As I stated in a previous user review I wrote for another episode of "Columbo", the episodes that were made from the late 1980s on suffer because of obvious padding; the older episodes were shorter and as a result had a faster and leaner pace. This is true with this particular episode, though I will admit that the padding is not quite as obvious as other episodes. In fact, some of the padding is entertaining, my favorite being the scene where Columbo talks to his dog. As for the main plot line, I thought it was handled in an okay fashion. Not as well accomplished as the 1970s episodes, but it does have a reasonable amount of entertainment. The murder is clever and original, and will have you guessing how Columbo will solve it. And Falk is in top form as usual. I will admit, however, that the direction is lacking edge; we don't feel the screws tighten as the investigation intensifies, nor a sense of urgency. While it may be a lesser episode in the end, it does all the same have rewards for fans of the series.
Review of Grand Deceptions
