Ruffalo looks a little like Peter Falk, I wonder if he would play the part as an impersonation of Falk or would this be another 'reboot'?
I wouldn't be completely against it. The format would still work.
My favourite episode is the Donald Pleasance one 'Any Old Port in a Storm' (on ITV as I write) but there are so many good ones.
He does look like Columbo but he is not Columbo >:(
I am not one for remakes and God help anyone who remakes The Great Escape!
Yes I watched that one and is one of my favourites. Also The Conspirators was on at the weekend but that is the only episode I do not like. I cannot even explain why.
First of all, if they were making a new Columbo, Mark Ruffalo would be an excellent candidate. Anyone playing Columbo would have to be a genuinely nice person and Ruffalo fills that bill, he is a lovely man with bags of charm. Also I think it is a noble aspiration for any actor to want to play Columbo.
However, I just have too much respect for Falk to want there to be any kind of "reboot". Falk was Columbo, and as nice as Ruffalo is—replacing Falk would feel like an insult. If he didn't impersonate Falk, it would seem lacking; but if he impersonated Falk, it would seem offensive. So you can't win.
I also don't think it would be dangerous to turn Columbo into a feature film. The very idea of making "a film" smacks of a gimmicky money-making exercise. The original show was an intimate psychological drama, perfectly suited to the small screen. These days, everything that goes on the big screen has to be "epic" and "action-packed" and dumbed-down to appeal to 12-year-olds who like explosions. What fans want (if anything) is more episodes, we do not want "the movie".
Here is what I would be in favour of: a brand new TV series that is not called "Columbo" but feature's Lt Columbo's son (also called Columbo). So Falk's character was his father, and Falk's character is referenced in the show as a legendary officer who taught him everything he knew. Then you might be talking. Maybe "Lt Columbo" could be Ruffalo's official title, but, not feeling worthy to be called that, perhaps he always introduces himself to the bad guys by his first name (eg "please, call me Buddy"), seeking to establish a "relationship" with the bad guys. Perhaps the show itself could even be called something like "Call me Buddy". Just throwing a random ideas out here but I do feel that something along those lines could work, something that doesn't seek to tread on the toes of Falk and shows reverence for the original series in everything it does.
Mark Ruffalo has said that he wants to play Columbo.
The Avengers actor became engaged in a conversation on Twitter about how he would like to bring Peter Falk's television detective to the big screen.
I hope this does not happen >:( Peter was Columbo and no one can better the character .
Well Peter Falk was the third actor to play Columbo. I'd love to see the original Bert Freed version which I believe does exist somewhere. From what I've read Peter Falk did take quite a lot of the characters mannerisms (cigars, asking one more question an so on) from that performance.
First of all, if they were making a new Columbo, Mark Ruffalo would be an excellent candidate. Anyone playing Columbo would have to be a genuinely nice person and Ruffalo fills that bill, he is a lovely man with bags of charm. Also I think it is a noble aspiration for any actor to want to play Columbo.
However, I just have too much respect for Falk to want there to be any kind of "reboot". Falk was Columbo, and as nice as Ruffalo is—replacing Falk would feel like an insult. If he didn't impersonate Falk, it would seem lacking; but if he impersonated Falk, it would seem offensive. So you can't win.
I also don't think it would be dangerous to turn Columbo into a feature film. The very idea of making "a film" smacks of a gimmicky money-making exercise. The original show was an intimate psychological drama, perfectly suited to the small screen. These days, everything that goes on the big screen has to be "epic" and "action-packed" and dumbed-down to appeal to 12-year-olds who like explosions. What fans want (if anything) is more episodes, we do not want "the movie".
Here is what I would be in favour of: a brand new TV series that is not called "Columbo" but feature's Lt Columbo's son (also called Columbo). So Falk's character was his father, and Falk's character is referenced in the show as a legendary officer who taught him everything he knew. Then you might be talking. Maybe "Lt Columbo" could be Ruffalo's official title, but, not feeling worthy to be called that, perhaps he always introduces himself to the bad guys by his first name (eg "please, call me Buddy"), seeking to establish a "relationship" with the bad guys. Perhaps the show itself could even be called something like "Call me Buddy". Just throwing a random ideas out here but I do feel that something along those lines could work, something that doesn't seek to tread on the toes of Falk and shows reverence for the original series in everything it does.
