When you first saw him Lt. Columbo looked like a bum that just came off the street. He had a bumbling demeanor was overly polite and seemed to chomp on the same short cigar on a daily basis. However beneath all that comical exterior was probably the most dogged investigator on the Los Angeles Police Department. Columbo was often called on to investigate high profile murders that involved the rich and famous. The culprits were often amused by him and just as they thought they were going to get away with murder Columbo would find a way trap them or find enough evidence to make them confess.
Review
Ȭolumbo" is simply the best detective series ever! Peter Falk as Columbo is wonderful and I absolutely love him. Although the formula is pretty much the same for all the episodes I never get enough of that catandmouse game that Columbo is playing with his "victims". There are delightful elements of surprise in each episode that also add up to the puzzle that Columbo himself is. Falk's acting is splendid his mannerisms are unmistakable he is so intelligent natural and subtle. Falk's talent for comedy is a treasure. There is great humor in Columbo's antics the script is smart and ingenious and the guest stars especially the villains are always a treat.
Besides Columbo is a very intriguing character. We never really get to know who he is. Yes there is mystery around Columbo and catching a glimpse of the man behind the smoke screen is one of those things that have kept audiences watching for decades. He is indeed a fascinating character. Ȭolumbo" will never get old it's pure entertainment of the best kind. Splendid work!
Seasons 17 are the best and remain unmatched by anything else on television including Columbo later seasons. It's not only the charm of the 70's and 80's that make it fascinating but it's mainly the quality of the scripts in the early years of Ȭolumbo".