Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 21

February 23, 2025: Sharky Sunday!

Sampling Japanese sweet fish (part of his Japanese haul)…

He got cupcakes from our neighbor…

And he got this adorable package sent his way…

Back to work on his memoirs…

Uh oh!  Snowy Day!

Snow Pug…

Time to assemble the weekend treat box for the neighborhood dogs…

And a reminder that, tomorrow, our Columbo rewatch continues with a deep dive of “Murder by the Book”, the first episode of the show’s first season!

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February 22, 2025: Back in Montreal!

Back in Montreal for the week.  And still feeling the lingering after-effects of whatever struck me those last few days in Japan.  Akemi is battling the same thing but feeling a lot better.

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This after reading about an axe-murdering cannibal killer who was just granted conditional release.

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That thumbs up emoji is the best.  Whenever that appears during a text chat, it’s as good as saying “This conversation is over”.

If it’s good enough for Wonder Woman…

Graboid?

Taking a break from crime shows and redirecting focus to the new horror films of 2025. Here’s my preliminary catch-up list (Granted, some titles have yet to release).

28 Years Later

Birdeater

Bloody Axe Wound

Companion

The Damned

Dark Match

The Dead Thing Drop

Final Destination: Bloodlines

Get Away

The Gorge

Grafted

Heart Eyes

Hell of a Summer

In the Lost Lands

The Monkey

The Monster Beneath Us

Opus

Presence

The Rule of Jenny Pen

Sinners

Survive

Woman in the Yard

What am I missing?

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February 21, 2025: Our Columbo rewatch continues with…Ransom for a Dead Man!

This episode first aired March 1, 1971, three years after the first Columbo pilot, “Prescription Murder”.

A month after “Ransom for a Dead Man” aired, NBC commissioned the show’s first season.

This episode was written by Dean Hargrove, based on a story by Columbo creators William Link and Richard Levinson.

Lee Grant, who was a good friend of Peter Falk, received an Emmy nomination for her performance. According to Grant: “I had worked with Peter a lot, so it was an easy and fun collaboration.” In fact, the two would continue their working relationship later that year, co-starring on Broadway in Neil Simon’s “The Prisoner of Second Avenue”.

At one point, Margaret is watching Hitchcock’s Double Indemnity on t.v., a movie about a wife who orchestrates the murder of her husband in order to cash in on his insurance policy.

Like the last time, my thoughts in chronological viewing order…

Even though it has its detractors, I for one really liked the stylized, hyperkinetic murder that is in stark contrast to the more visceral killing in “Prescription Murder”. I also loved the opening credits playing over the clean-up. This one hits the ground running.

Loved the moment where Leslie is in court, having a private conversation, only to redirect focus back to the court in order to object. A funny little moment that goes such a long way toward establishing her brilliance.

Falk was apparently a huge fan of the introduction of Columbo in this episode, and his awkward search for his pen. I liked it too but if the conceit is that he is doing this on purpose to disarm a potential suspect, then are we to assume that he suspects Leslie Williams of murdering her husband before he has even met her? If so, on what basis? Perhaps the fact that the driver’s side seat of the car was pushed up? That, I suppose, might do it.

I also loved the scene where the detectives are holding court and Columbo is poking his head in, bobbing in and out like a child looking to be included at the big kid’s table.

I did laugh when Leslie gives Columbo directions to the bathroom, treating him like a simpleton. And then for him to come downstairs and inquire about the lemon soaps was perfection. The Columbo character makes a huge leap in his evolution here – less direct, goofier, but downright lovable.

Really enjoyed the telephone sequence and thought the episode was really well-paced, but the whole airplane drop-off and helicopter sequence just went on way too long.

As always, our Columbo picks up on the little things others miss – like the fact that she didn’t ask about her husband. Maybe not a huge tell, but a small part of a much bigger puzzle of conjecture.

Nice to see Columbo push back against Agent Carlson, informing him: “This is murder now, and that’s my department.”

Again, lots of nice investigative touches throughout: his attempts to trip her up about the money bag, the caliber of the bullet and its trajectory.

But then I love the reversal when they’re in the plane and she turns the tables on him. “Watch out for that peak!” she says, suddenly in control even though he’s the one piloting the plane. And she effectively shuts him up by making him motion sick. A great, great scene.

I wasn’t too enamored of the Margaret character or the actress’s performance. It all felt too shrill and one-note – to the point where I was kind of rooting for Leslie to off the petulant brat as well.

Some great verbal sparring between Columbo and Leslie. “I just can’t have you accused of murder on the wrong evidence,” he tells her. And, in an observation that echoes Dr. Flemming’s psychiatrist profiling in the previous episode, Leslie offers her own take on the rumpled detective, capping it with: “You’re almost likable in a shabby sort of way”.

