Is this a bad episode? Personally, I'd say that it's okay. But like other comments have said, it definitely isn't the strongest in the series, as it's missing the spark that comes with the "cat and mouse" game the show is based on. While it's interesting to see Columbo work a "normal" case and how he goes about solving it, it lacks the satisfaction you get when he outsmart a confident killer.
Things get personal for Columbo in the exciting thriller No Time to Die. When Columbo’s nephew comes to him for help after his bride is abducted on their wedding night, Columbo only has a few hours to find her before her captor kills her. The writers do an impressive job at breaking away from the series formula while still keeping most of the traditional characteristics of a Columbo style mystery. The storytelling’s also especially good; particularly at developing the characters and at building the plot. Additionally, the directing adds a lot of tension and suspense to the film. A well-crafted and intense crime drama, No Time to Die is an excellent entry into the Columbo series.
Shout by ElliotVIP 6BlockedParent2022-06-15T07:59:59Z
Definitely one of the low points in the series. The fact it's a kidnapping story - albeit with a prevented murder - and that they tried to do something different isn't necessarily a bad thing but they decided to throw to the wayside the key points that made the Columbo series so great. The antagonist was a lazily written loopy with no real tie to the rest of the cast of characters; part of what made (certainly the initial run of episodes) so great was the game of cat-and-mouse that Columbo would play with the murderer. It would have made for a serviceable kidnapping movie - certainly the cast isn't the problem - but it definitely fails as an entry in the Columbo outings.
Interestingly, here in the UK where Columbo is on heavy rotation every Sunday on 5USA, this particular episode seems to be the only one that they never air; indeed I've only managed to watch it because it's currently available on NowTV. I wondered if it was something to do with adult content but it almost seems like it's down to the fact it's a weak entry.