Well said. This is my point. I will not be Columbo as we know and love him.
As for Columbo's son ... he didn't have any children, well 99% of the episodes he didn't. That is one of the thing's I loved was that the continuity was all over the place
Well Peter Falk was the third actor to play Columbo. I'd love to see the original Bert Freed version which I believe does exist somewhere. From what I've read Peter Falk did take quite a lot of the characters mannerisms (cigars, asking one more question an so on) from that performance.
No I have not seen that either and would be nice to. Peter played Columbo for many years so he is Columbo to me.
Well said. This is my point. I will not be Columbo as we know and love him.
As for Columbo's son ... he didn't have any children, well 99% of the episodes he didn't. That is one of the thing's I loved was that the continuity was all over the place
He could be a nephew. Although now I think about it, I know Mrs Columbo had a sister but that would not give his nephew the same surname. Did Columbo have a brother? I can't remember.
I enjoy watching Columbo when I can catch it on a weekend. Watched 'Lady in Waiting' this afternoon on ITV 3.
Would be great to watch these episodes without the ruddy ad breaks every 15 minutes so I really ought to invest in the £50.00 DVD box set from Amazon. Or ask for it as a Christmas present.
I enjoy watching Columbo when I can catch it on a weekend. Watched 'Lady in Waiting' this afternoon on ITV 3.
Would be great to watch these episodes without the ruddy ad breaks every 15 minutes so I really ought to invest in the £50.00 DVD box set from Amazon. Or ask for it as a Christmas present.
I spent a good few years hinting for the boxset, eventually I gave up and bought it myself.
Despite having every episode I still watch it every time its on TV.
I spent a good few years hinting for the boxset, eventually I gave up and bought it myself.
Despite having every episode I still watch it every time its on TV.
I've seen every episode at least once, some several times - sometimes takes a couple of viewings to fully appreciate how the criminal/murderer planned his/her killing (s), and also to digest how Columbo solved the crime (although often the explanation was very straightforward/simple).
Not in the series itself, she did have a short lived spin off series though - Mrs Columbo.
There are a couple of episodes included in the Columbo box set as bonuses, don't put yourself out to watch them though, it was short lived for a reason!
Comments
Ruffalo looks a little like Peter Falk, I wonder if he would play the part as an impersonation of Falk or would this be another 'reboot'?
I wouldn't be completely against it. The format would still work.
My favourite episode is the Donald Pleasance one 'Any Old Port in a Storm' (on ITV as I write) but there are so many good ones.
He does look like Columbo but he is not Columbo >:(
I am not one for remakes and God help anyone who remakes The Great Escape!
Yes I watched that one and is one of my favourites. Also The Conspirators was on at the weekend but that is the only episode I do not like. I cannot even explain why.
However, I just have too much respect for Falk to want there to be any kind of "reboot". Falk was Columbo, and as nice as Ruffalo is—replacing Falk would feel like an insult. If he didn't impersonate Falk, it would seem lacking; but if he impersonated Falk, it would seem offensive. So you can't win.
I also don't think it would be dangerous to turn Columbo into a feature film. The very idea of making "a film" smacks of a gimmicky money-making exercise. The original show was an intimate psychological drama, perfectly suited to the small screen. These days, everything that goes on the big screen has to be "epic" and "action-packed" and dumbed-down to appeal to 12-year-olds who like explosions. What fans want (if anything) is more episodes, we do not want "the movie".
Here is what I would be in favour of: a brand new TV series that is not called "Columbo" but feature's Lt Columbo's son (also called Columbo). So Falk's character was his father, and Falk's character is referenced in the show as a legendary officer who taught him everything he knew. Then you might be talking. Maybe "Lt Columbo" could be Ruffalo's official title, but, not feeling worthy to be called that, perhaps he always introduces himself to the bad guys by his first name (eg "please, call me Buddy"), seeking to establish a "relationship" with the bad guys. Perhaps the show itself could even be called something like "Call me Buddy". Just throwing a random ideas out here but I do feel that something along those lines could work, something that doesn't seek to tread on the toes of Falk and shows reverence for the original series in everything it does.