Like last episode, I wonder about airport security in the 60’s and 70’s. Could you really bring a briefcase full of cash as part of your carry-on luggage?

Another parallel to “Prescription Murder” is Columbo’s final assessment of the villain. In Leslie’s case, it’s “Mrs. Williams, you have no conscience and that’s your weakness.”

I did really love the final moment of Columbo struggling to pay the tab despite the briefcase full of cash sitting on the table in front of him.

Overall, I thought this another excellent outing. I felt “Prescription Murder’s” shortcomings were a result of the fact it felt small given it was an adaptation of a stage play, while “Ransom for a Dead Man” certainly enjoyed a fuller scope.

There were elements that stood out for me: the opening, Lee Grant’s performance, the plane ride sequence, the evolution of the Columbo character and some delightfully humorous scenes. On the other hands, I did bump on some narrative elements as well, mainly related to the Margaret character who I felt disjointed from the story both tonally and as a plot element. And that initial night-time money drop sequence effectively killed the momentum.

So, while I did enjoy both episodes, I would rate “Prescription Murder” slightly higher. I think I’ll keep a running count as our rewatch progresses.

Finally, as promised, I conclude each write-up with my thoughts on whether or not Columbo will actually get a conviction based on the evidence he has gathered at episode’s end. CONVICTION or ACQUITTAL? In this case, I do believe forensic’s ability to trace the source of the money will result in Leslie’s conviction…for, well, I’m not sure what. Fraud? I mean, she is stealing her own money after all. But there is no proof she committed the murder. And, unlike a lot of murderers on the show, she doesn’t admit her guilt in the episode’s closing moments. She’s a savvy lawyer and I can see her successfully arguing her case. So, in the end,I believe she’ll escape the murder charge. ACQUITTAL!

What say you?

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February 20, 2025: Recent Yes/No’s – Best and Worst!

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Brown Butter & Garlic Wings…

BEST: Brown Butter & Garlic Wings

WORST: Strawberry Shortcake Yakisoba

P.S. A reminder that our Columbo rewatch continues tomorrow with: “Ransom for a Dead Man”.

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February 19, 2025: Amazing Covers!

The Question: All Along the Watchtower #4 – cover art by Jorge Fornes

Daredevil: Unleashed Red Band #2 – cover art by Paulo Siquerra

Zatanna #1 – cover art by Chris Bachalo

Button Man by Arthur Ranson – cover art by Arthur Ranson

So, which were YOUR favorites?

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February 18, 2025: Getting a Bruegel in a medium!

I found this site that produces all-over-t-shirt prints of famous artwork.  I spent almost an entire afternoon perusing the seemingly endless array…

Ivan Aivazovsky – “Battle Of Chesma” Rembrandt – “De Nachtwacht (Nightwatch)” (1642) Henry Fuseli – “The Nightmare” (1781) Gottfried Franz – “Baron Munchhausen Underwater” (1896)

I am veeeeery tempted to add to my ridiculous collection of t-shirts that have been sitting in my closet for years, unworn, but fear Akemi will draw the line.  But, man, I would love a Hieronymous Bosch Garden of Earthly Delights or maybe John William Waterhouse’s Lady of Shallot or even a Gustave Dore Paradise Lost.

I mean, if someone was to offer to gift you three art-themed t-shirts of your choice, what would YOU choose?  I’m curious.

Was planning to fly out to Montreal on Sunday in the midst of a blizzard.  Checked my flight status before I left and learned my flight was scheduled to depart on time.  Arrived at the airport one hour before departure and checked.   Still on time.  Sat in the lounge until the scheduled boarding.  Still on time.  But no boarding.  Then flight delayed an hour.  Then another hour.  Then another hour still.  Then cancelled.  So I walked home in the blizzard and have now rescheduled the Montreal.  Hopefully my flight fares better than the one that touched down at Pearson airport yesterday.  Have I mentioned how much I hate flying?

Our recent Columbo rewatch has reignited my desire to get back to the Crime Binge.  To be fair, I only took a brea while I was away in Japan and I’m about 730 shows in, but having a hard time finding anything good.  What are you are all watching that you’re presently enjoying?  Doesn’t have to be a crime show.

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February 17, 2025: Our Columbo rewatch begins with “Prescription Murder”!

This episode first aired February 20, 1968

This episode was adapted from a stage play of the same name adapted from an episode of The Chevy Mystery Show called “Enough Rope” which was based on a short story titled “Dear Corpse Delecti” by writers Richard Levinson and William Link.

