Columballs

We discuss “A Stitch in Crime,” an episode of Columbo that both Thad and Carl really enjoyed, and not just because Spock, er, Leonard Nimoy is the murderer-of-the-week. Does no one keep track of morphine or coffee at this hospital? Who built the death-trap that is Dr. Mayfield’s house? And what does it take to make Columbo angry? We discuss these questions and much more, including quite possibly the coolest person to ever check their email. Follow us on social media Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social Thad – @tyranicus.net Carl – @listeningtofilm.net

In this episode, Thad and Carl talk about “Requiem for a Falling Star” starring Anne Baxter, Mel Ferrer, and Kevin McCarthy (no, not that one). We have our usual questions about things like gasoline fumes, whether anyone in this episode knows how to park, and what exactly is in those decanters on Anne Baxter’s bar. We also go down a long (even by our standards) rathole about television shows and movies of questionable moral character and turn to the experts at “Focus on the Family” to help us out. If you just want us to get on with it, feel free to skip from one “…and Kevin McCarthy” chapter to the next. Follow us on social media Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social Thad – @tyranicus.net Carl – @listeningtofilm.net

Apologies for the delay, but we somehow lost our luggage in Heathrow Airport. In this episode, Columbo inexplicably finds himself in London, England and has to navigate every British cliché the writers can throw at him and find out whether or not it’s true that “the butler did it.” Follow us on social media Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social Thad – @tyranicus.net Carl – @listeningtofilm.net

“What’d you pay for those shoes?” We are back along with Robert Culp’s mustache as we discuss “The Most Crucial Game” and a whole lot of things that barely exist anymore. Follow us on social media Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social Thad – @tyranicus.net Carl – @listeningtofilm.net

We navigate “The Greenhouse Jungle” which is replete with fraud, fake kidnapping, murder, and really bad wigs. Follow us on social media Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social Thad – @tyranicus.net Carl – @listeningtofilm.net Images for those listening on our website (or who cannot see the chapter images) Signed Photo Dime Store Fabio White Jacket Coffee Table Decor Outdoor Late-Night Chili Counter

We begin season 2 of Columbo with “Étude in Black,” a special, extended (or is that padded?) episode featuring Peter Falk’s friend John Cassavetes as the Murderer-of-the Week. Does this episode merit an extra 30 minutes of runtime? Did Cassavetes do any research at all on how to conduct an orchestra? Was every actor from the 70s in at least one episode of “The Virginian?” And what’s up with the sudden appearance of Adolf Hitler? Listen and find out! Follow us on social media Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social Thad – @tyranicus.net Carl – @listeningtofilm.net Images for those listening on our website (or who cannot see the chapter images) Moving Walkway Fake Conducting Dog More 70s Ties The Columbo Dynamic Suddenly…Hitler? Benedict the Referee James Olson’s Hair

We take a one-episode break from Columbo to revisit the final latest entry in the Mission: Impossible franchise: MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—THE FINAL RECKONING. Just like the first time we watched it, we found it to be too long. In our (hopefully not too long) discussion, we ask why the filmmakers have suddenly decided their audience is full of idiots; question the inflammability of Alaskan cabins; and lose track of the number of times Ethan Hunt should die in this film. Speaking of not dying, we have a hard time believing that this is the last film in the series… Other episodes mentioned: Clip Shows and Sparachutes (immediate reactions to THE FINAL RECKONING) …And that’s Why I Hate this Movie (INFERNO) Follow us on social media: Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social Thad – @tyranicus.net Carl – @listeningtofilm.net

We close out the first season of Columbo with “Blueprint for Murder,” which is also the first and only episode of the show directed by Peter Falk. Join us as we discuss after-market Cadillac modding, really cheap bourbon, and what might just be the most expensive murder investigation in the history of the Los Angeles Police Department. Follow us on social media Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social Thad – @tyranicus.net Carl – @listeningtofilm.net Images for those listening on our website (or who cannot see the chapter images)   Markham’s Tie Wool Jacket Reflected Astigmatism at Night Goldie’s Bedroom Audio Cassettes Dr. John Fiedler Hat with BBQ Sauce That 70s Hair (again) Gross Body

Carl and Thad are joined by special guest Ryan Riddle to discuss “Short Fuse,” starring Roddy McDowall as the murderer of the week. We had a fun and extensive conversation with Ryan that even touched on the episode at times. Follow us on social media Ryan Riddle – @ryanthomasriddle.com Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social Thad – @tyranicus.net Carl – @listeningtofilm.net Images for those listening on our website (or who cannot see the chapter images) Darkroom Bomb-making Denim Suit Portraits of Yourself “I was not prepared for all the ass shots” Cigar Storage Roddy McDowall: Freaking Tool Answering Machine Homoerotic Silly String

In this episode, Thad and Carl discuss “Lady in Waiting,” the fifth of the first season of Columbo. While we would never condone murder, we both agree that Bryce Chadwick is the most murderable victim we have seen to date. We also get incredibly distracted by the usual things, including the inexplicable “Webster” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” crossover episode. Follow us on social media Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social Thad – @tyranicus.bsky.social Carl – @listeningtofilm.net Images for those listening on our website (or who cannot see the chapter images) “Webtrek” Bryce’s Keychain Isaac Asimov: L.A. Cop Bryce’s Framed Portrait Time Out for Star Trek Drive-in Car Trays Columbo Being Columbo Clothing Store / Bar / Pool Hall