Afoot

There’s something fishy about the murder in this episode. Novelist W. M. Akers joins us to talk about Murder Under Glass, an episode from the final season of the original NBC run of Columbo featuring Louis Jourdan as a food critic and, of course, a murderer. It is maybe not the most perfect episode, but well worth a visit for the variations on the formula—people are actually happy to see the good Lieutenant for once, and he gets to show off some serious culinary skills.

We also get to talking about Will’s own mystery novels. Somehow, we wind up talking about Mack Bolan, the Executioner, of all things. And role playing games. And baseball. Oh, and there’s a little touch of film noir right at the start…

Just one more episode, sir...

David J. Loehr with W. M. Akers

• Out of the Dark: The Film Noir Project — Melissa Errico: Tony-nominated Broadway actress Melissa Errico’s new album is Out Of The Dark: The Film Noir Project, a song cycle that offers an unforgettably sexy, sensual, and sophisticated arc, all black-velvet piano and vibraphone tones, telling a complete story of hope, despair, and hope renewed. Hear why critic Terry Teachout called it “Extraordinary.”

• W. M. Akers: W.M. Akers is a novelist, playwright, and game designer. He is the author of Westside, Westside Saints, Westside Lights, and Critical Hit, as well as the creator of Deadball: Baseball With Dice and Comrades: A Revolution RPG, and too many plays to mention here. He is also responsible for Strange Times, a weekly newsletter that investigates the weirdest news 1921 has to offer.