Actors Lee J. Cobb and Bing Crosby were offered the role of Columbo but turned it down due to scheduling concerns – specifically, in Crosby’s case, it was the possibility the commitment would interfere with his golf game.

The painting that sits in Dr. Flemming’s reception in this episode will later (presumably be swiped and) make a reappearance as one of the stolen paintings in the episode “Suitable for Framing”.

The climax of this episode takes place in the Stahl House, a modernist home in the Hollywood Hills designed by architect Peter Koenig. It has made appearances in numerous films and t.v. shows including Galaxy Quest and The Simpsons.

“Prescription Murder” was produced as a stand-alone one-off movie and not a television pilot as Columbo creators Levinson and Link, and star Peter Falk, had no interest in committing to a series. All the same, NBC was surprised by the strong ratings and, three years later, would convince the trio to produce a second pilot…

This was an excellent start to the rewatch. It’s been a good long while since I watched this episode and I was pleased with how strongly it all held up. My thoughts in chronological viewing order –

Dug the very 60’s jazz score and the Rorschach-themed opening credits that were, I believe, used once more.

Dr. Flemming’s excuse for leaving his wife is that his patient is having an anxiety attack? What? THAT’S the best excuse he could come up with?

Patio door windows sure were a lot brittler back in the day.

I thought the build-up to the murder was great. And surprisingly graphic for the franchise which would later shy away from such displays of onscreen violence.

My favorite line of this episode comes from the doctor who tells Flemming: “If it’s any consolation, the one thing she said was your name.” Brilliant.

Columbo appears 32 minutes into this movie! His late episode arrivals would become a consistent point of contention for the network.

I like how Columbo just shows up in this guy’s house and lights up without asking. His character is a lot more assertive and a lot less quirky (and less slovenly in appearance) than the version we would all come to know and love, but its interesting to see how Falk refines the role as he truly makes it his own.

We get the first variation of the quintessentially Columbo line: “Just one more thing” in this one.

Did anyone else think Flemming’s secretary looked a lot like his wife? In my case, so much so that I had to check to make sure she wasn’t played by the same actress.

How the hell does Columbo have the extra key to this guy’s home and how can he just let himself in? I understand it was a crime scene, but it’s private property.

Speaking of odd, I can’t attest to police procedures in the old days, but I’m pretty sure that civilians were not usually permitted to sit in on the interrogation of murder suspects.

Loved Flemming referring to Columbo as “a sly little elf” and I thought the scene of the two of them enjoying a hypothetical conversation about a brilliant murderer pretty damn brilliant in its own right.

While I thought certain elements of the ending were very clever, like the fact that Columbo uses a body double to trip up Flemming in parallel to Flemming effectively using a body double of his wife as part of his murder plot, I didn’t find the conclusion wholly satisfying. I thought Flemming’s late act unraveling a little too convenient. I get that it’s set up in the previous office conversation I mentioned, an establishment of hypotheticals that continues here, but it seems to me that Flemming’s dismissal of his former love interest was an uncharacteristically reckless admission and one that just felt a little too plot convenient – given that Columbo’s entire case rested on that confession.

And what exactly was Joan thinking? Presumably she was on the fence about testifying against Flemming and had to be convinced – but what if Flemming hadn’t thrown her under the bus and actually broken down and clearly mourned her death? Would she have just stepped out of hiding and professed her love for him assuming he wouldn’t have minded her setting him up and all would be forgiven?

Or maybe I’m overthinking things and Columbo is simply a sharp judge of character and knew exactly what type of man Flemming was and how he would respond in the situation. But even if I concede this point, I still don’t understand Joan’s reasoning.

Small note, but that ZOOM IN on the face of the female body double who pretended to be Joan’s corpse was unnecessary and confusing. For a couple of seconds there I briefly wondered “Who is that? Am I supposed to know her?”

Okay, casting aside Joan’s complete lack of common sense (but, to be fair, she WAS young), my minor quibble with this episode is an ending that relies on our villain to slip up rather than truly be caught out. Still, I thought this was an exceptionally strong start for the franchise.

So, what did you all think?

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February 17, 2025: Sharky Sunday!

So what was Sharky up to while we were in Japan?

Sharky’s homestay, Day 2

Hanging with Mabel…

Enjoying the snow…

Sharky checks out his after-Japan swag…

While we were in Japan, he was a regular at the Girls Just Wanna Box gym.  As a result, the one pound he put on while we were away is probably muscle!

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February 15, 2025: I may have overdone it!

