This Columbo is unique in that we don't really know the exact outcome until the very end. Our favorite dark horse detective suspects a pair of identical twin brothers of killing their rich uncle; each points the finger at his brother. In a mystery series in which the crime is shown at the beginning of the drama, this twist could reasonably be used only once or twice, and this was Columbo's time. Other than that wrinkle, this episode fits in well with others of the series. It has a lighter tone than some, with a very funny performance by Jeanette Nolan as the fastidious and loyal housekeeper who takes an instant dislike to Columbo.
39 Reviews
Falk vs. Landau vs. Landau
TheLittleSongbird4 April 2012
Double Shock was neither one of the best or one of the worst of the Columbo series but it was still very solid. I do think some of the story takes a while to get going and that the tension between the two brothers wasn't quite as tense or effective as it could've been, mainly because Dexter was a far more interesting character than Norman. However, it is filmed and edited beautifully, and the music is suitably atmospheric. Apart from some sluggish pacing and some scenes that feel padded, the story is a good change of pace and remains interesting with a genuinely surprising ending, and the writing is arch and witty often. Peter Falk looks very comfortable as Columbo and is a joy to watch. Julie Newmar is a pleasant surprise as the fiancée, but in support the standout was Jeanette Nolan, whose rapport with Columbo is hilarious. Double Shock is notable mostly for Martin Landau playing twins, and he does a very good job in both roles, especially as Dexter. Overall, interesting and very solid. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Another great episode of Columbo
HunterDK21 January 2002
Double Shock is one of the many good Columbo episodes which reaches the level of a good movie.
It has all the elements we like in the Columbo episodes. We get the laugh when Columbo makes something clumsy, and it happens more than once in Double Shock. I can almost guarantee that you will laugh several times if you decide to watch this episode.
We also get the riddle as usual with an almost perfect murder, but something about the murder troubles Columbo. The end is the usual, we get the story about how Columbo solved the mystery.
This is another good Columbo-episode, and I will rate it 7/10. It is close to 8/10.
"Just one more question" - The acting? Peter Falk is very good as usual.
It has all the elements we like in the Columbo episodes. We get the laugh when Columbo makes something clumsy, and it happens more than once in Double Shock. I can almost guarantee that you will laugh several times if you decide to watch this episode.
We also get the riddle as usual with an almost perfect murder, but something about the murder troubles Columbo. The end is the usual, we get the story about how Columbo solved the mystery.
This is another good Columbo-episode, and I will rate it 7/10. It is close to 8/10.
"Just one more question" - The acting? Peter Falk is very good as usual.
Simply worth watching!
Sylviastel19 May 2006
What a cast of actors and actresses in this Columbo episode, beside Peter Falk, you have Julie Newmar, Jeannette Nolan, Martin Landau as twins. Anyway, the old uncle dies mysteriously and it looks like a heart attack on the bicycle discovered by his fiancé, Julie Newmar, who plays the role so deliciously. Jeannette Nolan plays the other woman of the house, the housekeeper who prides herself on her talents and chides Columbo's sloppy and often typical behavior with his cigar. Martin Landau plays identical twins in this one. Each who accuse the other of murdering their uncle for money. Well, you'll just have to watch and see the outcome but I can assure you that it's always worth watching this one for the cast and the crew.
Jeanette Nolan nearly steals the show
blanche-218 January 2016
"Double Shock" from Columbo's second season veers from the pattern of the other shows, but it is every bit is good.
Paul Stewart plays Clifford Paris, a wealthy older man (65 years old, in fact), about to marry a sexy younger woman (Julie Newmar). He has two nephews, one bad and one good, and both played by Martin Landau. Dexter is a gregarious wheeler-dealer who has his own TV show as a chef; Norman is arrogant and conservative and works in a bank. The two don't speak.
Dexter visits his uncle before he leaves to get married. Later, while Clifford is taking a bath, either he or Norman throw a mixer into the bath water and electrocute him. Clifford is found dead on an exercise bicycle by his fiancée.
The question is, which twin is responsible? They both stand to inherit Clifford's fortune.
This is a really good Columbo, and one where we don't know the murderer until the end of the show.
Jeanette Nolan plays Clifford's housekeeper of 30 years, Mrs. Peck, who has a touch of OCD. When she meets Columbo, it's total fireworks as he walks around with his cigar, dropping ashes, breaking things, using a solid silver tray as an ashtray, and breaking her television - it's absolutely hilarious. "You must have been born in a pigsty," she spits at him. He's terrified of her.
Martin Landau is terrific, giving each twin a different personality. Julie Newmar demonstrates some remarkable yoga.
Very enjoyable. Just wish Columbo had brought his dog into the house. Would have loved to have seen Mrs. Peck's reaction.
Paul Stewart plays Clifford Paris, a wealthy older man (65 years old, in fact), about to marry a sexy younger woman (Julie Newmar). He has two nephews, one bad and one good, and both played by Martin Landau. Dexter is a gregarious wheeler-dealer who has his own TV show as a chef; Norman is arrogant and conservative and works in a bank. The two don't speak.
Dexter visits his uncle before he leaves to get married. Later, while Clifford is taking a bath, either he or Norman throw a mixer into the bath water and electrocute him. Clifford is found dead on an exercise bicycle by his fiancée.
