Licence to Spiel – a podcast about James Bond and other things

The Many False Deaths of Ethan Hunt

We take a one-episode break from Columbo to revisit the ~~final~~ latest entry in the Mission: Impossible franchise: MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—THE FINAL RECKONING. Just like the first time we watched it, we found it to be too long. In our (hopefully not too long) discussion, we ask why the filmmakers have suddenly decided their audience is full of idiots; question the inflammability of Alaskan cabins; and lose track of the number of times Ethan Hunt should die in this film.

Speaking of not dying, we have a hard time believing that this is the last film in the series…

Other episodes mentioned:

Clip Shows and Sparachutes (immediate reactions to THE FINAL RECKONING)
…And that’s Why I Hate this Movie (INFERNO)

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Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social
Thad – @tyranicus.net
Carl – @listeningtofilm.net

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The Most Texan of Texans

We close out the first season of Columbo with “Blueprint for Murder,” which is also the first and only episode of the show directed by Peter Falk. Join us as we discuss after-market Cadillac modding, really cheap bourbon, and what might just be the most expensive murder investigation in the history of the Los Angeles Police Department.

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Thad – @tyranicus.net
Carl – @listeningtofilm.net

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Roddy and his McDowalls

Carl and Thad are joined by special guest Ryan Riddle to discuss “Short Fuse,” starring Roddy McDowall as the murderer of the week. We had a fun and extensive conversation with Ryan that even touched on the episode at times.

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Ryan Riddle – @ryanthomasriddle.com

Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social
Thad – @tyranicus.net
Carl – @listeningtofilm.net

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“I was not prepared for all the ass shots”

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Columballs

In this episode, Thad and Carl discuss “Lady in Waiting,” the fifth of the first season of Columbo. While we would never condone murder, we both agree that Bryce Chadwick is the most murderable victim we have seen to date. We also get incredibly distracted by the usual things, including the inexplicable “Webster” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” crossover episode.

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Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social
Thad – @tyranicus.bsky.social
Carl – @listeningtofilm.net

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Webster (Gary Coleman) meets Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn) — “Webtrek”

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Clip Shows and Sparachutes

Thad and Carl recently went to see MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE — THE FINAL RECKONING. Hear our immediate thoughts on the movie, including our takes on some dubious UX decisions and some of the incredible stunts.

WARNING: We mention being spoiler-free to start, but that goes out the window in about 5 minutes, so please, if you haven’t seen the movie yet, hold off until you do.

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Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social
Thad – @tyranicus.bsky.social
Carl – @listeningtofilm.net

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The Victim Appears to have Been Sous-Vide-d

Thad and Carl discuss “Suitable for Framing,” the fourth episode of the first season of Columbo. Famous art critic (if that’s a thing) Dale Kingston murders his uncle to inherit his considerable art collection. But we are more focused on his fashion sense, the propensity of people in the 70s to have bars in their homes, and yet another television set.

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Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social
Thad – @tyranicus.bsky.social
Carl – @listeningtofilm.bsky.social

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“You…you touched those paintings just now!”

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The Nick at Nite Murder

In this episode, we discuss episode three of Columbo’s first season, “Dead Weight,” which had some behind-the-scenes drama that might be more interesting than the episode itself. We also get a bit hung up on issues related to Convoluted Body-Removal in murder mysteries.

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Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social
Thad – @tyranicus.bsky.social
Carl – @listeningtofilm.bsky.social

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General Hollister wearing a bathrobe with an undershirt underneath — Undershirt with a Bathrobe

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Any Resemblance to Steven Culp is Purely Coincidental

We discuss “Death Lends a Hand”, which introduces another future-repeat murder: Robert Culp. We also take issue with some of Columbo’s ethics this time (or lack thereof), and we reminisce about taking our driving exams.

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Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social
Thad – @tyranicus.bsky.social
Carl – @listeningtofilm.bsky.social

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Three Favorite Murders

We officially kick off the first season of Columbo with “Murder by the Book,” which hits the ground running with a great first appearance by Jack Cassidy as the Murderer of the Week. The episode was also directed and written by nobodies Steven Spielberg and Steven Bochco. I wonder whatever happened to them…

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Licence to Spiel – @podspiel.bsky.social
Thad – @tyranicus.bsky.social
Carl – @listeningtofilm.bsky.social

Images for those listening on our website (or who cannot see the chapter images)

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Gary Mitchell Eyes

In this episode, Thad and Carl discuss “Ransom for a Dead Man,” the second Columbo pilot produced by NBC. In addition to dissecting the seemingly perfect murder plan, we also comment on an overuse of green in Lee Grant’s office and spend an inordinate amount of time obsessing about a television.