27 reviews
A slightly different Columbo that doesn't follow the pattern
"A Bird in the Hand" from 1992 is a terrific late episode of "Columbo," but it doesn't follow the formula.
Greg Evigan plays Harold McCain, the gambling nephew of Big Fred (Steve Forrest), the owner of a football team. In trouble with mobsters, Harold realizes he doesn't have much hope of getting money from his uncle; however, since he's been romancing his alcoholic aunt by marriage (Tyne Daly), she might be good for it. He devises a pipe bomb to place under his uncle's Rolls.
This episode has a couple of major twists. Just don't think about the denouement. I can't say much else without involving a spoiler, but having dealt with dead weight myself, what is described would involve two people huffing and puffing.
The acting is terrific from everyone involved, with one unsung hero - G.F. Smith, the salesman in the Rolls Royce showroom where Columbo goes to figure out how the bomb was planted. The look on his face when Columbo unfolds a sheet of paper and starts talking about "the bomb" is priceless, as are his efforts to get Columbo out of the showroom to perhaps investigate more privately. A brilliant scene.
Very entertaining, right down to the beautiful rendition of Rags to Riches by a young Tony Bennett.
Greg Evigan plays Harold McCain, the gambling nephew of Big Fred (Steve Forrest), the owner of a football team. In trouble with mobsters, Harold realizes he doesn't have much hope of getting money from his uncle; however, since he's been romancing his alcoholic aunt by marriage (Tyne Daly), she might be good for it. He devises a pipe bomb to place under his uncle's Rolls.
This episode has a couple of major twists. Just don't think about the denouement. I can't say much else without involving a spoiler, but having dealt with dead weight myself, what is described would involve two people huffing and puffing.
The acting is terrific from everyone involved, with one unsung hero - G.F. Smith, the salesman in the Rolls Royce showroom where Columbo goes to figure out how the bomb was planted. The look on his face when Columbo unfolds a sheet of paper and starts talking about "the bomb" is priceless, as are his efforts to get Columbo out of the showroom to perhaps investigate more privately. A brilliant scene.
Very entertaining, right down to the beautiful rendition of Rags to Riches by a young Tony Bennett.
Tyne Daly steals every scene in which she appears
Emmy winner Tyne Daly guest stars as the boozy wife of Steve Forrest, the rich owner of a floundering football team. Greg Evigan plays Forrest's nephew, a gambler that has bet against the team in a pivotal game. Evigan's character is also having a secret affair with Daly. Unfortunately, for Evigan, a last ditch effort by the often-injured quarterback secures the team a playoff berth, ruining Evigan's plans to clean up. Thus, he plans to do away with "Big Fred" (Forrest), hoping that his uncle's demise will improve his chances of paying off his debts and solidify his relationship with Daly.
Unlike other "Columbo" films, this one has a few more twists and turns, making it engaging all the way through until the denouement. Falk, as usual, is excellent with his befuddled manner, shabby outfit, and "Oh, just one more thing..." delivery.
Dick Benedictus delivers another masterful score.
Another highlight is an impressive explosion midway during the film.
Unlike other "Columbo" films, this one has a few more twists and turns, making it engaging all the way through until the denouement. Falk, as usual, is excellent with his befuddled manner, shabby outfit, and "Oh, just one more thing..." delivery.
Dick Benedictus delivers another masterful score.
Another highlight is an impressive explosion midway during the film.
A different twist: two bodies more than usual.
This episode may have been weakened by three people being killed off, with possible multiple culprits.
As in some other episodes, there is delightful chemistry between Columbo and his quarry, in this case played by Greg Evigan. Evigan's reactions and timing are impeccable.
Tyne Daly works hard, but not too convincingly at first, at being a middle-aged boozy ditz. However, when her husband is killed, she takes control of his football team and his money, the latter always needed by her younger lover, Evigan, for gambling debts; this transformation has a perverse appeal.
Noteworthy, too, is a scene when Columbo, in his rumpled coat, walks into a very proper Rolls Royce showroom and is all over the engine compartment and underneath the car threatening to take something apart, all this to the delight of a gathering sidewalk crowd.
As in some other episodes, there is delightful chemistry between Columbo and his quarry, in this case played by Greg Evigan. Evigan's reactions and timing are impeccable.
Tyne Daly works hard, but not too convincingly at first, at being a middle-aged boozy ditz. However, when her husband is killed, she takes control of his football team and his money, the latter always needed by her younger lover, Evigan, for gambling debts; this transformation has a perverse appeal.
Noteworthy, too, is a scene when Columbo, in his rumpled coat, walks into a very proper Rolls Royce showroom and is all over the engine compartment and underneath the car threatening to take something apart, all this to the delight of a gathering sidewalk crowd.