The question is, which twin is responsible? They both stand to inherit Clifford's fortune.
This is a really good Columbo, and one where we don't know the murderer until the end of the show.
Jeanette Nolan plays Clifford's housekeeper of 30 years, Mrs. Peck, who has a touch of OCD. When she meets Columbo, it's total fireworks as he walks around with his cigar, dropping ashes, breaking things, using a solid silver tray as an ashtray, and breaking her television - it's absolutely hilarious. "You must have been born in a pigsty," she spits at him. He's terrified of her.
Martin Landau is terrific, giving each twin a different personality. Julie Newmar demonstrates some remarkable yoga.
Very enjoyable. Just wish Columbo had brought his dog into the house. Would have loved to have seen Mrs. Peck's reaction.
A pair of potential perpetrators
bkoganbing27 April 2014
Guest villain in this Columbo story is Martin Landau. The victim in this case is Paul Stewart who is Landau's uncle and tight controller of the family purse strings. Stewart is also going out with Julie Newmar who is an overage flower child and Landau is worried that the family fortune will go to her and with good reason.
Nothing left to do but kill Stewart and this is accomplished by dropping an electric mixer into Stewart's bath electrocuting him. Then we have Stewart's body dried up and semi-dressed and put him on an electric exercise machine to make it look like he died of a heart attack there.
The rub in this episode is that Landau is playing a dual role. The charismatic host of a cooking show who spends money like it was going out of style and an uptight banker who has a not so secret gambling problem. Stewart's money will bail both of them, especially banker Landau out of considerable debt.
There are a couple of other substantial roles in this story. One is Tim O'Connor the family attorney who's had a good income from handling the affairs of Stewart and wants to keep right on doing it. The other is Jeanette Nolan who Peter Falk irritates the hell out of. She's a most uptight housekeeper and Columbo spilling his cigar ashes on her immaculate floor drives to distraction. She also hates having any interruption of her television shows. But the disruption of that service is an important clue for our rumpled detective.
Scenes with Nolan and Falk are the high point of this good Columbo story.
Nothing left to do but kill Stewart and this is accomplished by dropping an electric mixer into Stewart's bath electrocuting him. Then we have Stewart's body dried up and semi-dressed and put him on an electric exercise machine to make it look like he died of a heart attack there.
The rub in this episode is that Landau is playing a dual role. The charismatic host of a cooking show who spends money like it was going out of style and an uptight banker who has a not so secret gambling problem. Stewart's money will bail both of them, especially banker Landau out of considerable debt.
There are a couple of other substantial roles in this story. One is Tim O'Connor the family attorney who's had a good income from handling the affairs of Stewart and wants to keep right on doing it. The other is Jeanette Nolan who Peter Falk irritates the hell out of. She's a most uptight housekeeper and Columbo spilling his cigar ashes on her immaculate floor drives to distraction. She also hates having any interruption of her television shows. But the disruption of that service is an important clue for our rumpled detective.
Scenes with Nolan and Falk are the high point of this good Columbo story.
One? Both? Neither? Columbo must find out!
steven-digby5 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This is my favourite Columbo. Martin Landau (excellent!) plays twins, one of whom may have committed a murder. This Columbo is unusual because the usual murder scene at the beginning doesn't give you any clue to which one did it! Peter Falk is on form as usual in this episode written by Steven Bochco (who also wrote 'Murder by the Book', my second favourite episode). The supporting cast are great especially Julie Newmar (very under-rated) and Jeanette Nolan as the house keeper that Columbo just keeps on upsetting. The surname of Martin Landau's characters in this is 'Paris'. That was the surname of Leonard Nimoy's character in Mission Impossible. Coincidence? Or a Steven Bochco joke?
Some aspects don't work as well as they should but it is up to the usual standard and therefore worth seeing (spoilers)
bob the moo9 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Clifford Paris is a wealthy old man who has a passion for keeping fit and a passion for a very young woman who he intends to marry much to the silent disapproval of his nephew and housekeeper. Dexter disapproves so much that he decides to kill his uncle by throwing an electric blender into his bath and then putting him on an exercise bike to make it look like he had a stroke. Despite this apparent accident, Columbo gets called out of his bed and, thanks to a missing towel and a wet bath, suspects that this was no accident. Columbo knows that the motives lie with those who stand to inherit his Clifford's millions namely his twin nephews, celebrity chef Dexter and serious banker Norman, neither of who speak to each other; however which of the twins could it have been? As with many TV film series (such as Perry Mason), if you like one or two of them then you'll pretty much like them all. This entry in the Columbo series pretty much follows the usual formula we know the killer and the "perfect" plan but then watch Columbo follow his hunch and gradually starts to pick holes in the story he is told before eventually finding enough to prove his suspicions. Saying this is not a spoiler it is simply what happens in all the films. With this strict adherence to formula it is usually down to several factors whether or not the Columbo film stands out or if it is just average. In this case the twist is that the suspect is one of twins, a gimmick that you know must be going to be used in some way or other as indeed it is. The plot sees the twins putting Columbo onto the other in a way that should have been twisty but it doesn't work as well as it should; it lacks tension and isn't as intriguing as it should have been. The ending is satisfyingly delivered though and it is yet another good film in the series.
