Columbo is lovable because he is a warm, friendly and polite guy. He's also enormously intelligent, stubborn and with a strong sense of justice, furthermore he's smart enough to pretend not to be smart, he plays the fool effortlessly - even though it may cover some genuine quirky traits. He's always polite, he's rarely judgemental, which is odd for a man in his job. He treats even the murderes with kind respect and understanding. He is by far my favorite movie/TV sleuth. You presented him well.
I agreed all the way up to the "non-judgemental" part. He's totally judging everyone connected to the murder. If he wasn't he wouldn't be playing dumb. He very quickly susses out who did it, and then uses the dumb act to lull the murderer into overconfidence - which invariably leads to the killer making a mistake. He is the consummate detective.
I would say that the writers, producers and Peter Faulk never wanted to reveal how "smart" Columbo really was. I think they wanted that part to be a mystery to the audience, maybe something open to interpretation. There are many scenes where Columbo irritates the murderer by bumbling and fumbling around, talking about things completely unrelated or pulling papers out of his coat like his phone bill. The thing is, we as the audience are never sure if this is Columbo putting on an act or if this really is how he always behaves. So, I wouldn't say Columbo is intelligent as much as he is dedicated and observant. (Spoiler here) In the episode with Nimoy, we see the murderer is very intelligent and almost always one step ahead of Columbo. It gets to the point where we see Columbo have a rare outburst of anger and contempt towards the murderer. During the entire episode, Columbo just can't find that proof he needs because Nimoy's character outsmarts him the whole way. Nevertheless, Columbo continues to do everything he can to find proof. He never gives up. He has to work harder than the murderers and its that dedication that may seem like intelligence, but maybe its just Columbo out working his opponent.
@@joelmarksbury4376 I have to disagree. Columbo IS intelligent, and while some of the bumbling is his personality, he exaggerates it to lull the suspects into a false sense of ease, which is usually their downfall. There is the occasional suspect that outsmarts him for a while, but usually not so much. The way you can tell is at the end, the bumbling idiot act drops, the dopey eyes turn razor sharp, and he snaps his trap around them. Heck, you can see a little of that razor sharpness in his eyes occasionally throughout. It is mostly an act, as I said, an exaggeration of his character's personality. You are supposed to know he is intelligent, and know he is playing the suspect for a fool, that is the whole point of his character, which is why he is one of my favorite detectives. Peter Faulk was genius in that role.
Ah, Columbo. In my family, if we came back into the room or called back to ask another question, Dad would always answer with "Yes, Columbo." It became such a habit that one night, a customer turned around and came in the hotel sliding door to ask a follow up question, and I automatically responded with, "Yes, Columbo?" Fortunately, they thought it was very funny!
My favorite part about Columbo is he acts dumber then he is to catch his suspect. I LOVE it when the villian falls not because they're weak but because of their ego.
Which is why I love Dr. Mayfield who was able to figure out that Columbo is clever and just laugh at his face finally breaking Columbo's act where the good detective for a very rare time was actually serious in front of his suspect.
I especially like when Colombo catches the murderer and the murderer congratulates him and asks if he wants to join for a drink or something. No needless running, no further protest, the murderer sees that it’s over
"No needless running, no further protest, the murderer sees that it’s over" Well, except for that British couple in season 2 where the husband had a mental breakdown and started quoting the play he was just in and the wife started pleading and bawling like a baby.
Bit hard to play, seeing as Columbo would always stalk The Murderer, talking to ancillary characters as well, of course, but it was Always the murderer that he talked to the most, while the episode would show the murderer trying to cover their tracks, glare at Columbo’s back, etc etc. how she missed all that........
@@vercoda9997 I admit, she was usually done with the whodunnit part by the middle of the episode :) But I think it really made it more enjoyable for her, and she'd always watch that show that way! Admittedly, come to think of it - she very much disliked the sight of people getting "murdered"; maybe she just made do with skipping those "unwatchable" parts... Usually, when us grandkids were over, she asked us to watch the first five minutes while she was doing some chore in the next room, not spoiler her on the murderer, but get her up to speed on who the characters were.
Shout out to that time they made a Mrs. Columbo spin off and they disowned it in the show by having Columbo say that "Someone was going around pretending to be his wife". Ouch
She was not believable in the role, but in the episodes I saw, she was still married to Columbo and they had a daughter, but he was never in the show seemingly "on a case"...never mentioned divorce on the episodes I watched which were included on my Columbo dvd set...
@@jamiebraswell5520 if I’m correct, she refused to let her daughter(s) see Peter Falk while he was dying from dementia. A law was passed in his name that involves visitation or custody for the infirm.
My favorite episode was when Columbo tricked a cop that was trying to frame someone for murder because they already had a criminal record. Columbo tells him he’s headed towards the suspect’s apartment and the cop beats him there to stash stuff related to the murder. When Columbo shows up the cop pretends to find it saying, “see he must have done it we found it in his house” only for the criminal to tell him, “this isn’t my house!” I was laughing so hard at the fact the cop played himself because Columbo rented a fake apartment and gave the cop the wrong address just so he would be caught with evidence to the murder. Columbo is probably my favorite show from what I call “old timey”. I watch stuff like love boat, fantasy island, married with children, happy days, deputy dog, murder she wrote, in the heat of the night, and Alf. Columbo has been my favorite since I saw the first episode.
