Ep 13. Murder with Too Many Notes

Columbo is a classic detective show that aired in the late 70s and early 80s. Season 10, Episode 13, titled "Murder with Too Many Notes," is one of the most popular episodes of the entire series. This episode centers around a famous composer named Findlay Crawford, played by Billy Connolly, who has just received a major award for his work.

As soon as the award ceremony is over, someone murders Crawford in his studio. The prime suspect is a young musician named Gabriel McEnery, played by the late Peter Falk's own daughter, Catherine Falk. McEnery had been working with Crawford recently, and they had a falling out over a piece of music that Crawford had stolen from McEnery.

The police find some incriminating evidence at the scene of the murder that seems to point to McEnery being responsible. However, Columbo is not convinced. He thinks that the evidence is too neatly organized and that it has been planted to make McEnery look guilty.

As Columbo begins to investigate the case, he uncovers some surprising information about the victim. Crawford was not the upstanding citizen that everyone believed him to be. In fact, he had a secret life that he was keeping hidden from everyone. This secret life holds the key to the mystery of who killed Crawford, and why. Columbo must navigate a mysterious world of music, money, and deception to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice.

The episode is filled with great performances from the cast, particularly Billy Connolly as the eccentric Crawford. His portrayal of the character is both charming and menacing, and he makes you like Crawford even as you suspect that he is up to no good. Catherine Falk also delivers a strong performance as McEnery, and her scenes with Falk are especially poignant.

One of the things that sets this episode apart from the rest of the series is the music. Crawford's compositions are front and center throughout the episode, and they add a level of sophistication to the storytelling that is not often seen on television. The show's use of classical music is particularly effective in creating a sense of grandeur and elegance that elevates the episode above your typical murder mystery.

As with all Columbo episodes, the real joy is in watching Falk's performance as the rumpled detective. His character is disarmingly polite and unassuming, yet his mind is razor-sharp and he never misses a detail. In this episode, Falk delivers some of his best work, particularly in the scenes where he confronts the suspects and dissects their alibis.

Overall, "Murder with Too Many Notes" is an exceptional episode of a classic TV show. It blends music, mystery, and great acting into a compelling story that keeps you guessing until the very end. If you're a fan of Columbo, or just enjoy a good whodunit, this is an episode that you won't want to miss.