This slick early Columbo story is slightly above average for its type, although not one of the very best the series has to offer. Certainly all of the right ingredients are present and correct , it's just that they're all quite familiar to fans of the show and the whole 'fake kidnapping' thing has been done elsewhere and better.
The guest villain is none other than Ray Milland, a true Hollywood great, who immediately raises the interest and doesn't disappoint with his insufferably stuffy turn. There are supporting turns from cult favourite William Smith and a briefly-seen Bradford Dillman, but the most interesting role goes to the frustrated wife, played nicely by Sandra Smith. Bob Dishy is very good as the green sergeant, and would later return in NOW YOU SEE HIM.
Peter Falk is on good form as per usual for this series, although comedy surrounding his character is in short supply, aside from that hillside tumble early on in the proceedings. The greenhouse angle of the story is an odd one as it only provides a backdrop to a couple of scenes, whereas the other themed episodes (medical, magic, etc.) had more of a relevance to the storyline. Still, this is a perfectly reasonable episode of the show, and there's nothing to dislike here.