Ep 6. A Stitch in Crime

Columbo season 2 episode 6, titled "A Stitch in Crime," follows the homicide detective Lieutenant Columbo (Peter Falk) as he investigates the murder of a prominent fashion designer named Leland St. John (played by Leonard Nimoy). The episode originally aired on November 3, 1973.

The investigation begins when St. John is found dead in his Beverly Hills studio. The cause of death is determined to be a blow to the head, and the evidence suggests that the murderer used a sewing machine to commit the crime. Columbo is summoned to the scene and begins to piece together the puzzle of what happened.

As Columbo investigates, he discovers that St. John was not as beloved as he seemed. In fact, many people in his life had motives for killing him. There's his assistant, Ethel (Anne Francis), who had a contentious relationship with him and stood to benefit from his will. There's also his business partner, Carl (Will Geer), who was in financial trouble and needed to get out of their failing business. And there's St. John's long-suffering wife, Vivian (Anne Baxter), who was tired of being ignored and belittled by her husband.

As the clues begin to pile up, Columbo becomes convinced that the killer is someone within St. John's inner circle. But with so many suspects and little hard evidence, he must rely on his instincts and dogged persistence to unravel the mystery.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of "A Stitch in Crime" is seeing the clash between the old-fashioned, unassuming Columbo and the glamorous, high-stakes world of fashion. There are scenes of Columbo trying to navigate the runway, stumbling over haute couture terms, and mingling with models and designers. It's a fish-out-of-water scenario that adds a layer of comedy to the episode while also highlighting the stark differences between the two worlds.

At the same time, the episode also delves into darker themes of greed, jealousy, and betrayal. All of the suspects have something to gain from St. John's death, and it's fascinating to see how they interact with one another and with Columbo as the investigation unfolds. Each suspect has their own agenda and secrets, and it's up to Columbo to sift through the lies and half-truths to get to the truth.

As always, Falk's performance as Columbo is a highlight of the episode. He brings the character to life with his idiosyncrasies and quirks, from his rumpled coat to his disarming conversational style. Columbo is a master of misdirection, often playing dumb or feigning confusion to get his suspects to reveal more than they intended. It's a pleasure to watch him work, and it's no wonder that the character has become an enduring icon of detective fiction.

Overall, "A Stitch in Crime" is a solid entry in the Columbo canon, with a compelling mystery, memorable suspects, and Falk's magnetic performance at its center. Whether you're a fan of the show or just looking for a satisfying crime procedural, this episode is well worth watching.