Ep 2. Murder Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

In "Murder Can Be Hazardous to Your Health," Columbo investigates the death of a TV writer named Oliver Brandt, who is murdered in his own home. Columbo initially suspects the victim's former business partner, but as he delves deeper into the investigation he begins to suspect that the real culprit may be someone closer to Brandt.

The episode is steeped in the ambiance of the entertainment industry, with numerous references to the process of television production and the creative personalities involved in it. Brandt's murder takes place as he is in the midst of developing a new series, and his colleagues and associates all seem to be jockeying for position in the wake of his demise.

As always, Columbo approaches the case with a disarming lack of pretension, relying more on his wits and instincts than on technical expertise. He methodically sifts through the evidence, which includes a missing script and a mysterious tape recording, in order to piece together the events that led up to the murder.

Throughout the episode, Columbo engages in a number of amusing and idiosyncratic interactions with the various suspects and witnesses he encounters. He uses his seemingly bumbling persona to disarm them and gain their confidence, while all the while gathering incriminating information that will eventually lead him to the killer.

Despite the light-hearted tone of the series, however, there is always a sense of real danger lurking just beneath the surface. The murder in this episode is particularly brutal, and there are several eerie scenes that hint at the sinister motives of the killer.

Ultimately, of course, Columbo is able to solve the case and bring the perpetrator to justice. But as always, the pleasure of the show lies less in the resolution itself than in the journey that takes us there. With its clever writing, strong performances, and engaging characters, season 10 episode 2 of Columbo is a fitting addition to the franchise and a must-see for fans of the classic detective genre.