Let's watch Columbo: Blueprint For Murder!

[@meltyenjoys]

How would you rank Season 1 of Columbo? 🤔 My ranking is as follows: (highest to lowest) - Murder By The Book - Suitable For Framing - Death Lends a Hand - Blueprint For Murder - Lady In Waiting - Short Fuse - Dead Weight

[@80s_kid.]

1. Ransom for a Dead Man, 2. Lady in Waiting, 3. Murder By The Book, 4. Short Fuse, 5. Suitable for Framing, 6. Blueprint for Murder, 7 Dead Weight, 8. Death Lends a Hand.

[@80s_kid.]

Just finishing Watching this Video, and Actually, i think i was a little mean on where this episode was in my list, it's actually better than i remembered, down to it being forgettable, i actually love this now..

[@jasonm8017]

I’m probably taking the easy way out but, I completely agree with your list. May switch Death lends & Blueprint. Murder by the Book #1 no question

[@seraphinaaizen6278]

I think I agree with your ranking. Except that I liked Short Fuse more than Lady in Waiting, mostly because of Roddy McDowel being Roddy McDowel.

[@sandrakenslow9540]

I think your structure is perfect. Please don't change a thing. Can't wait for Season Two. Side note, I wish Goldie would have had a final scene with Columbo at the end. Love her.

[@Tsotmiam]

I have never seen an episode of Columbo in my life but I very much love that you are reacting to it.

[@meltyenjoys]

You should check it out! It’s an excellent show.

[@80s_kid.]

i can't believe you never watched Columbo, You need to Get in to it. it's Awesome, Genius Writing, Brilliant and Funny Acting.

[@hawkmaster381]

The dynamic between Columbo and Goldie kind of reminded me of the chemistry between Adrian Monk and Sherona/Natalie.

[@vincentsaia6545]

The theory about servants dying in the pyramids was debunked when secret passages were found that the servants were able to escape through.

[@robertborcherding9085]

Loved the first season rankings. I would probably switch Murder by The Book with Suitable for Framing, but they are both so close and so good that I can go either way. Otherwise, spot on. I personally think you deserve a LOT more subscribers. Please keep up the good work. Your content is great and you put a lot of work and personality into each segment. Thank you for that.

[@meltyenjoys]

Thanks! It's so difficult to rank MBTB, SFF, and DW as they're all really good episodes. Thanks so much for checking out my videos! I appreciate the support and the kind words.

[@vincentsaia6545]

Ironically, although like Richard Levinson (who died of a heart attack at age 52) Peter Falk was a heavy cigarette smoker, according to William Link he "wasn't particularly fond of cigars."

[@buttercupstruelove340]

Look for John Fiedler as one of "The Odd Couple" (1968) pals at their poker games. He likes the way that Felix (Jack Lemmon) trims the crust from homemade sandwiches.

[@StefanZacharias1]

That was first episode ever I saw as a child in the 90's. The fact, that Columbo searched an alleged crime scene twice, was so genial that I become a great Columbo Fan. I'm so happy btw to found your Columbo Reaction Channel, great work.

[@meltyenjoys]

How cool! Thanks so much for checking out the channel! Glad to have you.

[@diosoth]

No cameras at an airport? Testing blood by type only? Plot points that wouldn't work at all today... "Columbo Cries Wolf" from the later seasons feels like a bit of a remake of this one, what with the mere hint of a murder at the start, a false lead at an airport, the fruitless search for a body, digging up expensive property after the suspect encourages it, with a lot of bad media press involved, only for the body to be planted there at the end. It's strange how Levinson & Link fought to get Peter Falk in the role when it seems they had a lot of arguments during production. Falk was frequently arguing over his contract & making demands, with Falk more or less taking over the series. Similar happened with Quincy ME, Glen Larson & Jack Klugman didn't get along & argued over the series direction, leading to Klugman being in charge eventually.

[@MM-xz5ig]

Yes! A new Columbo reaction! Just what I needed tonight. Thank you, Melissa! 👍 I do understand how much time it must take to work on these reactions, but please do continue with season 2. Even if it takes a while. I’ll be here whenever you post. 🙂

[@meltyenjoys]

Thanks so much for watching and the support. 😃 Appreciate it!