Falk is a joy as Columbo; as usual his sharp mind is well hidden behind the bumbling but he also has a talent for comedy as seen in his TV appearance and his chemistry with Nolan. She plays a simple role of the aggressor to Columbo and together they produce some very funny moments, even if it is a rather one-not repeating gag. Landau is interesting but his Norman is pretty dull and he tends to save his actual performance for Dexter, who is a more colourful and interesting character. Support is good from Stewart and those with a mind for the camp will instantly recognise the one and only Julie Newmar most notably of Batman fame.
Overall this is a good entry in the series even if the twins aspect does feel a little gimmicky and seems to take precedence over the actual plot. The performances are good and the comedy is always a welcome addition but somehow the attempts at tension between the brothers just doesn't come off as it heads towards the twist that we all knew was coming simply because why else would they write twins into it unless it was key to the story. Fans will still enjoy it though and it generally meets the enjoyable standard of the majority of the Columbo films.
Falk is a joy as Columbo; as usual his sharp mind is well hidden behind the bumbling but he also has a talent for comedy as seen in his TV appearance and his chemistry with Nolan. She plays a simple role of the aggressor to Columbo and together they produce some very funny moments, even if it is a rather one-not repeating gag. Landau is interesting but his Norman is pretty dull and he tends to save his actual performance for Dexter, who is a more colourful and interesting character. Support is good from Stewart and those with a mind for the camp will instantly recognise the one and only Julie Newmar most notably of Batman fame.
Overall this is a good entry in the series even if the twins aspect does feel a little gimmicky and seems to take precedence over the actual plot. The performances are good and the comedy is always a welcome addition but somehow the attempts at tension between the brothers just doesn't come off as it heads towards the twist that we all knew was coming simply because why else would they write twins into it unless it was key to the story. Fans will still enjoy it though and it generally meets the enjoyable standard of the majority of the Columbo films.
Martin Landau and Martin Landau versus Lt. Columbo.
Boba_Fett113811 April 2008
This is a well directed Columbo episode, with also some good character but the story just doesn't really know to interest enough and doesn't appear as well layered and constructed as was often the case with a Columbo movie. This also goes for the killer's plot to kill his uncle. It's quite simple and doesn't seem as well thought out. Perhaps this movie didn't really took itself serious enough, since the atmosphere of the movie is mostly light. At least when compared to different Columbo movies.
For instance the movie features quite a large amount of comical relief, mostly coming from the Columbo character himself. It makes the movie an enjoyable one to watch but it also gives you the feeling they sort of overdid it times, also mostly since it doesn't correspond with most other Columbo movies.
The characters are good and it helps that it features Martin Landau in a double role. It's always funny to see how much different he still looked as a young man, while for instance a person such as Peter Falk hardly changed any over the years, he only got grayer. The movie also features Julie Newmar among others, who is best know for playing Catwoman in the '60's "Batman" life action series. It's funny how she still moves like Catwoman in this movie. Intentional or is this just her way of acting?
It's an enjoyable and good to watch Columbo movie but it also gives you the feeling that it all could had been a lot better with a better thought out script.
7/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
For instance the movie features quite a large amount of comical relief, mostly coming from the Columbo character himself. It makes the movie an enjoyable one to watch but it also gives you the feeling they sort of overdid it times, also mostly since it doesn't correspond with most other Columbo movies.
The characters are good and it helps that it features Martin Landau in a double role. It's always funny to see how much different he still looked as a young man, while for instance a person such as Peter Falk hardly changed any over the years, he only got grayer. The movie also features Julie Newmar among others, who is best know for playing Catwoman in the '60's "Batman" life action series. It's funny how she still moves like Catwoman in this movie. Intentional or is this just her way of acting?
It's an enjoyable and good to watch Columbo movie but it also gives you the feeling that it all could had been a lot better with a better thought out script.
7/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
What do you do if you have twins and you suspect one of them is the killer?
planktonrules19 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"Double Shock" poses a serious problem for Columbo. It seems that a rich old man (Paul Stewart) is planning on marrying a sexy young lady (Julie Newmar). But he doesn't realize that his nephew or nephews don't want him to marry, as the new wife will inherit all his wealth. So, just before he marries there is an 'accident' when someone tosses an electric mixer into his bathrub! But the problem is BOTH nephews (Martin Landau in both roles) are suspects....and Clumbo needs to learn which one is responsible.
The identical twin connundrum is an interesting twist....and it makes for a very good episode. Well worth watching. It's also worth watching to see someone who hates Columbo with the intensity of a dozen burning suns...simply because he's sloppy!
The identical twin connundrum is an interesting twist....and it makes for a very good episode. Well worth watching. It's also worth watching to see someone who hates Columbo with the intensity of a dozen burning suns...simply because he's sloppy!
Double Exposer
sol121827 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
***SPOILERS*** Lt. Columbo, Peter Falk, gets a bit embarrassed in this episode when his bumbling antics get's the lady of the house the very proper and applicable Mrs. Peck, Jeanette Nolan, a bit hot under the collar. Thats when he absent-mindlessly spills his cigar ash on her well waxed floor and even later flicks his ashes into an expansive silver dish that Lt. Columbo mistakes for just your average run of the mill ashtray. But it's in his wrecking of Mrs. Peck's TV set, almost giving her a nervous breakdown, that she watches her favorite programs with a religious fervor that in the end breaks open the murder case of her boss the late Clifford Paris, Paul Stewart.