(Major Spoilers) Is actually pretty good until almost totally blowing it in the final third disappointing in that regard but still quite enjoyable
- bob the moo
- Dec 10, 2005
- Permalink
Peter Falk on auto-pilot, but still fun.
- punishmentpark
- Oct 24, 2015
- Permalink
A really good episode, with a lot of twists and turns
There may be the odd unlikeable character, then again I don't think Harold McCain was meant to be particularly likable in the first place, but this is a top notch Columbo episode.
The whole episode is striking to look again, yeah the fashions make you cringe a tad, but the scenery and photography are wonderful. And the score is excellent, especially in the scene of the explosion, which in my opinion was one of the better and more jump-out-of-your-seat moments of the whole episode.
A Bird in the Hand is brilliantly written as well, there is some really nice dialogue between Columbo, Harold and Dolores, and the story is filled with great twists and turns that had me gripped right up the denouncement. The direction is also great.
And the acting is excellent. Peter Falk is exceptional of course as Columbo, while Tyne Daly is terrific as boozy Dolores. Greg Evigan does play a character who isn't so easy to like at first, but he does play him really well, while Leon Singer is a delight as Fernando. Overall, a really good episode and brilliantly written especially. 9/10 Bethany Cox
The whole episode is striking to look again, yeah the fashions make you cringe a tad, but the scenery and photography are wonderful. And the score is excellent, especially in the scene of the explosion, which in my opinion was one of the better and more jump-out-of-your-seat moments of the whole episode.
A Bird in the Hand is brilliantly written as well, there is some really nice dialogue between Columbo, Harold and Dolores, and the story is filled with great twists and turns that had me gripped right up the denouncement. The direction is also great.
And the acting is excellent. Peter Falk is exceptional of course as Columbo, while Tyne Daly is terrific as boozy Dolores. Greg Evigan does play a character who isn't so easy to like at first, but he does play him really well, while Leon Singer is a delight as Fernando. Overall, a really good episode and brilliantly written especially. 9/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jun 27, 2010
- Permalink
Harold sure isn't one of the smarter killers on "Columbo".
Harold is a real putz of a nephew. He has a serious gambling addiction and no foreseeable way of solving it...unless he is a crafty guy. So, he begins sleeping with his uncle's wife (Tyne Daly) and figures if the uncle dies, she'll be more than happy to bail him out of his financial mess. So, he plans on a rather sloppy way of killing the guy by planting a pipe bomb in his car! But something very weird happens...before the bomb can be detonated, the rich uncle is killed by a hit and run driver! And, to top it off, the putzy nephew isn't able to remove the bomb...and a poor innocent guy is blown to bits when the bomb does go off! For Columbo, he is assigned to the bombing case and a different detective is assigned to the hit and run. And, you wonder, if the two cases are more related than this.
The best thing about this episode is the surprising way that the bomb goes off but killing the wrong guy. So what is really going on here? Otherwise, it's a pretty ordinary installment of "Columbo"...though I did appreciate how the makeup and costuming folks did a great job of making Daly look her sexiest.
The best thing about this episode is the surprising way that the bomb goes off but killing the wrong guy. So what is really going on here? Otherwise, it's a pretty ordinary installment of "Columbo"...though I did appreciate how the makeup and costuming folks did a great job of making Daly look her sexiest.
- planktonrules
- Aug 12, 2021
- Permalink
An Underrated Classic
CFL Game footage
Early in the show the Stallions win a football game. This is actually a Canadian Football League game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Edmonton Eskimos.
- allabr-18944
- Feb 19, 2019
- Permalink
A really well written Columbo entry.
It could be just me but I though that this was a wonderfully written Columbo movie. It's the type of story that would had also worked out for a regular movie thriller. The movie offers plenty of twists and surprises in it and slightly differs from the usual Columbo formula.
Of course in a way all Columbo movies are mostly predictable, since they are basically all the same. This movie perfectly plays around with this. Every time you think something is going to happen in that way, it happens in a totally different way. Even the murder(s) within this movie occurs in an unexpected way. What the movie does well is building up its tension. It's really thanks to the movie its very well written script that this movie works out so solidly, despite being somewhat different from the usual successful Columbo formula.
