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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Mel O&#039;Drama" data-source="post: 277447" data-attributes="member: 23">Candidate For Crime <img src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNWFjOGEwOGYtMmJjOS00ZDUyLWEyM2YtNDFkMTQ3ODVkMmQ5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDM1MzYzMzc@._V1_.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="width: 534px" /><img src="https://resizing.flixster.com/5_J_jwx004nTl0gVzu9w6LaLr7k=/fit-in/1152x864/v1.dDsyNjgyNjQ7ajsxODgxMzsxMjAwOzYwMDs0NTA" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="width: 529px" /> The political backdrop to this episode reminded me very much of early Dallas. Or middle years Knots Landing. In fact, Nelson Hayward - a charismatic, corrupt high profile figure whose pampered, alcoholic wife knows all about his affairs - feels a little like a precursor to JR Ewing. With more than a touch of Larry Vaughn from Jaws, reflected in his calculating outlook; below-the-surface gruffness; gift for spin and politician’s rictus grin.All of which would make him a prime candidate to be murdered. In a nice turnaround, he uses this to his advantage by killing his campaign manager, claiming it to be a case of mistaken identity after Hayward has received death threats. His reasons? Harry Stone had wanted Hayward to end his affair with his personal secretary, Linda, saying it was bad for business. The strained professional working relationship between killer and victim reminded me of Murder By The Book. Deepening the similarities was the way Hayward manipulated Stone into going along with part of his alibi. In this case he persuaded Stone to switch jackets and drive Hayward’s car to Hayward’s beach house, shaking off Haywards security entourage on the way. Ostensibly, this was to allow Hayward to end things with Linda. But of course, Hayward was waiting at the beach house garage to shoot Stone dead. There were some really nice touches which showed Hayward’s gift for guile. Like the way he was able to smuggle weapons past the rigorous security checks. Changing the time on Stone’s watch, which he then smashed. And the fact that he’d planned a party for his wife immediately after the shooting so he could show up, regale them with the amusing story of switching jackets with Stone and losing the security in order to sneak away to the party (that’s three variations of the same story). This also ensured he had an alibi and witnesses when Columbo showed up to break the news. The actor playing Stone looked familiar. A quick search this morning tells me I probably know him best as Fame’s Principal Morloch. Speaking of familiar faces, I forgot to look out for future Peg Bundy/Leela/Harlette Katey Sagal. Fortunately her role - while small - was memorable enough as her character - a secretary at the campaign office - was quite dismissive of Columbo. [MEDIA=youtube]9Pf9Uhl4ots[/MEDIA]The episode was directed by Katey's Dad, Boris Sagal, whose own death the following decade would be as bizarre as anything seen on Columbo. Some nice Columboisms in this episode included Columbo's car failing a police inspection for numerous reasons (including an indicator not working and a missing windscreen wiper which "Must've come off in the car wash"). This required a trip to the garage, where Columbo balked at the price and showed his police badge in order for them to accept a cheque - only to find he'd forgotten his chequebook. Naturally, this led to his stock response when asked if he'd considered getting another car (about his wife's car being "Nothing special. Just transportation"). And we also saw Columbo visit a Beverly Hills tailor where - after a bit of measurement and conversation - he was quickly sent packing with the suggestion that he could buy his new jacket from a department store. Earlier on there'd been a nice, spontaneous bit of banter with Hayward where they'd discussed coats, and Columbo had pointed out that there was still plenty of wear in his raincoat. Jackie Cooper's perplexed but quickfire response was excellent. continued...</blockquote>

Verification: Who played Sue Ellen in Dallas?