Special 2 Ransom for a Dead Man

Beware a woman this cunning and dangerous. It is only an act of emotion that can trap her and Columbo is there to lure her in. Sadly, the resolution is the least interesting in an otherwise watchable story but remember this was one of first appearances of our peculiar detective and there was better things to come yet.

The Columbo series is rebooted with the mystery thriller Ransom for a Dead Man. Lieutenant Columbo is brought in to assist with the kidnapping case of a high profile lawyer, but when he turns up dead Columbo suspects that the wife has staged the whole thing. Lee Grant does a magnificent job at crafting a villain that's able to hold her own with Columbo and parry his joists. And, Peter Falk revamps the Columbo character as a clever, amiable, and unassuming detective that never shows all of his cards. The storytelling is also much improved, focusing on the investigation instead of the crime. Ransom for a Dead Man marks the rebirth of the Columbo series, and delivers a smart and engaging crime drama.