Columbo (TV Series) Columbo Likes the Nightlife (2003) User Reviews

Forget Peter's age, just enjoy the usual Columbo formula!

[jamiecostelo58 · 7/10 · 10 August 2007]

I suppose the main reaction when watching this particular episode is the fact that it is very hard to ignore Peter Falk's age. He was 75 when this edition was recorded in 2002 (broadcast in January 2003), but he simply threw himself into his legendary role comfortably and easily. This is a fun episode to watch! It's certainly a more 'modernised' interpretation than previous editions, with fast directing and electric-style music in the background during some scenes.

When Vanessa Farrow (played expertly by Jennifer Sky) accidentally kills her ex-husband, it's down to nightclub owner Justin Price (Matthew Rhys) to dispose of the body. But a surprising twist to the story will certainly keep viewers hooked! In steps our favourite Lt and the fun begins! Columbo Likes the Nightlife still contains the legendary trademarks that make the series so popular, including the "just one more thing" phrase, the talk of his wife, as well as his ageless car, but I do fear that it may be ignored by many viewers simply because of Peter's age. He may have been in his mid 70s at the time, but Lt. Columbo doesn't have to be! It's not the best by any means, but is certainly watchable.

This edition marks a satisfactory enough conclusion to a brilliant detective drama that I've had the privilege to watch every single episode of! Peter has kept millions of viewers entertained as Columbo for nearly 40 years, and the shabby Lt will sure be missed! Nevertheless, Columbo will in no doubt be adored by the masses for many many years to come! 7/10

Columbo Gets Serious Again

[gerard-21 · 8/10 · 31 January 2003]

In recent years the character of Lt. Columbo had become a caricature of itself. He had a comical theme accompanying his every move and to everyone involved, until he solved the crime, he appeared to be an idiot. Many of the culprits were caught because of their own stupidity and inherent lack of respect for Columbo. That's not the case here, as the detective goes back to deploying real sleuthing skills. You can see from the first interaction with the opposition that Columbo is regarded as a very serious threat, even though one of the killers maintains he "has nothing". Early on, Columbo shows he means business when he asks his suspect "do you find something funny about this?". There is less interaction with the protagonists in this one, which some may find distressing, but it's only because Columbo spends most of the episode doing realistic detective work, rather than relying on the killers' stupid mistakes(there aren't any). He really pieces this one together, and the climax where he determines the location of the missing man is very good. All in all, I enjoyed a return to the more realistic Columbo of the seventies.

Late Return To Form

[sunshineplays · 8/10 · 14 August 2005]

The "New Columbo" of the 1990s and into the 21st century have been a bit too whimsical at times but this story has much more edge to it. Columbo behaves more like an LA detective and the villains are shown to be more complex. The filming of the episode shows much more inventiveness than in recent episodes and the acting is first rate by all the cast. Falk gives an effective performance and conveys Columbo as being a little world weary - he's seen this all before but still loves his job too much. The makers of this episode have clearly tried to inject some energy into what was threatening to become a stale property. Overall, a refreshing return to form and a good finale for Columbo if this turns out to be the last ever episode.

The Famous Old Raincoat

[paul sloan · 19 November 2003]

Columbo has been going for over 30 years in some form. The dear detective must be the oldest copper in the world. He also solves all these murder cases and never gets promoted or even a raise. In some ways that is the great charm of Columbo. A new episode is really comfort TV. You basically know what you're gonna get. Any deviations from the formula have been disastrous.This particular one is fairly routine fare with a silly script. Still, the bad folks are totally obnoxious as usual and you are always glad when they get what's coming to them.Peter Falk is magnificent as always, a fantastic seriously underrated star. Nightlife is not great but Falk makes it all work fine.

Goodbye Liutenant Columbo!

