranian caviar.

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E5

PUBLISH OR PERISH

Originally broadcast: 18 January 1974
Directed by: Robert Butler
Written by: Peter S. Fischer

A publisher learns that his most prolific client intends to sign with a rival, a bomb-nut insists on a book deal in exchange for shooting the author, and Columbo struggles with tiredness after a late night with Bette Davis.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E6

MIND OVER MAYHEM

Originally broadcast: 10 February 1974
Directed by: Alf Kjellin
Written by: Steven Bochco, Dean Hargrove,
Roland Kibbee, Robert Specht

A scientist is forced to take action when his son is accused of plagiarism, a robot provides an alibi for the murder of the man holding the evidence, and Columbo's told that his dog simply isn't training academy material.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E7

SWAN SONG

Originally broadcast: 3 March 1974
Directed by: Nicholas Colasanto
Written by: David Rayfiel, Stanley Ralph Ross

A gospel singer protests about his earnings being used to build a temple, his blackmailing wife and a choir member die in a staged plane crash, and Columbo's investigation skills see him offered a job with the FAA.

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E8

A FRIEND IN DEED

Originally broadcast: 5 May 1974
Directed by: Ben Gazzara
Written by: Peter S. Fischer

A man seeks help after accidentally killing his wife during an argument, a deputy police commissioner sets about making it look like a burglary, and the price becomes clear when the accomplice murders his own wife.

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

SEASON FOUR

(1974-1975)
6 episodes
Season Score: 48
Episode Average: 8.00
Perfect 10's: 1

S4E1

AN EXERCISE IN FATALITY

Originally broadcast: 15 September 1974
Directed by: Bernard L. Kowalski
Written by: Peter S. Fischer, Larry Cohen

A gym chain owner faces being exposed for his underhand dealings, the murder of a franchisee is made to look like a weightlifting accident, and Columbo asks questions when he spots scuff marks on a waxed floor.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 5

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S4E2

NEGATIVE REACTION

Originally broadcast: 15 October 1974
Directed by: Alf Kjellin
Written by: Peter S. Fischer

A photographer fakes a kidnapping so he can kill his domineering wife, an ex-con is shot dead in 'self-defence' at a staged ransom drop, and a nun offers Columbo help when he visits a mission to talk to a witness.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 9

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S4E3

BY DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT

Originally broadcast: 27 October 1974
Directed by: Harvey Hart
Written by: Howard Berk

Plans are drawn up to turn a military academy into a coed college, the commandant modifies a cannon shell to kill the founder's grandson, and Columbo talks to a negligent cadet after finding a stray cleaning rag.

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 9

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S4E4

TROUBLED WATERS

Originally broadcast: 9 February 1975
Directed by: Ben Gazzara
Written by: William Driskill, Jackson Gillis

Columbo manages to lose his wife while on a cruise that she won in a raffle, a singer threatens to tell a businessman's wife about a secret affair, and a faked heart attack provides the perfect alibi for murder.

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S4E5

PLAYBACK

Originally broadcast: 2 March 1975
Directed by: Bernard L. Kowalski
Written by: David P. Lewis, Booker Bradshaw

Falling profits at a family electronics company mean changes at the top, the chairman uses his knowledge of CCTV to murder his mother-in-law, and Columbo's troubled by a series of footprints at the point of entry.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S4E6

A DEADLY STATE OF MIND

Originally broadcast: 27 April 1975
Directed by: Harvey Hart
Written by: Peter S. Fischer

A psychiatrist drugs his married lover as part of his hypnosis research, the woman's husband is murdered after threatening to expose the truth, and Columbo quickly spots inconsistencies in a story about intruders.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

SEASON FIVE

(1975-1976)
6 episodes
Season Score: 37
Episode Average: 6.17
Perfect 10's: 0

S5E1

FORGOTTEN LADY

Originally broadcast: 14 September 1975
Directed by: Harvey Hart
Written by: William Driskill

A retired doctor refuses to finance his film star wife's comeback project, the desperate woman makes her husband's murder look like suicide, and Columbo's questioned about his long absence from the firing range.