It isn't really thanks to the acting though that this movie works out so well. Greg Evigan is really one horrible actor, who is terribly overacting within this movie. Luckily the movie still features Tyne Daly who plays a real good and also fun role. There also are some solid supporting actors within this movie, such as Don S. Davis, Steve Forrest and Frank McRae. Of course Peter Falk is also in good form again, although he really looked quite old in this movie. It's perhaps also maybe true that he isn't as much in this movie as in most other Columbo movie entries. This movie just also focus a lot on the interaction between the Tyne Daly and Greg Evigan, which pushes Lt. Columbo a bit to the background at times but of course he still has plenty of screen time and he does all of the usual things and investigations and interrogations you expect to see him do.
Despite not sticking entirely to the formula, the movie still features all of the right required Columbo movie ingredients, such as its comedy. It makes this movie also real pleasant and fun to watch.
Director Vincent McEveety directed quite a few Columbo movies in the '90's and it doesn't seem like a coincidence that some of his movies are among the best Columbo movies of the '90's. His movies always slightly differ from the usual Columbo movie entries, which often make them unexpected as well as original and also perfectly watchable movies for those who aren't really familiar with the Columbo-series.
A real recommendable Columbo movie entry.
8/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
Of course in a way all Columbo movies are mostly predictable, since they are basically all the same. This movie perfectly plays around with this. Every time you think something is going to happen in that way, it happens in a totally different way. Even the murder(s) within this movie occurs in an unexpected way. What the movie does well is building up its tension. It's really thanks to the movie its very well written script that this movie works out so solidly, despite being somewhat different from the usual successful Columbo formula.
It isn't really thanks to the acting though that this movie works out so well. Greg Evigan is really one horrible actor, who is terribly overacting within this movie. Luckily the movie still features Tyne Daly who plays a real good and also fun role. There also are some solid supporting actors within this movie, such as Don S. Davis, Steve Forrest and Frank McRae. Of course Peter Falk is also in good form again, although he really looked quite old in this movie. It's perhaps also maybe true that he isn't as much in this movie as in most other Columbo movie entries. This movie just also focus a lot on the interaction between the Tyne Daly and Greg Evigan, which pushes Lt. Columbo a bit to the background at times but of course he still has plenty of screen time and he does all of the usual things and investigations and interrogations you expect to see him do.
Despite not sticking entirely to the formula, the movie still features all of the right required Columbo movie ingredients, such as its comedy. It makes this movie also real pleasant and fun to watch.
Director Vincent McEveety directed quite a few Columbo movies in the '90's and it doesn't seem like a coincidence that some of his movies are among the best Columbo movies of the '90's. His movies always slightly differ from the usual Columbo movie entries, which often make them unexpected as well as original and also perfectly watchable movies for those who aren't really familiar with the Columbo-series.
A real recommendable Columbo movie entry.
8/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
- Boba_Fett1138
- Oct 24, 2008
- Permalink
Just a typical Columbo!
Of course, I love Columbo. I must have seen this episode a few times whether on network or cable television. It is still worth watching. You have to love watching Peter Falk. Of course in the real world, murderers are not that smart as they appear on Columbo. But this is fiction and a detective show, the criminals are more than cardboard characters. This film is quite a mystery and I do miss Columbo episodes even the newer episodes today. Tyne Daly is one of America's best recognized actresses. I have seen Tyne on Broadway in Gypsy and she is still one of the hardest working actresses today whether film, television or stage. Tyne plays against type in this film and I won't spoil the plot for anybody. I love Greg Evigan and I'm from his hometown so I'm a little biased toward him. Of course, the episode could have been better but I still love Columbo and I always will have a soft spot in my heart for him. He reminds me of my own father in some ways.
- Sylviastel
- May 17, 2006
- Permalink
Lesser Falk Role But Others Fill In
I found "A Bird In the Hand " a refreshing change from my addictive Columbo habit. Yes, there is a lot less of the great Peter Falk, but Tyne Daly is wonderful to watch, and as others have said, the photography is fine, and the story kept me interested. The initial "bad guy", nephew of a wealthy sports team owner, was well played, and good looking at least; certainly not unappealing, and overall, the action moved along at a good pace. Good show.
- scottschada@yahoo.com
- Mar 18, 2018
- Permalink
Just one more murder
Three different killings happen during the course of this Columbo story. Just as Peter Falk and the rest of the LAPD starts on one, another occurs.
The first is that of Steve Forrest multi-millionaire owner of a football team whose death would solve the problems of his wastrel nephew Greg Evigan. He's run down while jogging on his block in fashionable Beverly Hills. Looks very much like a hit and run, but of course Falk holds out for a bigger story.
While trying to get that gardener Leon Singer is blown up along with the late Mr. Forrest's car after Columbo asks him to move it. There's a very funny scene while Columbo is at an auto dealer's shop trying to simulate how a bomb would be placed. Just doing that action yields him a valuable clue.