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 24 March 2012]

I have been a huge fan of the Columbo episodes. I liked this episode, it was pretty solid if somewhat ending to a great series, that has had some treasures(especially in the early seasons) as well as the odd disappointment. The story is pretty gripping mostly, but a little too formulaic and offers little new really. I liked the disco music, but felt the background score could at times have been more atmospheric and less obvious. Also Matthew Rhys tries his best but I found Justin one of the blander Columbo murderers for some reason and I can't quite put my finger on why at the moment. However, Jennifer Sky manages to be sexy as well as fun and touching, and while he is a little too old and perhaps too mellow Peter Falk delivers still as Columbo. Columbo Likes the Nightlife is filmed beautifully, looking modern but the darker scenes give it some suspense and foreboding, it is well directed and the script is engaging, not as clever or as intelligent as most of the other Columbo scripts, but above average still. All in all, decent episode but part of me was wanting of a stronger finish. 7/10 Bethany Cox

last episode - but Columbo goes out on a high

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 27 November 2017]

A very young Matthew Rhys ("The Americans") is one of the stars of the final "Columbo," "Columbo Likes the Nightlife" from 2003. Also starring is Jennifer Sky, who has since become a journalist, and The Sopranos actor Steve Schirripa.

Rhys plays Justin Price, the owner of a soon-to-be-open rave club, but he's waiting for money to be transferred from his business partner Tony Galper (Carmine Giovinazzo). Before the money can be confirmed to be in his bank account, Galper's ex-wife and Justin's girlfriend (Sky) accidentally kills him. It's imperative that Tony not be discovered as missing or dead before the money lands. Unfortunately, a tabloid reporter puts the screws to Justin for blackmail money. When the reporter is found dead from an apparent suicide, Columbo doubts that's what it is.

Very good episode and a fitting farewell to Columbo, who in the last years has been hit or miss thanks to the producers using scripts that fiddled with the formula, including one that was a script by 87th precinct author Ed McBain.

Here, Columbo doesn't depend on the killer making a mistake but figures this out anyway, and it's very clever.

At 75 years old, Columbo would have been retired, not to mention that, were he still working, he would be a Police Deputy Chief, a Captain, a Commander - something! So I tell myself in these last years he was called in as a consultant.

I didn't like Peter Falk - I adored him. I interviewed him in the late '90s. The day he died I sat in an airport and cried. An amazing actor who left a great legacy and will always be fondly remembered as Columbo.

Disappointing Send Off

[cmtaylor-10993 · 6/10 · 18 June 2021]

I love Peter Falk as Columbo, he can't really do no wrong. As a kid who discovered the show through the regular re-runs in the late 90's early 2000s I couldn't believe that they were still making new episodes.

Columbo Likes the Nightlife, as you know was the final episode of Columbo produced. As an episode it's not really all that bad, especially when compared to most other TV shows. The biggest problem is that it wasn't really a fitting send off for our favourite detective.

This episode has a completely unique feel when compared to all other Columbo episodes. It's the first time the villain isn't a big shot and the whole episode feels very 'urban'. Columbo feels very out of place in the setting of a night club, when in all other episodes he's mixing with the top levels of society.

The story and murder it's self isn't actually too bad, its just that the underworld setting with the 'modern' title fonts and modern background music makes it feel like another generic 2000s low budget crime drama.

Falk, although really beginning to show his age, is absolutely faultless in his portrayal. It's just a shame that we never had the opportunity to give his most famous character a proper send off.

A Great End For The Classic TV Detective

[movieguy96 · 8/10 · 10 November 2014]

If you've heard any negative reviews of 'Columbo Likes The Nightlife', ignore them! This is a refreshingly contemporary and magnificently dignified end to one of the greatest crime series ever made.

'Columbo Likes The Nightlife' fittingly goes back to more of the great detective's keen eye for detail, collection of the facts, and assertive dominance over the villain(s), whilst still not losing the series' sense of dry humour, which had been an essential part of the 70's episodes, but sadly lost somewhat in some of the later 90's entries in favour of more of the character's pratfalls and bumbling antics. The fact here that the main villain, *spoiler alert* Matthew Rhys, is so coyly manipulative and not prone to the clumsy stupidity and slip- ups that befell some villains in more later entries, makes him all the more threatening to us, and also makes it all the more worthwhile and satisfying to then see Columbo pick away at that dangerous and arrogant persona.

The whole rave scene, all bright vivid colours and pumped-up beats, that forms the basis of the film, stands this episode out amongst the rest. With me, as I'm sure it did with many others, it took me aback to start, but not in a bad way whatsoever. This is a revamped and hip look for the franchise, and unlike such other later episodes like 'A Trace Of Murder', this felt like it was real and naturally flowing; the fashion of that time coinciding perfectly with the firmly established formula of Columbo and this tightly woven story to create a different, new, but respectfully structured and trustworthy, solid entry in the series.