[@williamcurry4868]

I really look forward to your Star Trek Original Series reactions, and more of the other shows that you’re planning on reacting

[@meltyenjoys]

Thank you! Looking forward to diving into more beyond Columbo!

[@rosario508]

This is fantastic episode with my all time favorite gotcha. The viewer is lead to believe the murderer is actually going to get away with it and then KA-BOOM

[@meltyenjoys]

A classic move for Columbo! 🔥

[@DeanStrickson]

Janis Paige is still with us at age 101!

[@meltyenjoys]

Absoutely incredible. 🔥

[@isabellind1292]

OH! I know! She was gifted w/the longevity gene! 💓🌺

[@DeanStrickson]

Alas, she passed away today. It was a good run though! RIP Janis!

[@isabellind1292]

@@DeanStrickson Oh, thank you for letting us know. (I recognize your name even after so long not seeing you in the comments). Thank you Dean. RIP Janis Paige.🌹❤

[@jimmikulsky4810]

I love this episode!

[@meltyenjoys]

I really enjoy the vibe of this one! Very relaxed.

[@jimmikulsky4810]

@@meltyenjoys I want to know what are the names and who are the composers for the classical music scores in this episode. I mean the type of music that Markham listens to.

[@michaelmorgan7893]

Probably one of, if not my favorite episode. Gotta love Goldie. I named a cat after her when I lived in Bakersfield.

[@SoulCastleFilms]

I just gotta say I love that people are still watching Columbo today! I didn't get into it until about a year or two ago, and it was around that time I got into Murder, She Wrote, which I highly recommend! Columbo is now one of my favorite fictional detectives ever!

[@davidgreen330]

Columbo was one of my favorite TV shows of all time

[@meltyenjoys]

It's so good. It really surprised me!🔥

[@waterspout8]

I love it that you insert a clip of an aghast Suzanne Pleshette every time you bash "Dead Weight." :D

[@busterkeaton6997]

My TOP 3 of the first season: 1. "Lady In Waiting" 2. "Suitable For Framing" 3. "Blueprint For Murder"

[@therewasacrookedman5892]

Enjoy your channel so much because Columbo. Lol. What I enjoy about this episode is, it was one of the first ones where I really felt Columbo zero in on Markham via the country/classical music dichotomy in the car. It was perfectly set up by Williamson’s confrontation with Markham from the jump (besides that little ‘you’re not important enough for a full slap’ slap on the face. Goldie is a great memorable character, too. Love her “for everything else, he comes to me” line. Great episode.

[@JohnFiocchi]

Melissa...I love what you do! You are great! I can't wait for the next season. ❤

[@meltyenjoys]

Thank you so much! Almost got the next video ready!

[@bonghunezhou5051]

My 'personal preference' - in _descending_ order: 1) Short Fuse 2) Blueprint for Murder 3) Murder by the Book 4) Dead Weight 5) Lady in Waiting 6) Suitable for Framing 7) Death Lends a Hand Interestingly, a hiatus would give yours truly a bit of time to re-watch the reaction videos going back to Prescription: Murder (9 in total already!). After (hopefully) Star Trek '1966', on with season two, which will introduce his "partner" named Dog, as well as several LONG telefilms, a la the two 'pilot' telefilms - presumably to sell more commercial adverts. Well done thus far, M.

[@isabellind1292]

The first DOG died in the first year so they brought in a new DOG and put white makeup on his face so he appeared to look elderly like the first DOG.💓🐶💓Sweet DOGS!

[@7bestthings]

Great video, thanks for your work. Interesting insight about Falk being natural and at ease throughout the story. Here are my Season One Rankings: 1. Murder By the Book. - One of the best episodes of all time. Falk, Cassidy and Spielberg! 2. Death Lends a Hand - Robert Culp = Great Villain 3. Suitable for Framing - Great Gotcha Scene 4. Lady in Waiting - Awesome "6 Million Dollar Man" crossover 5. Blueprint For Murder - Goldie and Columbo make a great team 6. Short Fuse - Roddy McDowell is always fun. Final scene in Gondola is great 7. Dead Weight - Fun to see Emily Hartley before "The Bob Newhart Show."