Finally Evigan himself is shot to death and at that point it all falls in place after Falk traces his movements the 24 hours before he's killed.
Tyne Daly is in the cast as a most needy wife and one who has every indication of charting her own course when she's a widow.
Lots of twists in this Columbo tale, more than usual still great viewing.
The first is that of Steve Forrest multi-millionaire owner of a football team whose death would solve the problems of his wastrel nephew Greg Evigan. He's run down while jogging on his block in fashionable Beverly Hills. Looks very much like a hit and run, but of course Falk holds out for a bigger story.
While trying to get that gardener Leon Singer is blown up along with the late Mr. Forrest's car after Columbo asks him to move it. There's a very funny scene while Columbo is at an auto dealer's shop trying to simulate how a bomb would be placed. Just doing that action yields him a valuable clue.
Finally Evigan himself is shot to death and at that point it all falls in place after Falk traces his movements the 24 hours before he's killed.
Tyne Daly is in the cast as a most needy wife and one who has every indication of charting her own course when she's a widow.
Lots of twists in this Columbo tale, more than usual still great viewing.
- bkoganbing
- Apr 22, 2017
- Permalink
A lesser investigation
A BIRD IN THE HAND... is one of my least favourite COLUMBO TV movies thus far, and I blame that on the quality of the writing. Although this episode is unique in terms of the intricacy of the murder - the actual murderer's plans go awry when his intended victim is in fact killed by somebody else - the execution is strictly so-so, and disappointing considering the quality of the detective's other stories.
What we get here is Peter Falk on autopilot, going through the motions rather than getting to the heart of his character as he does elsewhere; he's good in the goofy humour scenes (like the car showroom highlight) but elsewhere nothing special. Even worse is the supporting cast: there are two 'guest stars' here, and both are poor. The moustachioed Greg Evigan is an unpleasant scheming villain, while Tyne Daly's performance as a horny drunk is, frankly, embarrassing.
It turns out that the complexity of the opening murder(s) is the best thing about this story, which is otherwise unfocused and somewhat strained. The clue-solving stuff is simplistic and things particularly fall apart in the final act, ending in a most ordinary fashion. Columbo could do better, and he frequently did.
What we get here is Peter Falk on autopilot, going through the motions rather than getting to the heart of his character as he does elsewhere; he's good in the goofy humour scenes (like the car showroom highlight) but elsewhere nothing special. Even worse is the supporting cast: there are two 'guest stars' here, and both are poor. The moustachioed Greg Evigan is an unpleasant scheming villain, while Tyne Daly's performance as a horny drunk is, frankly, embarrassing.
It turns out that the complexity of the opening murder(s) is the best thing about this story, which is otherwise unfocused and somewhat strained. The clue-solving stuff is simplistic and things particularly fall apart in the final act, ending in a most ordinary fashion. Columbo could do better, and he frequently did.
- Leofwine_draca
- Aug 24, 2015
- Permalink
Two murderers for the price of one
A Good Outing Among the "New" Columbos
This episode sticks more to the traditional formula, although it does not feature enough of the expected "cat and mouse" Columbo/murderer fun. I suppose that is the main failing for Columbo fans. However, it is well done, on all levels, without the goofy plot or setting of some other of the final episodes. Tyne Daly is great, as expected (she plays an enebriated but happy woman very well) and Greg Evigan also does a creditable job. Very entertaining overall.
- scottschada@yahoo.com
- Aug 4, 2019
- Permalink
"A Bird in the Hand..." (1992)
PLOT: A gambler with huge debts (Greg Evigan) plots to kill his rich uncle (Steve Forrest) via a vehicle pipe bomb in order to smoodge his boozy wife for money (Tyne Daly); but the uncle is unexpectedly killed in a mysterious hit-and-run. Then the gardener... um, you'll see.
COMMENTARY: This episode's rather unique in that it features more of a freestyle filmmaking vibe than other installments and this is augmented by a few clever twists that stray from formula. Tyne's face looks good & youthful despite her plumpness while Evigan makes for a handsome, but particularly conniving antagonist. The first hour is quite good if you can handle the freestyle approach, but the flick starts losing its mojo in the last 35 minutes. The creators needed to work out some kinks, but unfortunately didn't have the time/money. It's still a worthwhile segment for its uniqueness and other highlights, like the shocking explosion. The mullets are dreadful, but amusing.
GRADE: B-/C+
COMMENTARY: This episode's rather unique in that it features more of a freestyle filmmaking vibe than other installments and this is augmented by a few clever twists that stray from formula. Tyne's face looks good & youthful despite her plumpness while Evigan makes for a handsome, but particularly conniving antagonist. The first hour is quite good if you can handle the freestyle approach, but the flick starts losing its mojo in the last 35 minutes. The creators needed to work out some kinks, but unfortunately didn't have the time/money. It's still a worthwhile segment for its uniqueness and other highlights, like the shocking explosion. The mullets are dreadful, but amusing.
