I am a big fan of Columbo. The Most Crucial Game is a good episode if somewhat middling without being the best or the worst of the set. Susan Howard's role is disappointingly limited and she unfortunately doesn't do as much with it as she had the potential to do and the build up to the ending could have been steadied a bit which perhaps would have helped in making it better. I agree the ending was the most disappointing asset of The Most Crucial Game, the idea of the explanation I had no problem with, but it was the way it was executed and tied together that felt rather awkward, particularly with the flaw in the alibi which didn't convince.
However, the production values as are the case with all Columbo episodes are top notch, and the music adds a lot to the atmosphere. The script is excellent on the whole, with some great interaction between Falk and Culp and some thoughtful moments, and the story is well told with a splendid means of murder and premise. The direction and cast are generally on the money too. Peter Falk enjoys himself as Columbo, Robert Culp plays an interesting character and does very well with it and Dean Stockwell is good too.
Overall, the ending was a disappointment but the episode was good. 7/10 Bethany Cox
However, the production values as are the case with all Columbo episodes are top notch, and the music adds a lot to the atmosphere. The script is excellent on the whole, with some great interaction between Falk and Culp and some thoughtful moments, and the story is well told with a splendid means of murder and premise. The direction and cast are generally on the money too. Peter Falk enjoys himself as Columbo, Robert Culp plays an interesting character and does very well with it and Dean Stockwell is good too.
Overall, the ending was a disappointment but the episode was good. 7/10 Bethany Cox