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 9

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S5E2

A CASE OF IMMUNITY

Originally broadcast: 12 October 1975
Directed by: Ted Post
Written by: Lou Shaw, James Menzies

A diplomatic secretary kills a Chief of Security during a staged robbery, Columbo's put on the case after mistakenly being called to a meeting, and the killer plants evidence in the car of his murdered accomplice.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S5E3

IDENTITY CRISIS

Originally broadcast: 2 November 1975
Directed by: Patrick McGoohan
Written by: William Driskill

A secret agent demands to know about his cut from a currency scheme, a rumoured double agent makes a murder look like a simple mugging, and Columbo can't help but be distracted by a remarkable belly dancer.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 5

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S5E4

A MATTER OF HONOR

Originally broadcast: 1 February 1975
Directed by: Ted Post
Written by: Brad Radnitz

A young matador gets badly injured when he takes on a dangerous bull, a legendary bullfighter lures the victim's father to his death in the ring, and Columbo protests at his car being towed while on holiday in Mexico.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S5E5

NOW YOU SEE HIM

Originally broadcast: 29 February 1976
Directed by: Harvey Hart
Written by: Michael Sloan

A magician faces being exposed as an ex-Nazi by a greedy club owner, being locked in a box on stage provides an opportunity for murder, and Columbo tries his best to lose a new coat bought for him by his wife.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S5E6

LAST SALUTE TO THE COMMODORE

Originally broadcast: 2 March 1976
Directed by: Patrick McGoohan
Written by: Jackson Gillis

A boatyard owner plans to sell up to stop his family ruining the company, his son-in-law tries to make murder look like a yachting accident, and Columbo tries to give up smoking cigars at the request of his wife.

HOLY GODIVA 1 - ONION JACK 1
TOTAL: 2

SEASON SIX

(1976-1977)
3 episodes
Season Score: 19
Episode Average: 6.33
Perfect 10's: 0

S6E1

FADE IN TO MURDER

Originally broadcast: 10 October 1976
Directed by: Bernard L. Kowalski
Written by: Lou Shaw, Peter S. Feibleman, Henry Garson

A producer tries to blackmail her former lover for half of his earnings, the television detective uses a staged robbery as cover for murder, and Columbo causes a nuisance when he wanders onto a set during filming.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 5

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S6E2

OLD FASHIONED MURDER

Originally broadcast: 28 November 1976
Directed by: Robert Douglas
Written by: Peter S. Feibleman, Peter S. Fischer

The trustee of an unprofitable family museum announces plans to close, the devoted curator plans a double murder in an attempt to stay open, and Columbo's offered chamomile tea as a cure for his hay fever.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S6E3

THE BYE-BYE SKY HIGH I.Q. MURDER CASE

Originally broadcast: 22 May 1977
Directed by: Sam Wanamaker
Written by: Robert M. Young

An accountant is confronted by his partner about stealing from clients, an elaborate murder plan at a club for intellectuals points to an intruder, and Columbo's challenged to solve a minimal information problem.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

SEASON SEVEN

(1977-1978)
5 episodes
Season Score: 37
Episode Average: 7.40
Perfect 10's: 0

S7E1

TRY AND CATCH ME

Originally broadcast: 21 November 1977
Directed by: James Frawley
Written by: Gene Thompson, Paul Tuckahoe

A crime writer feels sure that her niece's husband got away with murder, carefully planned revenge leads to him being locked in an airtight safe, and Columbo's cigars take him close to discovering an important clue.

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 9

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S7E2

MURDER UNDER GLASS

Originally broadcast: 30 January 1978
Directed by: Jonathan Demme
Written by: Robert Van Scoyk

A restaurateur tires of paying a critic huge fees for positive reviews, a threat to tell the world about the scheme ends with a glass of poisoned wine, and Columbo finds trays of food waiting for him wherever he goes.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S7E3

MAKE ME A PERFECT MURDER

Originally broadcast: 25 February 1978
Directed by: James Frawley
Written by: Robert Blees

Columbo picks up a neck injury when he gets caught up a police pursuit, a TV executive is told by her secret lover that she's missed out on a top job, and the screening of her pet project provides an alibi for murder.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S7E4

HOW TO DIAL A MURDER

Originally broadcast: 5 April 1978
Directed by: James Frawley
Written by: Tom Lazarus, Anthony Lawrence

A psychologist learns about his dead wife's affair with his best friend, a telephone call about Citizen Kane sees the man ripped apart by dogs, and Columbo tries to work out how W.C. Fields managed to hit the ball.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 9

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S7E5

THE CONSPIRATORS

Originally broadcast: 13 May 1978
Directed by: Leo Penn
Written by: Howard Berk, Pat Robison

An Irish poet does a deal to send a shipment of guns to Northern Ireland, doubts about the dealer's integrity see him shot dead in a hotel room, and Columbo struggles to resist the temptation of a pinball machine.