Getting his Uncle Cliff all alone in his bathtub Dexter, Martin Landau, gives him a wedding present that happened to be a new egg beater. The trouble is that the egg beater was plugged in the wall electric socket and turned on causing old Uncle Cliff to collapses and die from the shock. It's until Uncle Cliff's fiancée the very well developed and some 35 years younger Lisa Chambers, Julie Newmar, came over to accompany him to their wedding that his dead body was discovered. Not in the bathtub but on an electric bicycle she gave Uncle Cliff as a wedding present.
Getting on the case Lt. Columbo feels that there's something very fishy in Uncle Cliff's sudden heart-attack, that's what he was thought to have died from at first. Columbo feels, surprise surprise, it was murder! It's later when we, and Lt. Columbo, see that the yet discovered killer Dexter has an identical twin brother Norman Paris, also played by the very multi-talented Martin Landau, that you start to wonder just which of the two was the one who did old Uncle Cliff in?
We later learn that Uncle Cliff had a will made out that left his estate, three million dollars, to none of the two twins, Dexter & Norman. Instead Uncle Cliff left it to his fiancée Lisa who has absolutely no interest in his money. She just loves Uncle Cliff for his bubbly and charming personality as well as his amazing, the guy is 75 years old, sexual prowess!
One of the strangest of all Columbo episodes since your not really sure who the killer, which we see at the very beginning of the movie, is Dexter or Norman or can it be that the killer was actually both of them? Things get even more complicated when Lisa is tricked into giving her copy of Uncle Cliff's will to Cliff's sleazy lawyer Michael Hatheway,Tim O'Connor, so it wouldn't stand in the way of brothers Dexter & Norman's attempt in getting his money, and Hatheway getting his cut as well, legally.
Later when Hatheway goes to her penthouse apartment he finds that Lisa was thrown, or jumped, some ten floors to her death. As all this is going on Lt. Columbo is bumbling and fumbling his way around the Paris Mansion and uncovers a number of clues that proves that it was physically impossible for one person to have murdered Uncle Cliff. The circumstances of his death was just to much for one man, or woman, to handle that sets us, and the killer, up for the big surprise in the end.
Getting his Uncle Cliff all alone in his bathtub Dexter, Martin Landau, gives him a wedding present that happened to be a new egg beater. The trouble is that the egg beater was plugged in the wall electric socket and turned on causing old Uncle Cliff to collapses and die from the shock. It's until Uncle Cliff's fiancée the very well developed and some 35 years younger Lisa Chambers, Julie Newmar, came over to accompany him to their wedding that his dead body was discovered. Not in the bathtub but on an electric bicycle she gave Uncle Cliff as a wedding present.
Getting on the case Lt. Columbo feels that there's something very fishy in Uncle Cliff's sudden heart-attack, that's what he was thought to have died from at first. Columbo feels, surprise surprise, it was murder! It's later when we, and Lt. Columbo, see that the yet discovered killer Dexter has an identical twin brother Norman Paris, also played by the very multi-talented Martin Landau, that you start to wonder just which of the two was the one who did old Uncle Cliff in?
We later learn that Uncle Cliff had a will made out that left his estate, three million dollars, to none of the two twins, Dexter & Norman. Instead Uncle Cliff left it to his fiancée Lisa who has absolutely no interest in his money. She just loves Uncle Cliff for his bubbly and charming personality as well as his amazing, the guy is 75 years old, sexual prowess!
One of the strangest of all Columbo episodes since your not really sure who the killer, which we see at the very beginning of the movie, is Dexter or Norman or can it be that the killer was actually both of them? Things get even more complicated when Lisa is tricked into giving her copy of Uncle Cliff's will to Cliff's sleazy lawyer Michael Hatheway,Tim O'Connor, so it wouldn't stand in the way of brothers Dexter & Norman's attempt in getting his money, and Hatheway getting his cut as well, legally.
Later when Hatheway goes to her penthouse apartment he finds that Lisa was thrown, or jumped, some ten floors to her death. As all this is going on Lt. Columbo is bumbling and fumbling his way around the Paris Mansion and uncovers a number of clues that proves that it was physically impossible for one person to have murdered Uncle Cliff. The circumstances of his death was just to much for one man, or woman, to handle that sets us, and the killer, up for the big surprise in the end.
Soap opera easter eggs
macmcleod3 March 2023
Fun Easter egg... the "soap opera" stars appearing on the poor battered TV in this episode were all co stars of Martin Landau on the science fiction show Space:1999 which was being broadcast at the same time.
The show is solid and has a unique feel. For one thing, Columbo talks to four different characters as possible suspects. As a result, it feels a bit more like an traditional detective story.
Another fun fact... the mystery food being made is hollandaise sauce. This scene I found very engaging. Falk really plays the star struck detective, almost unable to speak when he is suddenly on live TV.
The explaination for how the murder occurred isn't apparent until the end. I think the show generally had a fun feeling and may have been a bit indulgent as they knew they had a hit by then.
The show is solid and has a unique feel. For one thing, Columbo talks to four different characters as possible suspects. As a result, it feels a bit more like an traditional detective story.