There's little to criticise here. I for one though thought that *spoiler alert* there could've been one last send-off line, either about the detective's wife, or his possible hanging up the towel, as he leaves the club, but this is a very minor quibble, and on the other hand, I think that *spoiler alert* Columbo's final walk out of the club, immediately after proving the villain's guilt, accompanied to the appropriately reflective but quietly groovy beat that compliments it, is a terrifically subtle send-off in itself, and the presence of The Sopranos' Steve Schirripa, to which Columbo humbly expresses his appreciation for his offering any help in the future if he needs any, doesn't hurt it.

Nor does the *spoiler alert* poignant appearance of John Finnegan, a recurring actor in Columbo since 1972, who adds some warm nostalgia and wit with his knowing and touchingly handled cameo; no doubt a treat for die-hard Columbo fans.

Other supporting turns to watch out for here is *spoiler alert* Lost's Jorge Garcia as the doorman to the club, Julius Carry, and Patrick Cupo, as the cops helping out the lieutenant, and Douglas Roberts as the ill-fated tabloid photographer.

The villains here, *spoiler alert* Rhys, and Jennifer Sky, are brilliant. Rhys the reservedly calculating and charming murderer who becomes increasingly unhinged as the plot develops, and Sky the nervous girlfriend who tries to remain calm and dignified in the face of impending doom.

The end revelation *spoiler alert* about the fish tanks is a knock- out, and is up there with the very best deductions the Holmesian detective has proved right. It may be a little far-fetched granted, but it's a joy to watch.

Peter Falk was an amazing actor who made Columbo his own, and here he looks as if he's relishing the chance to be on top-form again. He doesn't disgrace himself here; his world weary demeanour contrasting beautifully against the rave techno culture of that time.

You find by the end, you'll actually be wanting more, but sadly, that wasn't to be. Indeed, the end scene I found struck an emotionally significant cord in me as I came to realise this was the final time we'd see the great detective and his iconic shabby raincoat, and THAT car, ever again. You miss him, but that's how you're meant to be feeling after all, and in some way you're glad you miss him, as opposed to wishing it's all over in some of the later instalments ('A Trace Of Murder' again).

Be thankful then, that 'Columbo Likes The Nightlife' was made, to give Falk, and the greatest role he ever played, the graceful and memorable ending they deserved. In style.

Double Murder, Double Thumbs UP!

[95mustang · 6/10 · 30 January 2003]

Columbo at it's best. Good fun. This movie seems to be a little darker than usual in the sense that it seems to take place mostly at night. The main character(The killer), is a little weak but Falk is in usual top-form. The obviousness of every columbo script remains alive but the matter-of-fact/ness was not as evident as portrayed in the classics. Good and interesting twist in the end by solving the first murder through the process of solving the second by default. As usual, top notch with a surprise appearance by a Sopranos Regular. The only thing I particularly didn't like was the movie soundtrack. Techno to suit the movie theme, but not to suit the Columbo dynasty. I recommend it if you enjoy the masterfullness of Columbo himself.

A New Style For Columbo

[stubbers · 8/10 · 28 February 2012]

What a shame this was the last ever Columbo. If only there had been "just one more thing": a final send-off episode, featuring the Lieutenant reluctantly forced to retire but not before solving his most impressive case! Back in the 70s "The Conspirators" was a perfect way to end the original series - an epic, "fin-de-siecle" episode that closed the chapter with its fitting slogan: "this far and no farther".

As it stands "Columbo Likes The Nightlife" doesn't feel like the last ever Columbo ever, it feels like the start of something new. This is why it's a shame: Columbo had turned a corner with this episode, still finding its feet with the new style, and had a few more episodes been created in the same vein we could have had a last hurrah for the Lieutenant (as opposed to a last salute for the commodore!).

If anything, the new direction of "Columbo Likes The Nightlife" is almost like a return to the very first appearance of "Columbo" in "Prescription Murder". It's interesting to compare the first and last episodes, and in fact they have more in common than maybe first apparent. For starters, the character Columbo in each episode is slightly less goofy and pretend-dumb: the murderers know he isn't stupid (unlike your "Death Lends A Hand" and "Columbo Goes To College" type episodes in which he readily plays the fool). He's definitely more serious here and the style of the piece is less wacky and whimsical than usual.