[@isabellind1292]

There were so many great actors who appeared on Columbo. Leslie Nielson, Ray Milland, Dick Van Dyke, Robert Culp (ooh lah lah), Janet Leigh, Janis Page (101 yrs old this year) 🌺and I adored Suzanne Pleshette and to see her in 'Dead Weight."😊

[@alvindevendorf1108]

I look forward to your videos, I hope you don't change very much about them 🙂

[@meltyenjoys]

Thank you! ❤

[@alvindevendorf1108]

My personal favorite part of season 1 has been listening to you telling Dale to suck it, suck it Dale... suck it... from suitable for framing. I have loved Columbo for years but seeing it through your eyes has been an awesome treat. Thank you again.

[@danwells9525]

Hi! I ran out and got the Shooting Columbo book! It's really interesting all the little details about each episode. For this one, they named the building site this was filmed on and it sounded familiar to me. After some intense internet research, it turns out that the (real life) building they were building here was later used to file Die Hard. So... Lt. Columbo is walking around the future Nakatomi Plaza building site. My head canon is this is the same universe, 'cause otherwise it's sad. Thank you for bringing Columbo to a new generation!

[@TV-Tony]

I believe Columbo does a variation on this trick to expose the location of a dead body in the episode Columbo Cries Wolf.

[@u.2b215]

In my humble opinion I'd say you're doing great. I'm sure whatever you decide to change or not will turn out just fine.

[@Tnenamrep2]

Personal thoughts on the story and direction on this one: Columbo's much more subtly accusatory than in most of the season... he points fingers here much more like he does in Prescription Murder. Anyway., thanks for the awesome reactions so far. Looking forward to season 2.

[@meltyenjoys]

Interesting observation! I didn’t think about that. 🤔 and thank you very much!

[@Tnenamrep2]

@@meltyenjoys Nor did I. It's just a right-brained gut feeling, and I know that I'm right. {It's in the way you see his images -- Candle holders splashing into the ocean, concrete splashing over Beau Williamson. He paints that image of "You know that he knows" to the killer. I think those aspects make the aforementioned Columboes a lot alike, yeah.🥣 for your 🤔 anyway}

[@edrom18]

There is an ease because he's directing the episode.

[@jonah1701d]

Another fantastic watch along, keep up the good work please.

[@meltyenjoys]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. 😄

[@arthurjeremypearson]

I vote for keeping the reading from the book, but I'm also happy it stays short.

[@mick268]

Brilliant one of my favourite episodes, thanks for the reaction

[@meltyenjoys]

Thank you for watching! I also really enjoyed this episode.

[@brianrecinos3914]

First time I watched this episode, it never crossed my mind to pay attention to the doctor's voice. I didn't realize it was Piglet until someone else brought it up. By the way, Melissa, you may want to watch this video made by Kosperry that had the checkup scene animated with Columbo as a fox and the doctor as a pig.

[@aarongoldstein7614]

As you know, Janis Paige passed away earlier this month at the age of 101. What you might not know is that Janis Paige and Peter Falk shared the same birthday - September 16th. As it happens, September 16th is my birthday too.

[@HuntingViolets]

"The Omnipresent Constable." Trying to decide whether that would be a good title.

[@xxxauraxxxxx]

Another fabulous reaction, Melissa! Can't argue with your rankings. My Rankings: 1. Suitable For Framing 2. Death Lends a Hand 3. Murder By The Book 4. Blueprint For Murder 5. Lady In Waiting 6. Short Fuse 7. Dead Weight

[@kflashgordon]

Goldie and the Omnipresent Constable

[@BrendanPatrickGrace]

The concept of the episode and the fight with the partners felt very much like Walt Disney wanting to make EPCOT an actual city versus a theme park to me for some reason. Season 1 ranking would be: Murder By the Book Blueprint for Murder Suitable for Framing Lady in Waiting Death Lends a Hand Dead Weight Short Fuse Ransom for a Dead Man might be between Lady in Waiting and Death Lends a Hand, Prescription Murder would be between Dead Weight and Short Fuse. I appreciate what both did, but as with pilots, they needed to find their footing and in retrospective, I am glad NBC gave them 2 attempts.

