Ep 5. Now You See Him

Columbo season 5 episode 5, titled "Now You See Him", follows the renowned detective as he investigates the death of a magician named The Great Santini. The episode opens with Santini performing his act in front of a live audience. After making a beautiful assistant disappear, he opens a locked trunk to reappear with her inside, only to find her dead body. It is soon revealed that he did not know she was inside the trunk when he unlocked it.

Columbo is called in to investigate the case, and he immediately begins to question the other members of Santini's crew, each of whom have a motive for the magician's murder. However, the detective is repeatedly stymied at every turn by the clever and charismatic magician, who seems to be one step ahead of him at every turn.

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that there is more to Santini's death than a simple accident or act of jealousy. Columbo begins to suspect that the magician's death was part of a larger plot, and he starts to piece together a complex web of deception that involves not only the members of Santini's troupe but his family as well.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see Columbo's trademark investigative methods in action. He uses his keen instincts and dogged persistence to slowly unravel the mystery behind Santini's death, constantly firing off questions and piecing together the clues. Despite the fact that he is up against a highly intelligent and resourceful opponent, Columbo remains undaunted, using his charm and wit to gain the upper hand and ultimately solve the case.

As with many episodes of Columbo, "Now You See Him" features a stellar guest star in the form of Jack Cassidy, who plays the role of The Great Santini with aplomb. Cassidy's performance is nuanced and captivating, perfectly capturing the charisma and intrigue that is often associated with magicians and their craft. The supporting cast is also strong, with each actor bringing their own unique talents to their respective roles.

Overall, "Now You See Him" is a thrilling and engaging episode of Columbo that showcases everything that makes this classic detective series so beloved. With its intricate plot, sharp writing, and exceptional performances, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone who appreciates a good mystery.