If the humour is downplayed in an episode of Columbo, what replaces it? In this case, as with the original episode, what replaces it is genuine suspense. A male murderer with a female accomplice both have to deny knowing each other (well, in "Prescription Murder" they know each other professionally but have to deny they are having an affair). Matthew Rhys is a new kind of Columbo villain in terms of appearance and fashion, however typically charming and "respectable" when dealing with Columbo (though with a not very secret dark side). Jennifer Sky was absolutely superb in this episode as his accomplice. Not only is she stunning, her acting was really pitch-perfect, getting more and more worried as the net closes in.

Another similarity with the original episode is the modishness of the setting. In fact, the best Columbos (apart from a few of the late 70s ones) tended to revolve around some new fad or new technology, very indicative of their era. Whereas "Prescription Murder" was very late-60s with its cheese and wine parties, "Columbo Likes The Nightlife" was a pretty good snapshot of early 00s rave culture. I was heavily into the culture at the time (we all go through that phase when we are growing up!) so it was frankly amazing to see Columbo enter that world, and what's more do it with style and lightness of touch. The world of rave is not really that different from the world of magic, a la "Now You See Him" and the Great Santini. After all, it's all done with smoke and mirrors. And, as I have said in my other reviews, any Columbo that features an outwardly glamorous backdrop makes a great setting for intrigue and foul play.

Any faults with "Columbo Likes The Nightlife" and this return to the serious, cutting-edge type Columbo? Not his age. Somehow Columbo appeared to be slightly younger here than in the previous few episodes, maybe it was his seriousness and that there was less of his absent-minded rambling and shuffling about here. I think Peter Falk definitely had at least one, if not two or three more episodes left in him after this. He was as sharp as ever.

The ending was ever so slightly disappointing for two reasons: one, if the music was stopped at a rave people wouldn't just stand around in silence, there would be catcalls and "wtf" reactions from the crowd! It would totally confuse the ravers to be honest. And the evidence about the fish kind of came out of leftfield, which to be fair happens in loads of Columbos. Maybe I need to rewatch it to see just how quickly he picked up on the discrepancy in the numbers of fish.

All in all though, this is an interesting, original and excellent episode made even better by the wonderful Jennifer Sky and daring use of the rave environment. "Columbo Likes The Nightlife" ended up being an artistic statement that seems to say: just because Columbo is in his mid-70s, this is not an old show or a show aimed at the nostalgia market, this is a serious piece of modern police drama aimed at a younger audience (hopefully without alienating the die-hard fans who remembered the show from decades ago).

On that level, you have to say it works tremendously!

And that concludes 5 decades of Columbo movies.

[Boba_Fett1138 · 7/10 · 7 November 2009]

It's fair to assume that this will be the last Columbo movie ever made, also considering Peter Falk's current age and rapidly declining mental health of the past few years. Falk first played the role of the cigar smoking scruffy looking police lieutenant in 1968 in the movie "Prescription: Murder". That means that he has played the well known iconic character 69 times, for 5 decades. What an accomplishment for Falk but also the series itself.

It's a common fact that the earlier Columbo movies are also the better ones. The ones that got made from the '80's on variate a lot in quality and unfortunately most of them can't be considered among the better ones out of the long running series, with still some wonderful exceptions left out.

This is without doubt the most 'modern' Columbo movie. It was obvious that Peter Falk and companions tried to bring the Columbo-series up to date, since it was never the creators intentions for this movie to be the last one. No studio however dared to make another Columbo movie, making this most likely the last one.

Even though it's more modernized than any other previous Columbo movie, it is still one that uses the usual familiar formula. Lt. Columbo does all of his usual antics and uses his good old tricks to solve the murder(s). He puts his suspects under pressure by increasingly bother them.

The story just isn't the strongest out of the series though. It's being pretty formulaic and the movie adds few new surprises. It's just nothing that hasn't been shown before in the series, despite its more modern touch added to it. It makes this a fairly average entry in the series. Guess things could had been worse but it's also neither the movie you wanted Peter Falk and the Columbo character to finish with.

7/10

http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

Columbo tragedy. In the theatrical sense.

