This episode does a good job showing the lengths Columbo will go to unnerve the suspected killer. It goes a bit overboard at times, but considering all of the killers in this series are arrogant rich people, it's a bit cathartic. The loose end that catches the killer was well executed. It would be higher, but the daughters performance was a bit grating.

very funny last scene but the episode overall drags on a little.

The second Columbo pilot hits much closer to what we will come to know in the Columbo series. Unlike Perscription: Murder, Ransom for a Dead Man has our lovably schlubby detective annoying the social elite into submission instead of the more honour bound hound Columbo in the first pilot. Ransom for a Dead Man has witty banter between Falk and Grant making every time they are on screen together a thrill. The only negative is Mattick's portrayal of Margaret Williams.

Not as good as 'Prescription Murder', but still a decent watch. Very similar in pattern and mannerisms to its predecessor and hence predictable to a certain degree.

Not the best or most sophisticated episode, but after all it's only the second one made, and anyway Columbo is Columbo, it has a good flow, and the ladies are pleasant to look at, so I do recommend it.