Well Peter Falk was the third actor to play Columbo. I'd love to see the original Bert Freed version which I believe does exist somewhere. From what I've read Peter Falk did take quite a lot of the characters mannerisms (cigars, asking one more question an so on) from that performance.
Well said. This is my point. I will not be Columbo as we know and love him.
As for Columbo's son ... he didn't have any children, well 99% of the episodes he didn't. That is one of the thing's I loved was that the continuity was all over the place
No I have not seen that either and would be nice to. Peter played Columbo for many years so he is Columbo to me.
Death Lends A Hand from 1971 which was Robert Culp's first appearance on Columbo
Starts at 5.05pm this afternoon or 6:05 on 5 USA+1
He could be a nephew. Although now I think about it, I know Mrs Columbo had a sister but that would not give his nephew the same surname. Did Columbo have a brother? I can't remember.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_Rubinek
Saturday
ITV 11:35 No Time To Die (1992)
5 USA 5:20 Dead Weight (1971) Eddie Albert
7:00 Dagger Of The Mind (1972) Richard Basehart and Honor Blackman
Sunday
ITV2 12:00am The Bye Bye Sky High IQ Case (1977) Theodore Bikel
ITV3 6pm Now You See Him (1976) Jack Cassidy
ITV 11:30am Murder With Too Many Notes (2001)
5USA 5:55pm The Greenhouse Jungle (1972)
7:25pm Requiem for a Falling Star (1972)
Sunday
ITV3 3:55pm Last Salute To The Commodore (1976)
It had all the traits of Columbo. Maybe not acting as confused or dishevelled as in later episodes.
Would be great to watch these episodes without the ruddy ad breaks every 15 minutes so I really ought to invest in the £50.00 DVD box set from Amazon. Or ask for it as a Christmas present.
SAT. 11TH:-
? - ITV3 1.15-2.50pm (+1 2.15-3.50pm).
ASHES TO ASHES - 5USA 5.00-6.55pm.
DEAD WEIGHT - 5USA 6.55-8.25pm.
BLUEPRINT FOR MURDER - 5USA 8.25-10.00pm.
SUN. 12TH:-
A STITCH IN CRIME - ITV3 1.25-3.05pm (+1 2.25-4.05pm).
MON. 13TH:-
DEAD WEIGHT - 5USA 12.40-2.20pm.
I spent a good few years hinting for the boxset, eventually I gave up and bought it myself.
Despite having every episode I still watch it every time its on TV.
I've seen every episode at least once, some several times - sometimes takes a couple of viewings to fully appreciate how the criminal/murderer planned his/her killing (s), and also to digest how Columbo solved the crime (although often the explanation was very straightforward/simple).
SAT. 18TH:-
A STITCH IN CRIME - ITV3 10.55am-12.25pm.
FORGOTTEN LADY - ITV 1.30-3.35pm (+1 2.30-4.35pm).
BLUEPRINT FOR MURDER - 5USA 3.50-5.25pm.
HOW TO DIAL MURDER - 5USA 5.25-7.00pm.
DAGGER OF THE MIND - 5USA 7.00-9.00pm.
SUN. 19TH:-
ETUDE IN BLACK - ITV3 4.55-7.00pm.
MON. 20TH:-
HOW TO DIAL MURDER - 5USA 1.00-2.30pm.
Thanks. Etude in Black is one of my favorites.
You are very welcome!
SAT. 25TH:-
? - ITV3 12.40-2.40pm (+1 1.40-3.40pm).
? - 5USA 5.05-9.00pm (+1 6.05-10.00pm) (prob. 2 episodes).
SUN. 26TH:-
? - ITV3 5.20-6.55pm (+1 6.20-7.55pm).
MON. 27TH:-
COLUMBO LIKES THE NIGHTLIFE - 5USA 12.00-1.50pm (+1 1.00-2.50pm).
Not in the series itself, she did have a short lived spin off series though - Mrs Columbo.
There are a couple of episodes included in the Columbo box set as bonuses, don't put yourself out to watch them though, it was short lived for a reason!