I love "Columbo." It's a cat-and-mouse show and is not about emotions. But something I've always missed is a stronger reaction from the murderer when he realizes that he has been caught in Columbo's net of evidence. Usually it is simply a rueful smile and a bowed head. An exception is provided by Oskar Werner in Playback. Throughout the episode he displays an intense anger and irritation at Columbo's persistence. Then the paroxysm of rage he generates at the end, even to the extent of his face flushed visibly red, while ordering his wife to lie for him, makes this, in my opinion, the most satisfying finale of all.
Review of Playback
