Reviews

This is an...interesting episode. The plot itself isn't bad, in fact I think it's quite decent.

It's Peter Falk's portrayal of Columbo here that irks me. His pauses are ever so exaggerated, facial expressions a bit cartoony and gimmicky at times, and more often than not in this one it feels like he is doing an impression of Columbo as opposed to playing the character himself. His movements are slow, drawn out, and a bit too much at times. There were a couple moments where I wanted to yell "oh my god, just say the line!"

It's strange. The characterization of Columbo started to take a turn in around season 6, and I feel it was taken a bit too far here.

That is not to say the episode isn't enjoyable - like in any Columbo caper, there are moments here that make me giggle, (and the plot is intriguing enough). Louis Jourdan was very good as the 'Anton Ego'-esk character.

I do like the final scene where Columbo and Jourdan both admit that they respect each other but don't like anything else about the other. It's a nice final moment.

But generally speaking this one is OK, at best. Definitely things to like about it but it's bogged down by Columbo's characterization for me. I must admit when this episode ended I was a bit relived. I mean, the PAUSES between dialogue were making me uncomfortable.

I should probably start by saying that I really enjoy this episode, perhaps a bit more than most. I agree with another reviewer here that this show feels more like a "movie of the week", rather than a typical Hawaii Five-O episode, but maybe that's why I like it so much. Tonally it's very different in a way that's hard to describe.

The episode is focused on the mysterious death of a man and a woman, whos bodies resurface during an archeology dig. The story takes an interesting turn, as not all is what it seems.

As other reviewers have stated, there is a focus on a portrait done of the deceased woman, one that garners an infatuation from everyone, including McGarret. The woman's beauty seems to cast a spell on all those who gaze upon it. It may seem like a silly writing choice, but it added an element of mystery and intrigue to the episode that I particularly liked.

My favorite aspect of this episode though, is the stunning musical motif that follows discussion or scenes with the portrait of the woman. The theme is a beautiful melody that sounds nostalgic, sad, pondering and quiet all at the same time. Not surprising coming from the talented composer Morton Stevens. In fact, there's a great scene in this episode between Steve and Danno where the soundtrack really gets to shine in a quiet moment between the two characters.

Overall, an enjoyable start to the season. The resolution to this one was a bit unexpected and clever.