After seeing this episode, i felt surprised and delighted at the same time. My reaction was quickly followed by this idea: i wished i had an old black and white television properly rigged for viewing the episode again but this time with no colors. But why? Because this episode is reminiscent of many classic film noir movies from the 40's. It is that good, despite its flaws. Unlike Columbo, I have seen many police mysteries that were so bad, they looked like the adventures of a police detective shopping in a Cosco on a Sunday afternoon. Many of them feel pre-fabricated, glazed over with slick, unlikely characters and no vision for mood, meaningful lighting or genuine dialogue. Columbo is one of the very few series that succeeded in creating a multi faceted character that we slowly connected with during the long journey this series puts us (the viewers) through while giving us a nice feeling that we are respected as viewers. This episode should be included in many categories, including Film Noir. Many film noir elements are present: narrators taking us through the plot, flashbacks, an undertone of sadness ans despair pushing the plot through, close ups, the "dame" crying and full of hatred and revenge, the "dame's" red dress and scarf, the funeral scene that is quite dark, wet and dreary..... I bet there was a much more visionary approach in this episode's script and directing... i almost suspect the film noir feel of this great episode was maybe a salute to the great crime movie of an era gone by and a hint for us fans to put Columbo's legacy on the same shelf as movies with Tierney, Bogart and all the others. And the last scene, as surprising as the reveal is, Shaver's teary reaction and slap are just the elements needed to make the ending perfect.
Review of Rest in Peace, Mrs. Columbo