I think that episode is from the last season of the original block of Columbo. If I remember correctly, the policeman had a wealthy wife, he murdered her by drowning her in the bath tub and staged a fake robbery of his house.. Another good episode is when a real estate developer buries a body in cement and starts to build a high rise on top of the body...
@@mamadouaziza2536 yup. I’ve seen every episode and loved how none of the plots were really recycled. However, I like the original block a bit more because the later seasons were still cool but I feel like they kinda stretched how Columbo figured out the mystery. Also the original did a better job of taking you step by step through what tipped him off and they showed more so you could see the clues before Columbo did.
@@arricammarques1955 never, thats the entire joke of his constant referral to his wife, she never appears on the screen even once despite clearly being important in Columbo’s life
I think it's because you're on the same side. In whodunnits, you're trying to figure out who . . . done it. You want the same thing as the detective, but you're not a team or anything. But in Columbo, you and Columbo are the only two people in the world who know who the murderer is. Even if other people are on his side, you are the only two that know for a fact who did it.
It is very comforting, yes. I rewatch the show every few years for that reason. I think it's a mix of things. The character feels very human, very decent, very warm, down to earth and humble (in sharp contrast to most of the murderers of the show), but he is at the same time always extremely calm and confident that sooner or later he will catch the murderer. He is never scared and he is never thrown off. The few times he seems nervous you know it is an act and he has something up his sleeve. It is basically watching a likeable person, the type of person you would feel comfortable and safe around, that is so good at what he does that you don't need to worry about whether or not he will succeed. Even when the murderers seem truly evil you can relax every time Columbo is in the scene. You know he will win, no matter how smart or ruthless the murderers are. And even though the plots are somewhat similar and the structure is always the same, you never know what specific trick he is going to use or what details he is going to pick up on. So it is a familiar and comforting structure with enough variation to make every new episode interesting. And the time period, music and settings gives it a certain nostalgic feeling that is very cozy. Also the fact that there is practically no violence in the show. There is at least one murder in every episode of course, but besides that it's just Columbo talking to people. He doesn't carry a gun and he never fights anyone.
I know a guy who was a limo driver in the 80's and had Falk as a customer. One day they were in an accident and the limo had to be towed. Falk called for another limo and made sure the first limo driver came with him and was dropped off at home. From everything I've seen, heard, and read he sounds like a genuinely good guy. Also, and I know this is a weird flex but I saw Falk's grave and his headstone is genuinely charming and sweet.
@@lemonnomel9416 it was actually kind of weird. I feel like half the graves in that cemetery were celebrities with jokes on their headstones. It was like the haunted mansion tbh. Jack Lemmon, Jackie Collins, Falk, Hugh Hefner, Merv Griffin, and Billy Wilder all had jokey headstones.
Columbo describes himself in a later episode (not sure which one, sorry), saying that when he went through the police academy, he knew that he wasn't the smartest one of the bunch, but if he worked harder than everyone else, he would succeed.
@@victoriashevlin8587 I agree, youtube has really gone down hill in that way. *walks away* Oh wait, there's just one thing, how did you find this video?
there are numerous reasons that i adore peter faulke and his remarkable performance. a lot of happy memories, watching tv with my grandfolks at the weekend back in the eighties :)
What I love about the show is how very early on, you see something clicks and it's obvious Columbo knows exactly who the killer is, and the rest of the episode is both him trying to expose the criminal, usually through their own hubris, and the audience left to figure out "Well, we know who it is. But how does HE know?"
Others may have mentioned it, but the original tagline for Monk was "The Defective Detective" until OCD sufferers and mental health advocates complained. Columbo's personal theme was "This Old Man." He hums, whistles, and sings it, and even tries to play it on the piano. Really enjoyed your video. Love me some Columbo!
I have to say Reqiuiem For a Falling Star, where Columbo shows heart because the killer did not know she had done it due to dementia and had a short time to live, so let her live her final days in peace.
"Being chased by Columbo is like being nibbled to death by a duck." Nibbled to Death By Ducks is one of my favorite mysteries I read back in middle school!
The one thing I always liked about Columbo is that, very often, he would learn about the killer's expertise and then use what he learned against the killer. For example, in one episode, he trapped Robert Culp, who had used subliminal cuts to get his victim to where he would kill him, by using his own subliminal cut.
My absolute favourite scene in Columbo (can't remember the episode name) is when he is talking to this artsy woman about art, and how good his wife is at painting. He then reveals his wife actually does paint by numbers. I was on the floor laughing! The ridiculousness of it and how you know he knows he is taking the piss out of these artsy people, gets me every time.