[@bobjg1956]

ANOTHER...cracking deepdive Melissa...and by the way....love the new hair style...stunning...anywho...I enjoy Patrick's baddie...he always " a certain something"...to his roles...mind you I agree ...Culp..and Cassidy...are still the tops...! Peter did a fabulous job of directing too...bless him... All in all a most enjoyable episode...THANKYOU Melissa...enjoy your weekend...very best wishes from Bob in Bristol uk xx

[@TV-Tony]

Ah, Forrest Tucker, from F Troop and the original TV version of Ghostbusters. Oh yeah, I've read Universal did a lot of day for night shooting. Ah, first appearance of John Finnegan. Might be my favorite recurring Columbo actor. Some people like Michael Lally, others Vito Scotti, I like John Finnegan. He usually plays blue collar roles, like a construction foreman here or a detective in another episode, a police chief in a later episode and goes on to play Barney, the owner of the Barney's Beanery restaurant where Columbo goes to eat his chili in the 1989 ABC episodes. Also liked him as Lt. Duffy I believe from the robbery division in A Friend in Deed. Oh yeah and Bruce Kirby is another good one as Sgt. Kramer and later Sgt. Phil Brindle in the revived series. It's funny that cigars became Columbo's trademark, considering Peter Falk smoked slim cigarettes in real life. You just knew Columbo was going to start smoking again at some point. I know what you mean about nuances. Like when James Roday does the hand to his head and has one of his supposed "visions" while reading evidence and body language. Exactly most of that waiting on line scene would be edited down, but the rest would probably be shown on DVD as deleted or extended scenes extras. Yep, he's working the killer or as they say in pro wrestling "it's a work", he's in character there. He's playing the part to trap the killer here, like in episodes like Prescription: Murder or Negative Reaction.

[@Nasty-Canasta]

Forrest Tucker was also on several episodes of "Gunsmoke." He played many quintessential cowboy/Western roles

[@isleofredemption]

John Fielder... hoo boy. Yeah. Whatever he's in I can't not hear Piglet. Makes it especially awkward in Twelve Angry Men and- even more so- in Twilight Zone's 'Night of the Meek' where he plays the VILLAIN. XD

[@JanetDax]

He was over the top in Star Trek "Wolf in the fold" . "Die, Die, Everybody Die!"

[@hollytooker507]

John Fiedler (Feed-ler) not Fielder was the quintessential pipsqueak and for many years played Mr Peterson, one of Dr Bob Hartley’s therapy group on the Bob Newhart Show which you should watch if you haven’t already.

[@thomastimlin1724]

John Fielder, popular character actor playing the doctor here, He voiced the character Piglet in the studio's The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977), The Tigger Movie (2000), Piglet's Big Movie (2003), Pooh's Heffalump Movie (2005).

[@mirkomustapic3883]

And one of 12 angry men

[@richardmark9161]

I had only found out a few years ago that John Fiedler at the age of 61 in 1986 had married one of my celebrity crushes Bess Armstrong, who was only 33 at the time 😮

[@arthurjeremypearson]

yo lets go new melissa Thomas watches Columbo!

[@buttercupstruelove340]

A popular speculation is that the former president of the Teamsters union, Jimmy Hoffa, was murdered by the mob and his body buried beneath a baseball stadium. His body was never found and could have could have had a small role in inspiring this "Columbo" episode.

[@JermainePerry-qu2et]

The ex wife is sexy beautiful rough tough straightforward loyal bold caring smart lady

[@richardmark9161]

I don’t know why the producers were so adamant against Peter Falk directing an episode. This was better than Dead Weight for sure.

[@matthewstroud4294]

Fiedler is also in 12 Angry Men - in the top ten movies of all time.

[@meltyenjoys]

Still have yet to watch it but it's on my list!

[@Oppeldeldoc1]

Even though they aren't in n TOGETHER a lot, Peter Falk and Patrick O'Neal are both very good in a movie called CASTLE KEEP. (It has to be O'Neal's best role, really.)

[@meltyenjoys]

I’ll add it to my list of movies to watch!