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 5

SEASON EIGHT

(1989)
4 episodes
Season Score: 18
Episode Average: 4.50
Perfect 10's: 0

S8E1

COLUMBO GOES TO THE GUILLOTINE

Originally broadcast: 6 February 1989
Directed by: Leo Penn
Written by: William Read Woodfield

A psychic is challenged to prove his ESP to a magician who once betrayed him, decapitation by guillotine is made to look like a tragic accident, and Columbo can't help but be amazed when he asks for his mind to be read.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S8E2

MURDER, SMOKE AND SHADOWS

Originally broadcast: 27 February 1989
Directed by: James Frawley
Written by: Richard Alan Simmons

A movie director is confronted by an old friend about his sister's death, the threat of being exposed leads to a murder scene on the studio lot, and Columbo demonstrates why his job wouldn't interest an audience.

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S8E3

SEX AND THE MARRIED DETECTIVE

Originally broadcast: 3 April 1989
Directed by: James Frawley
Written by: Jerrold L. Ludwig

A sex therapist finds her lover with another woman when her flight gets cancelled, a quick outfit change at a party provides an alibi for murder, and Columbo's embarrassed by questions about his personal relations.

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S8E4

GRAND DECEPTIONS

Originally broadcast: 1 May 1989
Directed by: Sam Wanamaker
Written by: Sy Salkowitz

A Colonel's business dealings at a military foundation make him a target for blackmail, a stabbing is disguised as an accident involving explosives, and Columbo impresses a retired General with his Civil War knowledge

HOLY GODIVA 1 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 3

SEASON NINE

(1989)
6 episodes
Season Score: 39
Episode Average: 6.50
Perfect 10's: 1

S9E1

MURDER, A SELF PORTRAIT

Originally broadcast: 25 November 1989
Directed by: James Frawley
Written by: Robert Sherman

Columbo shows off Dog at the 40th Annual Basset Hound Picnic, an artist learns that one of his three women plans to move in with a psychologist, and murder involving paint thinner is made to look like a tragic accident.

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 1
TOTAL: 3

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S9E2

COLUMBO CRIES WOLF

Originally broadcast: 20 January 1990
Directed by: Daryl Duke
Written by: William Read Woodfield, Richard Levinson, William Link

The co-owner of a mens' magazine tires of her partner getting involved with models, a plan to sell her stake to a rival means a trip to London, and Scotland Yard ask Columbo to investigate when she's fails to arrive.

HOLY GODIVA 5 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 10

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S9E3

AGENDA FOR MURDER

Originally broadcast: 10 February 1990
Directed by: Patrick McGoohan
Written by: Jeffrey Bloom

A lawyer finds his past haunting him during a presidential campaign, a blackmailer is silenced in a shooting set up to look like a suicide, and Columbo spots an opportunity to grab some autographs for his wife.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S9E4

REST IN PEACE, MRS. COLUMBO

Originally broadcast: 31 March 1990
Directed by: Vincent McEveety
Written by: Peter S. Fischer

A widow plots to get revenge on those who sent her husband to prison, an affair with a married man provides an alibi to shoot the informant, and Columbo finds himself having to say goodbye to his beloved wife.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S9E5

UNEASY LIES THE CROWN

Originally broadcast: 28 April 1990
Directed by: Alan J. Levi
Written by: Steven Bochco

A dentist faces losing his cheating wife because of his gambling debts, a poisoned dental crown is used to frame her for the murder of her lover, and Columbo tries to figure out the source of blue blotches on his shirts.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S9E6

MURDER IN MALIBU

Originally broadcast: 14 May 1990
Directed by: Walter Grauman
Written by: Jackson Gillis

A romance novelist publicly announces her intention to get married, a late night change of heart sees her killed in what looks like a robbery, and Columbo's not too pleased when the police move the victim's body.