Another fun fact... the mystery food being made is hollandaise sauce. This scene I found very engaging. Falk really plays the star struck detective, almost unable to speak when he is suddenly on live TV.
The explaination for how the murder occurred isn't apparent until the end. I think the show generally had a fun feeling and may have been a bit indulgent as they knew they had a hit by then.
OK, But Not One Of The Best Episodes.
ChrisMoore-231522 January 2023
Even though the teleplay was written by the late great Steven Bochco, he of Hill Street Blues and LA Law fame.
First off, watching the opening credits, I was surprised and pleased to see listed as a guest star the leggy and beautiful Julie Newmar*. Ms Newmar plays Lisa Chambers, the new age-y fiancee of murder victim Clifford Paris.
Also for you "9 to 5" and "Tootsie" and etc fans look for a younger Dabney Coleman playing a detective and acquiting himself well in this guest character role.
Anyway the police are called when wealthy fitness afficionado Clifford is found dead by Lisa and fussy housekeeper Mrs. Peck on his rowing machine, but we viewers have already seen that an unknown person has actually electrocuted him in his bath tub. Who done it and why?
Of course Lt. Columbo figures it out. Unfortunately, Columbo's famous method of tracking down the quilty party by asking a series of seemingly bumbling and dumb questions is absent. Instead, the case is solved(barely IMHO) in a more mundane way, with a stopwatch, a damp towel, and a TV on the fritz.
Among the suspects are the Paris twin brothers (nephews to the dearly departed), both played by Martin Landau. One a pompous TV cooking show host, the other a staid banker.
The banker twin is also a degenerate gambler, and this is an important part of the story, but Columbo's trip to Las Vegas to find this out seems like filler.
Finally, oh the lighting in this episode. Honestly, thirty minutes into it, I did not know if I was watching Peter Falk in "Columbo" or Dan Curtis in "Dark Shadows," if you get my drift!
*She the first of several lovely and skilled ladies to portray Catwoman in the Batman TV and Movie franchise.
First off, watching the opening credits, I was surprised and pleased to see listed as a guest star the leggy and beautiful Julie Newmar*. Ms Newmar plays Lisa Chambers, the new age-y fiancee of murder victim Clifford Paris.
Also for you "9 to 5" and "Tootsie" and etc fans look for a younger Dabney Coleman playing a detective and acquiting himself well in this guest character role.
Anyway the police are called when wealthy fitness afficionado Clifford is found dead by Lisa and fussy housekeeper Mrs. Peck on his rowing machine, but we viewers have already seen that an unknown person has actually electrocuted him in his bath tub. Who done it and why?
Of course Lt. Columbo figures it out. Unfortunately, Columbo's famous method of tracking down the quilty party by asking a series of seemingly bumbling and dumb questions is absent. Instead, the case is solved(barely IMHO) in a more mundane way, with a stopwatch, a damp towel, and a TV on the fritz.
Among the suspects are the Paris twin brothers (nephews to the dearly departed), both played by Martin Landau. One a pompous TV cooking show host, the other a staid banker.
The banker twin is also a degenerate gambler, and this is an important part of the story, but Columbo's trip to Las Vegas to find this out seems like filler.
Finally, oh the lighting in this episode. Honestly, thirty minutes into it, I did not know if I was watching Peter Falk in "Columbo" or Dan Curtis in "Dark Shadows," if you get my drift!
*She the first of several lovely and skilled ladies to portray Catwoman in the Batman TV and Movie franchise.
Martin Landau is Twins.
rmax3048234 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers
In this one, Martin Landau, plays estranged identical twins who team up on the sly to knock off their rich uncle, Paul Stewart. Stewart, the old goat, plans to marry a new-age Julie Newmar who is half his age. I didn't mind so much seeing Paul Stewart die by batter mixer in his own bathtub, but throwing Julie Newmar out the window was unforgivable.
The entire sequence of events isn't revealed until the end, which is an anomaly in the Columbo series. But of course Columbo, Peter Falk, is gifted with his usual second sight. The mere notice of a damp bath towel in the laundry hamper puts him on the right track. A TV screen that turns too purple at the wrong moment clinches it for him. And, as usual, the culprits crumble in the end before a positive molehill of suggestive evidence. Columbo's villains tend to have more brains than brass.
He's his usual disheveled self -- cigar, rumpled raincoat, a man of infinite hesitations. He has comic encounters with the Martin Landau twin who is a television personality. Landau invites Columbo to leave the audience and come up and join him before the cameras in making hollandaise sauce. Columbo makes a fool of himself, but Landau laughs too loudly and so does the audience. The hilarity is forced and the incident is rather more silly than funny. (See Columbo try to separate the yoke from the white!) It's such an embarrassment that winces are induced. The scene would have been far funnier if Landau had played it straight and the audience was permitted only the occasional snicker. It's the director's job to see this done.
His most amusing encounters are with Jeanette Nolan as the housekeeper, the impeccable Mrs. Peck. You could perform surgery on the floors she's kept for thirty years for the horny old Paul Stewart character, and here comes Columbo, bumbling along, trailing cigar ashes, using a three thousand dollar silver dish as an ash tray, trying to fix Mrs. Peck's TV set only to pull off the knobs.