[@108Stars]

This is probably one of my favorite episodes. Maybe it was one of the first episodes I watched, I really cannot remember if nostalgia blinds me... It's just a very memorable episode for me. I like the setting with the construction site and Markham's plan to hide the corpse after Columbo had already searched. The use of this huge, real construction site just makes it feel so much bigger and more extravagant compared to the sets or real living rooms etc of other episodes. Ranking the season is difficult for me. Suitable for framing is probably my favorite. The villain is so unlikable, and how Columbo catches him is great. This episode here would be my number 2, just ahead of murder by the book and the one with Robert Culp. The only episode of season 1 I just don't like is dead weight. Uncharismatic villain, not very clever in his actions, and honestly... Why that attractive young lady would be easily seduced by a guy that looks like her grandpa (and how he could be so certain he had the charm to do so with a pretty young woman that he would even make that bold move that made him more suspicious)... It just doesn't work for me at all. That's an episode I usually skip when rewatching. Anyway, love this one here, and thanks for the cool reviews!

[@DaleRibbons]

Personally, I think your reviews/reactions are just fine. I can't think of anything I would change. It's funny you should mention the original Star Trek (looking forward to that when you get around to it). Whenever I see John Fiedler, I don't think of Piglet but of a certain role he played on Star Trek (my favorite episode). As far as ranking the episodes, that's harder than it seems. Suitable For Framing would definitely be number one for me, with Lady In Waiting as number 2. I think I rate Short Fuse and Dead Weight higher than others do, but that's mostly due to really liking the actors in them (Roddy McDowall, Suzanne Pleshette, Eddie Albert). I'll be looking forward to season 2. Thanks.

[@tammyblack2747]

Is it John Fielder? Or Fiedler as the credits show it on the tv show screen?

[@Hawkeye26]

27:10 Yes 31 mins in: "lingering construction shots" It's the 21st century, it's topless men doing work and wielding tools...it's perfectly acceptable so long as you don't have topless women on the screen. That's "progress" and "equality". 41:10 "Foundation", "haha" indeed! Well played, even if accidental! I've been a fan of Watch It For Days, and lucked out on finding a lead to your videos here via one of the more popular Columbo Facebook Groups. I have ZERO issue with your approach and style, and am intrigued to think of you tackling other series like Star Trek TOS. I've reached out to the hostess of Watch It For Days regarding a possible House M.D. podcast, but I dunno if she even noticed the attempt at contact.

[@vincentsaia6545]

Some have read Peter Falk's relaxed demeanor in this episode as a lack of energy due to him doing double duty as director and star.

[@Tangent099]

If you ever are looking for another mystery series try Banacek.

[@vincentsaia6545]

I passed Peter Falk on the street once. He was about 5 feet 6.

[@vincentsaia6545]

I really like your videos and that you read from $HOOTING COLUMBO.

[@okay5045]

Falk Directed this episode i believe. The trued to make ut difficult abd he didn't direct another.

[@tonk82]

The thing about the long shots is... Its more about editing than directing i feel. In many episodes you clearly see that entire scenes and long takes are there to fill the time slot 😅 70 minutes is a lot.

[@hawkmaster381]

They could have totally deleted the flat tire segment at the end without adversely impacting the episode in any way. It made for good suspense build up, though.

[@aranerem5569]

Hello, have you seen Tarzan The Fearless?

[@HuntingViolets]

Peter Falk was 5'6.

[@HuntingViolets]

I don't know. I like all kinds of music.

[@janetpatri8786]

❤

[@thomastimlin1724]

Wonder what actor would be chosen to play Columbo today?

[@meltyenjoys]

I really don’t know how you can beat Peter Falk. He IS Columbo. I think it’s just one of those things where you can’t touch the original IP.

[@bernhardwall6876]

I wonder if Kevin Hart would be a good choice. Melissa remarked on Peter Falk's height throughout this video.

[@JoshBrumfield]

0:01-0:10, what is this song called?

[@meltyenjoys]

It's royalty free music.

[@remimartin8493]

😊

[@80s_kid.]

This was a Bit of a Foggy, Misty episode. personally i like it a lot, but it's quite forgettable, i've seen it a few times, but when i watch it again, it takes a while for me to follow the story again. it's really Strange..

[@JermainePerry-qu2et]

The villain is smart smooth talking business like calm prepared appear planning dishonest experience plan sight cold blooded charming seemingly likable reasonable person

[@huskerjpg]

Pretty much the most boring episode of the original Columbo's.

[@anthonytalarico7854]

Awesome another reaction, yea comparing the murderer to the victim its funny how 1 is creative and builds while the other truly knows how to save $, that and the tastes in music