Columbo -

“Columbo” is an iconic American television series that aired intermittently from 1968 to 2003, primarily as part of the NBC Mystery Movie rotation. Created and developed by Richard Levinson and William Link, the series revolves around Lieutenant Columbo, a seemingly bumbling and disheveled homicide detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. However, beneath his absent-minded exterior lies a razor-sharp mind. Each episode follows a unique format where the audience witnesses the crime and the perpetrator at the beginning, turning the usual whodunit mystery on its head. The crux of the show then becomes a cat-and-mouse game between Columbo and the suspect, with Columbo using his unassuming demeanor to disarm and ultimately outwit the murderer.

Main Character:

Lieutenant Columbo (Peter Falk): The titular character, Columbo, is a humble, seemingly scatterbrained detective known for his trademark cigar, rumpled raincoat, and old car. He is, however, incredibly astute and observant, often catching killers off-guard with his unexpected sharpness.

Themes:

“Columbo” is celebrated for its inversion of the traditional mystery genre. The series is less about the suspense of uncovering the criminal and more about the intellectual duel between Columbo and the perpetrator. Themes of justice, the battle of wits, and the deceptive nature of appearances are central to the series. Columbo’s character also embodies the theme of the underestimated underdog triumphing over seemingly more powerful adversaries, often wealthy and influential murderers who view him with contempt.

Rating:

4.5/5 – “Columbo” is highly regarded both critically and popularly, celebrated for its clever writing, the unique format of its episodes, and Peter Falk’s iconic performance. Critics and audiences praised the show for its engaging storytelling and the way it flipped the detective genre norms. While some later episodes were seen as less impactful, the series as a whole is considered a timeless classic.