Ep 2. Murder under Glass

Columbo Season 7 episode 2, "Murder under Glass", follows the legendary Lieutenant Columbo as he investigates a ruthless murder-of-passion that takes place in California's culinary scene.

In "Murder under Glass," the episode starts with our beloved detective, Columbo, entering a fancy restaurant named La Belle Roue. He is there to investigate a crime that has already been committed. The mystery begins when the arrogant and snobbish chef, Paul Gerard, murders his former culinary school mate, a food critic, who has been giving Gerard poor reviews over the years. Unknowingly, Gerard's mother-in-law makes the reservation for the critic at La Belle Roue, which sets the scene for her gruesome end.

The world of gourmet cuisine becomes the backdrop for this episode, as the head chef Paul Gerard becomes Columbo's prime suspect. The episode takes a twist when Columbo becomes a big admirer of Gerard's food and starts showing a slight infatuation with his cooking. But, as always, Columbo sees things that nobody else does - pieces of evidence that seem worthless at first but end up being crucial to solving the case.

The plot thickens when Gerard's alibi falls through, and it becomes apparent that he was likely the last person the critic was with before being murdered. The episode brings up the classic theme of wealthy people who think they are above the law. Gerald is a man who thinks he can get away with anything, and he has excellent reasons to believe so, being one of the most talented chefs in the world, one with his restaurant and a status of a celebrity chef. But, in Columbo's world, if there's someone guilty, justice will always be served, and this time the chef is on center stage.

As the investigation continues, the mystery deepens, and the stakes become higher, as the motives behind the murder come to light. The episode's climax takes place at a charity dinner where the murderer is finally caught, revealing all the secrets and lies. In classic Columbo style, his cunning intellect shows how intricate details like cooking techniques and recipes can be the critical pieces of evidence that reveal the culprit's identity.

Overall, "Murder under Glass" is a must-see episode of Columbo, showcasing some of the series' classic hallmarks: an intricate crime, a charming and intelligent detective, and a brilliant murderer. The gourmet setting adds a new level of intrigue to this cleverly written episode, which will keep you on the edge of your seat until the bitter end. If you're a fan of the series or are just looking for a good mystery, this is an episode you won't want to miss.