It's not the best in the series, but it's early Columbo, when the ideas were still fresh -- Steven Bochco was the writer -- and overall it's an entertaining divertimento.
The entire sequence of events isn't revealed until the end, which is an anomaly in the Columbo series. But of course Columbo, Peter Falk, is gifted with his usual second sight. The mere notice of a damp bath towel in the laundry hamper puts him on the right track. A TV screen that turns too purple at the wrong moment clinches it for him. And, as usual, the culprits crumble in the end before a positive molehill of suggestive evidence. Columbo's villains tend to have more brains than brass.
He's his usual disheveled self -- cigar, rumpled raincoat, a man of infinite hesitations. He has comic encounters with the Martin Landau twin who is a television personality. Landau invites Columbo to leave the audience and come up and join him before the cameras in making hollandaise sauce. Columbo makes a fool of himself, but Landau laughs too loudly and so does the audience. The hilarity is forced and the incident is rather more silly than funny. (See Columbo try to separate the yoke from the white!) It's such an embarrassment that winces are induced. The scene would have been far funnier if Landau had played it straight and the audience was permitted only the occasional snicker. It's the director's job to see this done.
His most amusing encounters are with Jeanette Nolan as the housekeeper, the impeccable Mrs. Peck. You could perform surgery on the floors she's kept for thirty years for the horny old Paul Stewart character, and here comes Columbo, bumbling along, trailing cigar ashes, using a three thousand dollar silver dish as an ash tray, trying to fix Mrs. Peck's TV set only to pull off the knobs.
It's not the best in the series, but it's early Columbo, when the ideas were still fresh -- Steven Bochco was the writer -- and overall it's an entertaining divertimento.
"Martin Landau scores in a double role."
jamesraeburn200319 October 2003
Lieutenant Columbo sets out to prove that two estranged brothers united in order to kill their wealthy uncle, because they wanted to stop him from disinheriting them from his will.
An enjoyable Columbo episode with the usual formula competently assembled, but the real delight here is the excellent Martin Landau who scores in his double role as the twin brothers.
This episode has been released on video in the UK paired with the second pilot episode, Ransom For A Dead Man (1971).
An enjoyable Columbo episode with the usual formula competently assembled, but the real delight here is the excellent Martin Landau who scores in his double role as the twin brothers.
This episode has been released on video in the UK paired with the second pilot episode, Ransom For A Dead Man (1971).
Great episode but there was no actual evidence to prove it.
reb-warrior21 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It appears Dexter did it, but there's a twist in that he has an identical twin brother. So for viewers, at the time, and Columbo, we are left wondering which one did it.
It was a great play with Columbo trying to figure out which twin did it. Martin Landau was really good here. Julie Newmar looks amazing but I wish she had a bigger part.
In the end, there really no evidence that the brothers did it. Basically, it was all conjecture by Columbo to show how the murder could have taken place by two people. But there was no actual evidence proving that either one of these men specifically were involved. I guess we'll just have to overlook this plothole. Lol. To be fair, Norman sort of capitulated their guilt in the end.
Mrs. Peck had anger issues and her scenes with Columbo were somewhat funny. But I also found her annoying. Loved Columbo's dialogue about how untidy he is. And how he can't help it. And how rude he thought she was. Lol. The cooking scene was amusing too.
I think the lawyer should go to jail too as an accessory after-the-fact of Clifford's murder and later with Lisa's murder. After all, he suspected one of the brothers did it, and still made that deal with them, which then led to her murder in order to set him up. Speaking of which, there wasn't much investigation here of Lisa's murder by Columbo. Maybe if he had, he might have turned up some actual evidence. I mean she appeared to be murdered just minutes before the lawyer arrived. Seemed sloppy to me.
Anyway, a good watch. 8/10.
It was a great play with Columbo trying to figure out which twin did it. Martin Landau was really good here. Julie Newmar looks amazing but I wish she had a bigger part.
In the end, there really no evidence that the brothers did it. Basically, it was all conjecture by Columbo to show how the murder could have taken place by two people. But there was no actual evidence proving that either one of these men specifically were involved. I guess we'll just have to overlook this plothole. Lol. To be fair, Norman sort of capitulated their guilt in the end.
Mrs. Peck had anger issues and her scenes with Columbo were somewhat funny. But I also found her annoying. Loved Columbo's dialogue about how untidy he is. And how he can't help it. And how rude he thought she was. Lol. The cooking scene was amusing too.
I think the lawyer should go to jail too as an accessory after-the-fact of Clifford's murder and later with Lisa's murder. After all, he suspected one of the brothers did it, and still made that deal with them, which then led to her murder in order to set him up. Speaking of which, there wasn't much investigation here of Lisa's murder by Columbo. Maybe if he had, he might have turned up some actual evidence. I mean she appeared to be murdered just minutes before the lawyer arrived. Seemed sloppy to me.
Anyway, a good watch. 8/10.
A very good end to the second series.
Sleepin_Dragon26 February 2024
Wealthy Clifford Paris is set to marry a much younger woman, but one of his nephews has other ideas, Columbo has to investigate whether it was TV chef and personality Dexter, or bis more serious twin, businessman Norman.
A classic episode, an excellent end to the second series, it's intriguing, suspenseful and pretty funny. It's about the first time that Columbo's sloppy dress and cigar smoking activities actually irritate someone.
