ASHES TO ASHES is one of the last Columbo movies made before Peter Falk retired from the role (I think there were only two subsequent stories filmed). It's not great, but it acts well as a kind of 'celebratory' piece of all things Columbo. Hell, you even get Patrick McGoohan returning to the series for what would be the sixth and final time over the years, in a capacity of both guest star and director, so that's reason to watch alone.
McGoohan plays a funeral director who spends most of his time hanging out at his crematorium, so there's plenty of ghoulish humour evident throughout the production. The way he kills off a rival and subsequently covers up the crime is unique to say the least, and direction-wise he shoots a story that's never less than interesting.
At the same time, it's not exactly a stellar effort; there's an odd, jokey tone to the whole thing and Falk's portrayal of the titular gumshoe is at odds with what we see elsewhere. Columbo seems genuinely befuddled at some points and you can't help but feel the weight of years catching up with the old-time star. Still, ASHES TO ASHES is never less than a perfectly acceptable slice of TV mystery, if not perhaps up there with the best COLUMBO had to offer.
McGoohan plays a funeral director who spends most of his time hanging out at his crematorium, so there's plenty of ghoulish humour evident throughout the production. The way he kills off a rival and subsequently covers up the crime is unique to say the least, and direction-wise he shoots a story that's never less than interesting.
At the same time, it's not exactly a stellar effort; there's an odd, jokey tone to the whole thing and Falk's portrayal of the titular gumshoe is at odds with what we see elsewhere. Columbo seems genuinely befuddled at some points and you can't help but feel the weight of years catching up with the old-time star. Still, ASHES TO ASHES is never less than a perfectly acceptable slice of TV mystery, if not perhaps up there with the best COLUMBO had to offer.