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

EPISODES FROM THIS POINT ARE MERELY A SERIES OF SPECIALS

SPECIALS

(1990-1994)

SPECIAL

COLUMBO GOES TO COLLEGE

Originally broadcast: 9 December 1990
Directed by: E.W. Swackhamer
Written by: Jeffrey Bloom, Frederick King Keller

Two criminology students face being expelled for stealing exam papers, Columbo arrives on campus after being invited to appear as the guest speaker, and the shooting of a professor is made to look like a mafia hit.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 9

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

CAUTION: MURDER CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH

Originally broadcast: 20 February 1991
Directed by: Daryl Duke
Written by: Sonia Wolf, Patricia Ford, April Raynell

The new host of a crime show is blackmailed about his porn star past, nicotine is added to cigarettes to make murder look like a heart attack, and Columbo makes a new friend in the shape of a gorgeous redhead.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

COLUMBO AND THE MURDER OF A ROCK STAR

Originally broadcast: 29 April 1991
Directed by: Alan J. Levi
Written by: William Read Woodfield

A lawyer is blackmailed when he threatens to dump his cheating partner, spiked champagne provides opportunity to pin her murder on her lover,
and Columbo's on the lookout for a cheap stereo for his wife's nephew.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

DEATH HITS THE JACKPOT

Originally broadcast: 15 December 1991
Directed by: Vincent McEveety
Written by: Jeffrey Bloom, Robert Van Scoyk

A photographer going through a divorce wins $30 million on the lottery, a nearly bankrupt uncle suggests a way to keep the money from his wife, and a Hallowe'en party provides an alibi for a very profitable drowning.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

NO TIME TO DIE

Originally broadcast: 15 March 1992
Directed by: Alan J. Levi
Written by: Robert Van Scoyk, Evan Hunter

Columbo attends his police officer nephew's wedding to a model, the night gets cut short when the groom discovers his new wife missing, and the wedding photos are checked for anyone who shouldn't be there.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

A BIRD IN THE HAND...

Originally broadcast: 22 November 1992
Directed by: Vincent McEveety
Written by: Jackson Gillis

A football team owner refuses to help his nephew with gambling debts, a plan to blow up the uncle's car is foiled when he's killed in a hit and run, and Columbo can only look on when the bomb claims an innocent victim.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

IT'S ALL IN THE GAME

Originally broadcast: 31 October 1993
Directed by: Vincent McEveety
Written by: Peter Falk

Two women conspire to get rid of the love cheat plaguing both of their lives, a break-in is staged in an attempt to establish the perfect alibi, and the killer uses her charm in the hope of putting Columbo off the scent.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 5
TOTAL: 9

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

BUTTERFLY IN SHADES OF GREY

Originally broadcast: 10 January 1994
Directed by: Dennis Dugan
Written by: Peter S. Fischer

A radio show host is unhappy about one of his staff advising his foster daughter, talk of moving to New York sees a threat turned into reality, and Columbo looks into the idea of getting himself a cellular phone.

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

SPECIALS

(1994-2003)

SPECIAL

UNDERCOVER

Originally broadcast: 2 May 1994
Directed by: Vincent McEveety
Written by: Gerry Day, Evan Hunter

A part of a photograph is found at the scene of a double homicide, an insurance man explains how a jigsaw puzzle points to stolen money, and Columbo goes undercover in the hope of recovering the missing pieces.

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

Originally broadcast: 8 May 1995
Directed by: Vincent McEveety
Written by: Peter S. Fischer

A ranch owner gets tired of cleaning up his brother's gambling problems, a double murder makes it look like the debt was finally called in, and an attack of clam's revenge leaves Columbo regretting a decision to eat out.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 5

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

A TRACE OF MURDER

Originally broadcast: 15 May 1997
Directed by: Vincent McEveety
Written by: Charles Kipps

A woman knows that divorcing her wealthy husband will leave her broke, an attempt to frame him makes use of her lover's forensic knowledge, and Columbo worries about the welfare of a cat that fled from the scene.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

ASHES TO ASHES

Originally broadcast: 8 October 1998
Directed by: Patrick McGoohan
Written by: Jeffrey Hatcher, Patrick McGoohan

A Hollywood funeral director faces being exposed as a thief by his former lover, the tabloid reporter is beaten to death and her body cremated, and Columbo reacts angrily when he finds a puppy left without food.

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

MURDER WITH TOO MANY NOTES

Originally broadcast: 12 March 2001
Directed by: Patrick McGoohan
Written by: Jeffrey Cava, Patrick McGoohan

A film composer faces being exposed for cashing in on the work of a younger man, a fall from a rooftop is made to look like a tragic accident, and Columbo questions why the dramatic event took place in silence.

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 5

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SPECIAL

COLUMBO LIKES THE NIGHTLIFE

Originally broadcast: 30 January 2003
Directed by: Jeffrey Reiner
Written by: Michael Alaimo

A nightclub owner helps his girlfriend dispose of her ex-husband's body, the murder of a blackmailing photographer is made to look like suicide, and Columbo can't help but be troubled by the presence of mouthwash.

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 5