[muckydog2 · 8/10 · 4 May 2018]

This is an amazing bow out for Peter Falk as the great Columbo. Possibly the finest detective film series ever to come out of Hollywood. The conception, characterisations, writing and overall quality is unmatched. One or two of the later experimental episodes, well I recall one, were poor. This though was back to the usual excellent. It deviated from the standard Columbo plot in one way, The killers were left with little choice as fate drew a strong hand. To have done the 'right thing' would spell ruin. I felt for them and almost hoped Columbo would fail. But rather like a theatrical tragedy, there was only one end. Bad. The cards had been dealt. 'it's a shame' (or similar) says Columbo as he makes his arrest. And possibly for the first time I wished Columbo would leave them alone. Brilliant final episode.

Columbo's swansong

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 28 November 2016]

COLUMBO LIKES THE NIGHTLIFE is Peter Falk's final appearance as the crumpled detective and indeed the last-ever episode of the long-running TV show. As an episode it's not bad in itself, not one of the best but not one of the worst either. Ironically the subject matter of the rave background and nightclubs, combined with the attempts at hip and stylish direction, make this feel like the most dated of all the Columbo stories, even the ones from the early 1970s.

Peter Falk remains graceful and carefully-mannered as the humble detective; the poor guy has never been promoted past lieutenant since he started all those decades before, even though he seemingly has a 100% success rate in solving murders. His opponent in this one is a young Matthew Rhys, nowadays a well-known TV actor in America thanks to starring roles in the likes of BROTHERS & SISTERS and THE Americans. Rhys is pretty good, perhaps too young but certainly imposing enough with the sinister looks he gives.

The mystery is vintage Columbo despite attempts to update the story to the 2000s (so we get the advent of mobile phones, emails, and the like). Jennifer Sky is quite memorable as the femme fatale of the piece. There's plenty of clue-solving and stuff for our detective to get his teeth into here, although the ending is a little abrupt and seems to come out of nowhere. Overall, COLUMBO LIKES THE NIGHTLIFE is a suitable swansong for a lovable character.

Columbo in name only

[jeffstonewords · 5/10 · 21 August 2021]

This is not only the worst Columbo episode (by far), it's the only one not worth watching multiple times. It's biggest downfall is that it tries to stretch the Columbo character too far and too thin (which is completely unnecessary) and, in doing so, transforms a Columbo episode into something almost unrecognizable.

There is too much emphasis on the rave scene, club antics, and repetitive techno music that is much louder than the rest of the episode. Worse, there is too little Columbo and a lack of the usual memorable characters and quotable lines. This was a bridge too far that failed to connect.

Excellent modernization of Columbo

[North-3 · 30 January 2003]

My girlfriend and I watched the premiere of Columbo: Columbo Likes the Nightlife tonight, and we both loved it! She got me hooked on Columbo when I first met her a couple of years ago and now we both try to catch it on TV whenever it's on... which brings me to the newest Columbo movie.

I read that ABC tried to add youth appeal to the ongoing Columbo movies. Since I'm not a teenager or twenty-something anymore, I don't know if it was successful with those demographic groups, but for myself, it was a worthy addition to the Columbo films and kept me glued to the screen.

Kudos to director Jeffrey Reiner and writer Michael Alaimo for creating a believable and gripping story with three-dimensional characters that Columbo could play along with. If you thought recent Columbo movies were still stuck in the 70s and 80s in their style, check this one out! I'm sure it was the director's previous work as an editor that helped create the never-dull-and-always-something-worthwhile-to-watch pacing. The rave scene was a good idea for the background for this story. It contrasts nicely with Columbo's polite and conservative character traits.

And it was fun to see Steve Schirripa (who plays Bobby on the Sopranos) in a small role. I would have liked to see more of him, but that's a minor quibble.

Keep up the excellent work! I would definitely want to see the same director and writer creating future Columbo movies. As for Peter Falk, he's irreplaceable! It's great seeing him in anything.

Catch this movie on DVD if it ever comes out in this format (fingers crossed) or on TV. 9/10

Lighting got worse and worse

[VitoLaManna · 7/10 · 12 June 2020]

In the early days they had such creative lighting. And although it was interesting to see the technical advances in picture and audio over the course of all episodes, the lighting of the last episode was horrible. Columbo's face was so dark in so many shots.!

Hmmmm!