GRADE: B-/C+
It's 3 Bodies not 2
- ummajon2003
- Apr 18, 2023
- Permalink
An episode in which things happen, but in which Columbo isn't his old self
This isn't a Columbo that you would normally expect, and he isn't
entirely in form with regards to the evidence, but it is quite
entertaining anyway, as many things happen during the episode, and the investigation leads into many fun trails. Also, our leading criminal has quite a character...
entirely in form with regards to the evidence, but it is quite
entertaining anyway, as many things happen during the episode, and the investigation leads into many fun trails. Also, our leading criminal has quite a character...
Brilliant, just brilliant!
- koppanyfabry
- Apr 12, 2020
- Permalink
What Does The Scratches Have To Do With It?
A Rather Unique Story
I have to agree with the person who said the conclusion bears some scrutiny, once we know who the murderer is; however, this is a nice little Columbo episode with several layers working. Tyne Dailey is an alcoholic aunt who was married to and "accident" victim, the owner of a professional football team. We soon realize that she is much smarter than she lets on. She does this "Or poor me" thing and fools the hapless gambler into actions he would not normally do. I have to say that this is the first time I realized that Peter Falk was really getting old and out of shape. There is a great scene at a car dealership where he crawls under a car to investigate. It is actually rather painful to watch. But he pulls it off. Good episode.
Great story that functions like a double feature... Alas, the gotchas are lame.
This is one of the better 90s Columbos where they play with the classical story structure. Unlike in the episodes that make the canon, we do not see how the murder(s) take place, But (especially for the first one) we follow the (intended) killer and get nestled into his perspective, which provides a strong link to what makes Columbo stories function as they do.
Tyne Daly of Cagney and Lacey is a cool addition to Columbo's collection of suspects as she brings to life a character with some (hidden) gravitas.
The twists are multiple with this episode: The tension of seeing Columbo and everybody else right next to apparent danger is a high note, one that surpasses even many notable moments from 70s Columbos. All this while the intended murderer himself is confused and puzzled, totally lost when it comes to winging the whole deal.
As for the second murder: This time the pattern is braken for good because we never get inside the murderer's mind to figure out what their motivation and plan was. Even though the suspects aren't multiple, that's a fresh revision.
So yes, the structure is tampered with. But pleasantly so because we get to experience whole new emotions and tensions as our expectations and habits are challenged.
This episode could have been perfect if only the "gotchas" were smarter. Alas, they just sound too obvious and predictable.
Columbo smelling damp socks pulled from inside a boot is a new low for our stomachs and I never like it when they push the lieutenant's lack of ick to such levels. But hey, the man does his job.
Tyne Daly of Cagney and Lacey is a cool addition to Columbo's collection of suspects as she brings to life a character with some (hidden) gravitas.
The twists are multiple with this episode: The tension of seeing Columbo and everybody else right next to apparent danger is a high note, one that surpasses even many notable moments from 70s Columbos. All this while the intended murderer himself is confused and puzzled, totally lost when it comes to winging the whole deal.
As for the second murder: This time the pattern is braken for good because we never get inside the murderer's mind to figure out what their motivation and plan was. Even though the suspects aren't multiple, that's a fresh revision.
So yes, the structure is tampered with. But pleasantly so because we get to experience whole new emotions and tensions as our expectations and habits are challenged.
This episode could have been perfect if only the "gotchas" were smarter. Alas, they just sound too obvious and predictable.
Columbo smelling damp socks pulled from inside a boot is a new low for our stomachs and I never like it when they push the lieutenant's lack of ick to such levels. But hey, the man does his job.
- muratmihcioglu
- Nov 27, 2023
- Permalink
Just one more question maam
Here we go again with the all knowing Columbo is back. This is good fun though not a great Columbo and you do get the impression that Peter Faulk is really playing it by numbers. This being a 1992 episode has not dated particularly well. The basic premise of Columbo investigating the death of the owner of an American football team is not a great one and unusually for Columbo the supporting characters are not too great either. However it is good to see Tyne Daily playing against type as the female lead and one of the main suspects 'Dolores'. As usual our hero in the dirty mac seems to play with all the suspects but does so in an entertaining style. Whilst not great this is fun but not really worth a second viewing.
- ed_two_o_nine
- Feb 16, 2008
- Permalink
Guest starring Tyne Daly and Greg Evigan