To my knowledge, this is only the second episode so far, which could be classed as a whodunnit, we are made to wait until the very end to learn the identity of the killer.
The scenes between Columbo and Mrs Peck were a joy, Jeanette Nolan was wonderful, loved her constant irritations about her TV show being interrupted. Also loved those scenes of Columbo on a TV cookery show, Falk was so natural.
Martin Landau was excellent I thought, a really good actor, he convinced me as both of the characters, more than enough differentiation.
Very good.
8/10.
A classic episode, an excellent end to the second series, it's intriguing, suspenseful and pretty funny. It's about the first time that Columbo's sloppy dress and cigar smoking activities actually irritate someone.
To my knowledge, this is only the second episode so far, which could be classed as a whodunnit, we are made to wait until the very end to learn the identity of the killer.
The scenes between Columbo and Mrs Peck were a joy, Jeanette Nolan was wonderful, loved her constant irritations about her TV show being interrupted. Also loved those scenes of Columbo on a TV cookery show, Falk was so natural.
Martin Landau was excellent I thought, a really good actor, he convinced me as both of the characters, more than enough differentiation.
Very good.
8/10.
Twice the Landau = Twice the Fun
bensonmum224 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
As far as episodes of Columbo go, Double Shock is neither the best I've seen, nor is it the worst. It rests firmly in the middle. On the positive side, this episode presents a nice change-of-pace from the norm. In every other Columbo I've seen, not only do you know how the murder was committed, but you know beyond a shadow of a doubt who the killer is. Double Shock is a real mystery. It's not until the final reveal that crucial elements of the murder and the identity of the murderer are revealed.
But, there are negatives. Far too much of Double Shock's runtime is made up of scenes that have nothing to do with advancing the plot. Columbo often goes off on tangents, but he does so to prove a point or discover something about a suspect. Not here. Scenes like those where Columbo argues with the housekeeper or where Columbo appears on a cooking show have nothing to do with the meat of the story. Columbo gains nothing making these scenes pointless.
But, there are negatives. Far too much of Double Shock's runtime is made up of scenes that have nothing to do with advancing the plot. Columbo often goes off on tangents, but he does so to prove a point or discover something about a suspect. Not here. Scenes like those where Columbo argues with the housekeeper or where Columbo appears on a cooking show have nothing to do with the meat of the story. Columbo gains nothing making these scenes pointless.
Excellent episode
martinxperry-148683 June 2018
This is Columbo at his best. Martin Landau play two parts, one of which is the murderer. Janette Noland plays a part that only she could do. This is one that holds the viewer right to the end, because until then is the murderer revealed. Sit back and enjoy Columbo at his best
Double Shock
Prismark1017 March 2018
It is nice to see sturdy actors who would go on to greater things such as Martin Landau who went on to become an Oscar winner.
He plays identical twins Dexter and Norman Paris who are estranged. One is a tv chef the other is a banker.
The victim is their wealthy uncle who is about to marry a nubile younger lady. Columbo suspect that one of the brother's killed the uncle as they each stand to inherit half of his fotune.
Like other Columbo episodes we know who did it. We suspect that there might be a switcheroo with the twins changing places. The actual reveal actually comes at the end which is unusual for Columbo but as always a smart defence lawyer would had got the culprit off.
Look out for a young Dabney Coleman as a cop. He would later appear in an episode of Columbo as a smart defence attorney.
I liked the fussy, loyal housekeeper who tells Columbo off for his dishevelled appearance and acting like a pig by dropping cigar ash on the floor. It is time someone told him off for his untidiness.
The trashy soap the housekeeper watches on television features a young Marc Singer.
He plays identical twins Dexter and Norman Paris who are estranged. One is a tv chef the other is a banker.
The victim is their wealthy uncle who is about to marry a nubile younger lady. Columbo suspect that one of the brother's killed the uncle as they each stand to inherit half of his fotune.
Like other Columbo episodes we know who did it. We suspect that there might be a switcheroo with the twins changing places. The actual reveal actually comes at the end which is unusual for Columbo but as always a smart defence lawyer would had got the culprit off.
Look out for a young Dabney Coleman as a cop. He would later appear in an episode of Columbo as a smart defence attorney.
I liked the fussy, loyal housekeeper who tells Columbo off for his dishevelled appearance and acting like a pig by dropping cigar ash on the floor. It is time someone told him off for his untidiness.
The trashy soap the housekeeper watches on television features a young Marc Singer.
Double Shock was both good and bad
easmax31 December 2006
This was one of the worst Columbo episodes that I have seen, However, I am only in the second season.
The typical Columbo activities are both amusing and irritating. His cigar ashes causing him trouble have been seen before, And the bit where he always identifies in some way with the murderer--in this case cooking ,Tho the scene on the TV cooking show distracted from the main theme.
Also not explained was why the brother at the beginning of the show was cutting part of the wires of the mixer. The reason was never explained ,nor did it serve any purpose. But the part I disliked the most was the death of the bride to be . This was never explained and it is the main reason why I give this episode such a low grade.
The typical Columbo activities are both amusing and irritating. His cigar ashes causing him trouble have been seen before, And the bit where he always identifies in some way with the murderer--in this case cooking ,Tho the scene on the TV cooking show distracted from the main theme.