[mms0518 · 9/10 · 21 March 2003]

Columbo is an icon in our society now.....I even saw a Japanese movie listed with "Columbo" in the title. Even the worst Columbo episodes are better than NO Columbo episodes for those of us who love Columbo! This wasn't the worst one I've ever seen....but my suggestion would be to get some of our newer hollywood/music bigwigs to sign-on to appearing as the "suspects". (who wouldn't love to see Tom Hanks in one?) If you look back at the older Columbo episodes, you'll see that many big-time and high-profile actors/actresses were the villians in many episodes of Columbo....even Johnny Cash! This really added to the shows and is something that seems to have been lost....I'd love to see people who had hit t.v. shows back in the 70's, 80's and 90's appear. I'll have to admit that back in the early 70's when I was in high school I watched faithfully and have been a big fan ever since. I hope Peter Falk is planning another episode soon.....cross your fingers fellow Columbo-philes!

Exit Columbo

[AaronCapenBanner · 7/10 · 8 March 2016]

Peter Falk makes his last appearance as the beloved Lt. Columbo in this unique outing in series canon. Here, a young couple(played by Mathew Rhys and Jennifer Sky) become involved in two separate deaths, one accidental, one deliberate, that they are desperate to cover up, but of course they have the misfortune of having the gray, gravelly-voiced, but still sharp-as a-knife, veteran detective on the case...

Despite the awful title, overly trendy tech-no rave scene, and the least memorable killers in the canon, this is surprisingly good. Direction is well-paced and stylish, police work solid, and the ending, which is clever and most satisfying, seems fitting. Sure, not what one would ever prefer as the(unintended) finale, but what this does do is make Columbo, even in the "modern" setting, as relevant as ever, showing the younger generation just how it's done, with at least 35 years experience on full display, getting the respect it deserves before Columbo makes his(quite literal) exit. Bravo!

Goodbye Lt. Columbo. ¡Thanks for everything!

[antelx · 10/10 · 31 July 2019]

It was the last episode of our great lieutenant, just for that I can only give him my maximum punctuation.

Thanks again.

Mafia Overseer

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 18 October 2017]

Peter Falk marks his farewell as the intrepid LAPD homicide detective Columbo of whom we didn't learn his last name. Nor for that matter the name of his wife of whom reference to was missing in this last story.

This was a double mystery that he had to solve. Or rather he had to find out why a certain very made mobster suddenly disappeared. Later on a rather sleazy tabloid reporter who knows what happened to the mobster is found dead after allegedly doing an Abe Reles. I'm sure that Peter Falk who played Reles and got an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor saw the coincidence there.

The investigation leads him to the owner of a new rave nightclub Matthew Rhys and the dead mobster's ex-wife Jennifer Sky. The tabloid reporter is Douglas Roberts and the mobster is Carmine Giovanazzo. Not exactly household names, but this last Columbo story spent no budget money for big names. It does make up for it though in plot ingenuity.

One name however is worth the wait for. At least it is as far as I'm concerned every time I see a Blue Bloods episode. Steven Schirippa who is a semi-regular as Bridget Moynahan's investigator in the DA's office and was formerly on The Sopranos is one of my favorite character players. He acts as a kind of Mafia overseer for Columbo's investigation and their scene when they first meet is the best part of the story.

None of these people, the victims or the perpetrators are terribly sympathetic. But this was a good one as Peter Falk solves his last crime.

And a double at that.

Fitting End to the Columbo Saga

[spidey_man · 9/10 · 14 March 2015]

As a fan of Columbo since the 70's, I enjoyed when Columbo came back in the 80's and 90's via ABC. However, as time went on, the scripts got weaker, and the portrayal of Columbo started to weaken. This one brought Columbo back, and is a fitting end to the Columbo Series.

In a script that will remain modern for a long time, Columbo is called on to investigate an alleged suicide by a Enquirer-type writer. He's quickly pulled in to a larger plot, where the manager of a Rave-type club covers up the murder of a mobster who is accidentally killed by his ex-wife, who is now the club owner's girlfriend.

To our delight, we get to watch as the old-school Columbo slowly unravels the clues and figures out the ultimate deposition of the body. Matthew Rhys does an excellent job as the Raveclub manager, who is pulled in multiple directions, between Columbo, the mob, and his girlfriend. Jennifer Sky does a credible job as the ex-wife and Matthew Rhys girlfriend; her character drifts somewhere between accepting the cold-blood killing of her ex and her fear of getting whacked by the mob. Maybe not too strong, but being very easy on the eyes, I forgave a lot. :)

For us old timers we get a cameo by John Finnegan, who was in a dozen Columbos, as the owner of a property used to spy on Jennifer Sky. Good to see him one last time; he has an iconic accent and to hear his voice is like coming home.

