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Hallshorj
Reviews
Naked City: Ooftus Goofus (1961)
Don't know whether to laugh or cry
This episode is one of my favorite Naked City episodes. There's little mystery about the culprit of the crimes being investigated, but the characters are intriguing. Mickey Rooney is very good as the slowly deteriorating George, but acting kudos must go to Maureen Stapleton who plays his selfish, cold wife. This is a character with no redeeming warmth or qualities, and she gets her teeth into the role and never lets go. Watch for her resentment at being brought by the police to her husband who is threatening thousands of people he is holding hostage. I think her character is central to building sympathy for the little man who starts out as a prankster but goes over the deep end into violence. His pranks are foolish, but grow desperate as he grows desperate. If you are like me, you'll laugh at the beginning, but perhaps cry a little at the end. Excellent episode of an excellent series.
Columbo: A Case of Immunity (1975)
Why kill?
I love Columbo, and am currently watching all the episodes back to back. This is the first episode I have to ask: why did the murder happen? As we watch the murderer commit the crime--as all Columbo episodes begin--I was never quite sure why this person "had" to be murdered. Many episodes show just how the victim was an obstacle to the criminal, but not this one. I think it robbed this episode of some of its impact. We have to see something of why the crime was committed to be drawn into the story.
That said, Hector Elizando was excellent as Columbo's foil. That smooth, oily voice has a very nice criminal ring to it. And I particularly liked the fact the young king immediately liked Columbo. We usually see just the opposite in other episodes--Columbo is usually making friends as he talks to the little people, like maids and gardeners. It was a hoot to see him befriended by a king.