History Recap / ColumboS03E03

Guest Starring: Creator/JackieCooper, Ken Swofford, Creator/JoanneLinville, Tisha Sterling, Creator/KateySagal]

Senatorial candidate Nelson Hayward (Creator/JackieCooper) tells the media that he is undaunted by a recent threat against his life, apparently made by the mafia. In reality, the threat is a hoax concocted by Hayward's campaign manager Harry Stone (Ken Swofford). Hayward owes his success to Stone's wiles and {{brutal honesty}}, but despises him for interfering in his private life. Hayward has been having an affair with his wife's secretary Linda (Tisha Sterling), and Harry insists that Hayward end the relationship. Hayward and Harry argue, and Hayward agrees to end the affair, but not over the phone. He insists on meeting Linda and telling her in person, to prevent her from doing anything rash.

Coincidentally it is the birthday of Hayward's wife Vickie (Joanne Linville), and her friends have gathered to throw a surprise party for her. Hayward arrives home in time to join them. He tells everyone about his crazy stunt with Harry, and supposes that Harry is still leading the police on a chase around the city. When he sees the clock and notices that the time is after the time that Harry will have died according to his watch, Hayward briefly dismisses himself to his home office to place a phone call to the police. He disguises his voice by covering the receiver with a handkerchief, and tells them that they can find Nelson Hayward's body in the garage of his beach house.

* SweaterGirl: Both Linda and Vickie wear tight tops and quite obviously don't wear bras throughout the episode.