Peter Falk's voice isn't what it used to be, but behind the gray hair and even ruffled appearance, Columbo shines. IMO, the two gems in the evening of Columbo's career is "Columbo Goes to College", and "Columbo Likes the Nightlife". For fans, and generally anyone, this episode deserves a look.

"Columbo Likes the Nightlife" (2003)

[Wuchakk · 7/10 · 5 January 2019]

PLOT: A man opening a rave nightclub (Matthew Rhys) comes to his actress girlfriend's aid after she (Jennifer Sky) accidently kills his mob-linked financier. While they cover it up, a paparazzo (Douglas Roberts) obtains photos of the incident and blackmails them, which compels them to take him out.

COMMENTARY: This was the 69th and final episode of Columbo or, more accurately, TV movie. Falk was 75 during shooting yet still formidable in Columbo's rumpled manner. The installment contains the tried-and-true Columbo formula but with an edgier style of filmmaking and techno music throughout, which some people can't stand. I think it's a nice change for one segment and makes it distinctive. The interesting paparazzi angle is also something new.

The striking Sky is best known as the titular character from the TV series Cleopatra 2525, which ran for one season in 2000-2001. She looks like a taller version of Scarlett Johansson, but I prefer Scarlett. The murder scene involving Roberts is one of the better murders in the show's history, being intense, realistic and creative.

Columbo had a great 35 year run from 1968 with "Prescription: Murder" to 2003 with "Columbo likes the Nightlife." It's a fine way to bow out.

GRADE: B+

Good wrap up to a classic

[riddler68 · 8/10 · 21 June 2022]

Peter Falk drums up one last honest effort as Columbo, using determination, guile, and a bit of luck to bring down two more hapless killers. While the episode is almost 20 years old at this point, it has a modern feel and it's refreshing to see that his bumbling act translated well into the 21st century.

A young Matthew Rhys, matched with Jennifer Sky, plays a character not too dissimilar to his Philip Jennings in "The Americans", someone who doesn't like to kill, but must because of duty to his country, himself or those he loves. If only Stan Beeman was as perceptive as Lt. Columbo.

They saved the worst for last.

[yerwan1 · 1/10 · 11 July 2021]

I believe this was the final Columbo made. Unfortunate - they should have retired the franchise at least one show earlier. What an awful show. Good luck getting thru the first half hour. The most obnoxious soundtrack in the history of American TV. If you plan to watch take your BP meds and plug your ears. Peter Falk had the sense not to show up until 30 minutes in, after two commercials, after most sane people have tuned out. And, when he finally appears he fishes through a toilet looking for clues. Eww.. On the plus side: the blonde girl is very attractive. The show is a total mess.

Loud, but the rumpled detective's still got it

[vchimpanzee · 3 February 2003]

They actually called it 'Columbo Likes the Nightlife.' He didn't seem to be enjoying it much, though. He thought the music in the rave dance clubs was too loud, and so did I. And they even had that same awful music as background in scenes outside the clubs.

An actress has a fight with her ex-husband who was jealous of her new boyfriend, with deadly results. The boyfriend helps the survivor deal with the situation but one of the parties receives an 'I saw what you did' call. As a result of the blackmailing, the movie's murder is committed but made to look like a suicide, complete with a suicide note on a computer. Then the familiar broken-down car shows up at the murder scene with the increasingly elderly detective in his wrinkled raincoat. And he is not fooled. For those new to the 'Columbo' series of movies, the Lieutenant with no first name is very polite and appears sincerely interested in everything (usually, it turns out, because he sees a clue), but also quite obnoxious. And while he didn't appear as completely ignorant as usual to the guilty parties, he seems to know just enough to make them nervous, but he tends to be satisfied with their explanations of why things don't make sense. I have been watching these movies for about 10 years, and while there may be no reason to consider this one anything special, it did not disappoint. Unlike most murder mysteries, the audience nearly always knows who did it, but the fun is in watching the detective solve the crime.