Also not explained was why the brother at the beginning of the show was cutting part of the wires of the mixer. The reason was never explained ,nor did it serve any purpose. But the part I disliked the most was the death of the bride to be . This was never explained and it is the main reason why I give this episode such a low grade.
Good, but flimsy evidence
Apalerwuss12 May 2021
I'm revisiting all the Columbos years later, and the one thing that strikes me is the "smoking gun" evidence is nearly always incredibly flimsy conjecture that should not come close to even spurring a confession, let alone convince a jury to convict.
That said, they're mostly all very well written and acted.
Double Shock fits the bill on all counts here. A very entertaining watch, let down by unconvincing ending.
That said, they're mostly all very well written and acted.
Double Shock fits the bill on all counts here. A very entertaining watch, let down by unconvincing ending.
"Double Shock" (1973)
Wuchakk30 March 2019
PLOT: Identical twins who hate each other (both played by Martin Landau) become suspects in the electrocution death of their rich uncle. Julie Newmar plays his younger bride-to-be while Tim O'Connor appears as his opportunistic lawyer.
COMMENTARY: The interesting deviation of this installment is that we don't know who the murderer is until the close; all we know is that it's one of the twins, at the very least. The bathtub murder is memorable. I was never big on Julie Newmar but, man, she's at her curvy height here; I also like her interesting immaterialist character. Columbo's constant clashes with the overly fastidious maid (Jeanette Nolan) are amusing.
GRADE: A-
COMMENTARY: The interesting deviation of this installment is that we don't know who the murderer is until the close; all we know is that it's one of the twins, at the very least. The bathtub murder is memorable. I was never big on Julie Newmar but, man, she's at her curvy height here; I also like her interesting immaterialist character. Columbo's constant clashes with the overly fastidious maid (Jeanette Nolan) are amusing.
GRADE: A-
Double trouble for Columbo
Leofwine_draca9 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
DOUBLE SHOCK is one of the earlier Columbo stories, made late on in the show's second series back in 1973. It's also one of the best. The short running time means that this is a snappy and engaging affair and the use of the twin motif in the storyline means that the storyline is unique; the viewer witnesses the murder at the outset but the identity of the villain remains a mystery until the climax, something I thought that was very cleverly achieved.
I've always been a fan of Martin Landau and he does an excellent job here of playing the hot-headed twins at the centre of the story. Most of the action centres around a big old house with rambling corridors and the like and it's a good location for murder to take place. The opening murder is also shocking, to say the least. Columbo seems to get really involved in this case and becomes very emotional in places, which I thought was great. The humour is some of the funniest in the show without being forced; the run-ins with Jeanette Nolan are darkly amusing, but the cookery show set-piece is the highlight here. The supporting cast is also notably good, including the ever-sultry Julie Newmar who wears very little, a young Dabney Coleman as a cop, and Tim O'Connor as an unscrupulous lawyer; I grew up knowing the guy for his role in BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY.
I've always been a fan of Martin Landau and he does an excellent job here of playing the hot-headed twins at the centre of the story. Most of the action centres around a big old house with rambling corridors and the like and it's a good location for murder to take place. The opening murder is also shocking, to say the least. Columbo seems to get really involved in this case and becomes very emotional in places, which I thought was great. The humour is some of the funniest in the show without being forced; the run-ins with Jeanette Nolan are darkly amusing, but the cookery show set-piece is the highlight here. The supporting cast is also notably good, including the ever-sultry Julie Newmar who wears very little, a young Dabney Coleman as a cop, and Tim O'Connor as an unscrupulous lawyer; I grew up knowing the guy for his role in BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY.
The Columbo Where Martin Landau Plays Identical Twin Brothers
ShootingShark30 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
When a rich man dies of an apparent heart-attack whilst exercising, Columbo suspects his ne'er-do-well nephew Dexter. What he doesn't count on is that Dexter has an identical twin brother, Norman, who has an equally plausible motive for murder ...
This is a very recognisable Columbo story, with the twist of having the normally singular killer be identical twins, played with considerable flair by Landau. Dexter is flamboyant and gay (one of the best scenes involves him ribbing Columbo on his TV cooking show) and Norman is sensible and dogmatic. Steven Bochco's script keeps both us and Columbo guessing about them all the way - are they covering up for or trying to incriminate each other ? Nolan is funny as the zealot housekeeper and leggy Newmar (Catwoman from the old sixties Batman TV show) adds an unusual dash of glamour. The details of the murder investigation are a little pedestrian here, but it's a very agreeable little thriller all the same. Best moment - Columbo's reaction to the TV repair van.
This is a very recognisable Columbo story, with the twist of having the normally singular killer be identical twins, played with considerable flair by Landau. Dexter is flamboyant and gay (one of the best scenes involves him ribbing Columbo on his TV cooking show) and Norman is sensible and dogmatic. Steven Bochco's script keeps both us and Columbo guessing about them all the way - are they covering up for or trying to incriminate each other ? Nolan is funny as the zealot housekeeper and leggy Newmar (Catwoman from the old sixties Batman TV show) adds an unusual dash of glamour. The details of the murder investigation are a little pedestrian here, but it's a very agreeable little thriller all the same. Best moment - Columbo's reaction to the TV repair van.
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