A DEADLY STATE OF MIND is one of the best Columbo episodes I've watched. It's a story that never puts a foot wrong, packed with engaging and enjoyable performances and a wonderfully twisty plot with some great surprises hidden along the way. George Hamilton plays a delightfully suave hypnotist who accidentally murders a love rival in the opening scenes and decides to cover up the crime as best he can.
Unfortunately for him, Columbo is soon on the case and sniffing out some of those delightfully insignificant clues that become important later on in the game. What follows is a cat and mouse story in which the stakes are gradually raised to breaking point. There's a wonderful swimming pool set piece and great acting from supporting starlet Lesley Ann Warren, who makes the most of her conflicted and fragile character. Hamilton gives a performance that reminded me of Roger Moore, all bluff and bluster and raised eyebrows; he's great fun. And of course, Peter Falk excels as Columbo in one of his most likable appearances as the detective. Plus, A DEADLY STATE OF MIND incorporates one of the best twist endings I've seen in any Columbo film.