Boy.  After days of hardly eating anything, the flavor of a delicious chicken-ginger congee is downright heavenly.   That’s what I ate yesterday.  But then today… well, my appetite was back and I may have gone a little overboard.  I ate pork belly sautéed with onions and snow pea tips, al dente penne with anchovy, garlic, and tomatoes, some smoked trout, a matcha latte, some pistachio dark chocolate, and a bowl of double-baked apple ice cream.  As I ate I thought “I may regret this”, but kept eating all the same.  I will report back!

I’m supposed to fly out tomorrow for Montreal (and a 7 day stay), but have been tracking a snowstorm that is predicted to start in the morning and continue throughout the afternoon and into the night.  Our neighbor assures me that they’ll de-ice the plane and I should be good to go.  All I know is that I’ve been doing a lot of traveling this year and, to be quite honest with you, I’d rather be home.

While in Japan, I ended up doing three pre-pitches.  I’ve got another one this Thursday that is a fairly important one.  Hopefully, this time, I won’t be distracted by neighbors ambling by in the background of who knows what else.

Reminder: Two days to the start of our Columbo rewatch!  Looking forward to hearing what you have to say about the show’s first pilot, “Prescription Murder”, if you’re joining us!

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February 14, 2025: Back home and ready for that Columbo rewatch!

Well, I made it back home.  But barely!

Although I was up all night the day of my flight, I was feeling b better in the morning.  The nausea was gone and while I didn’t have much of an appetite, I was able to consume a third of a plan white rice onigi as well as a couple of bottles of Pocari Sweat that my wife had picked up for me.  On the advice of Dr. Grok and my buddy Ivon, Akemi picked up a medley of Asian meds that would hopefully quell my stomach for the duration of our flight.

I was pretty worried as we checked out of the hotel and headed to the airport.  Even more worried when we received notice that Toronto had been hit by a snowstorm that could delay our flight but, fortunately, we departed as scheduled (although I heard the next day’s flight was delayed by 4 hours).

My appetite slowly returning, I managed a few bites of airline rubber chicken and a few leafs of lettuce, but didn’t want to hazard any further.  As it turned out, those Asian meds worked.  At first.  And then not so much.  The flight was, in a word, “hell”.

I kept dozing off and waking up (which helped).  At one point, I woke up, checked the time on my phone, and saw that we were an hour from landing.  I couldn’t fall back asleep, I just kept checking the time, agonizing, watching the time tick down.  It was the longest 30-some minutes of my life…at which point my phone updated to local time and I realized we still had another 3 hours to go.

I finished the first Asian meds that Ivon recommended, that tried another one that, well, smells (and frankly tasted) like it had once been used in ancient Chinese households to dissuade moths and evil spirits.  I had to swallow there of these tiny black pearls that, our friend Dr. Blackjack assured me, contains all natural herbal ingredients.

Anyway, finally landed in Toronto.  The plane taxied for another twenty minutes before we were permitted to disembark.  Then we had to wait 30 MINUTES for our luggage!  We caught a cab home and, I’ve got to tell you, I have never been so happy to be back.  After doing some unpacking, we caught an uber and picked up Sharky who was well taken care of by his home-stay family – yet clearly happy to see us, but mostly Akemi.

Speaking of Akemi, she has been mostly unaffected by whatever felled me, although she does admit to feeling some limited stomach upset.  But so far, fortunately, it hasn’t hit her as hard as it hit me.

Last night, I had my first uninterrupted night’s sleep in a few days (although I wake up at 5:00 a.m. due to the time change – to find Akemi already up).  I had some miso soup, some Power Ade, and a teaspoon of manuka honey.  I’ll be taking it easy today…and then tomorrow I’m off to Montreal for a week.

A reminder that our Columbo rewatch commences on Monday with the first pilot, “Prescription Murder” followed by the second pilot, “Ransom for a Dead Man”.

Here’s the full schedule.  Hope you can join!

Monday, February 17th: Prescription Murder
Friday, February 21st: Ransom for a Dead Man
Monday, February 24th: Murder by the Book
Friday, February 28th: Death Lends a Hand
Monday, March 3rd: Dead Weight
Friday, March 7th: Suitable for Framing
Monday, March 10th: Lady in Waiting
Friday, March 14th: Short Fuse
Monday, March 17th: Blueprint for Murder
Friday, March 21st: Etude in Black
Monday, March 24th: The Greenhouse Jungle
Friday, March 28th: The Most Crucial Game
Monday, March 31st: Dagger of the Mind
Friday, April 4th: Requiem for a Falling Star
Monday, April 7th: A Stitch in Crime
Friday, April 11th: The Most Dangerous Match
Monday, April 14th: Double Shock

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