The Leonard nimoy episode is still my absolute favorite episode, seeing Colombo get mad for, like, the only time is so jarring and cool and how the bad guy gets caught right at the end is incredible
@@stevesharp401 In a Stitch in Crime? Columbo got angry because Nimoy's character laughed at him and Columbo knew he was running out of time to stop a murder from happening. It's one thing for a person to try to obfuscate a murder but it's another to rub it in that he's going to kill someone.
The best detective on TV, imho. The series had some of the best written and acted episodes on TV. Some of my top episodes: -The one with Leonard Nimoy as a surgeon. One of those times where the villain was 100% awful and Columbo snapped at him. -Two of the Jack Cassidy's episodes: the first one (murder by the book), and the one where he is a magician. -The Donald Pleasance one... absolute class. -Etude in Black, Forgotten Lady and Double Exposure, too.
all the jack cassidy episodes are fantastic, he always played a great villain. i also love the episode with columbo visiting the UK (i forget the title, i think it was season 2)
@@SullyWoodley That episode was fun, watching Columbo around london. But i must admit, that i didn't care too much for the plot and the ending was a bit weak.
Columbo was a masterpiece of character and would never have been so great without the great Peter Falk. The best part is that despite the long time the show ran, the character always stayed perfectly the same: same quirks, same coat, same car and even the same wife to speak about. It's unusual to see a character that doesn't evolve in some way and yet be a good thing.
Well, he did get a bit more wacky and exaggerated past, like, season four. Less subtle about the confused detective charade, and weirder in his interactions with witnesses and the like.
To chime in on the book recommendation: Peter Falk's biography "Just one more thing" which talks a lot about his experiences surrounding Columbo. It appears the lines between actor and character were very blurred!
The sad part is that I read that in his older years he had dementia and didn't believe that it was him playing the character. I love Colombo and was sad to hear that Falk lost his memory of it
Can you imagine having to actually sit down at a certain time on a Sunday night, and not get up for any reason, to get to see this? I bet so many people missed so many episodes. We are so fortunate to have it streamed on so many platforms. I think I have seen them all.
Yeah, one of the simpler aspects of Columbo that I've always taken pleasure in is the working class hero (Columbo) vs. arrogant rich jerk (most of the murderers) dynamic. Makes it feel just that much more satisfying to see Columbo pull one over on the killers that think they have him beat.
Yes! In a lot of murder mysteries, they try to make the murderer sort of sympathetic. I love that even if Columbo has some empathy for these killers, we as viewers can delight in these wealthy assholes getting their comeuppance.
@@papusman Though there are the rare cases where we are given enough about them to sympathize with their plight and why they felt they needed to act. I recently saw By Dawn's Early Light, the murderer in that episode comes off as honorable, respectable, legitimately caring for his charges, and terrified of a future without his school. It's reprehensible what he did, but his reasons are so well laid out. Unlike most of the murderers he doesn't try to mislead Columbo, he obviously doesn't help him, but he is always incredibly cordial and stoic. In the end its his innately honest nature that gives him out. I've seen nearly four seasons of the show by now, but that one really stayed with me, despite all of the other brilliant characters thus far.
There was a cool Columbo episode that managed to be a whodunnit and a howcatchem, starring Martin Landau. It starts out normally for a Columbo, you're shown the murder, and then it's revealed that the killer is a twin and you don't know which one actually did the deed. There's also a great recurring gag with a tv and some parody soap operas.
I'm 35, meaning a was a kid when I watched Columbo, and kids my age wouldn't get why I liked it so much. I can't tell you how emotional I got at the idea that I wasn't alone... Thank you for this.
Same here I’m 36. I have fond memories of watching it with my dad! In the last few years I’ve watched a lot of episodes with my younger gf who didn’t know about the show at all. I hope to watch them with my kids one day. This kind of show is still great even when it’s old as it doesn’t need extravagant effects and big budget for the story to be captivating!
Death Lends a Hand will always be my favourite. Robert Culp does the smug-but-trying-not-to-look-smug routine brilliantly. Columbo totally bamboozles him, and it’s got that magnificent scene with the golf pro where Columbo drops the persona and talks man to man, which we don’t really get to see very often. Perfect episode.
I also love Death Lends a Hand, especially the music! I always kind of felt like the score that plays when Columbo is first seen driving down the road to get to the scene is the Columbo theme song. My favorite episode in probably the whole series is Double Exposure, it's just fantastic chemistry between Culp and Falk.
Will you be doing "let's watch this bonkers episode of Columbo" videos like the Murder She Wrote/Goosebumps/etc. series? I would totally be down for that, because although I've seen a few episodes, I don't know I could do the full watch-through myself. Thanks for making great videos! XD
One of the most memorable episodes for me was the one with Janet Leigh when Columbo didn’t actually get the killer. It was pretty heartbreaking but good
There is actually one Columbo story that does hide its murderer, "Last Salute to the Commodore". It looks like the formula at first, but then the man who we see disposing the body also is killed, and Columbo seems momentarily stumped. It'a a nice one, although I sort of prefer the others generally. But my absolute favorite is "Make Me a Perfect Murder", where the murderer tries to appeal to Columbo's kindness. She actually tries it twice. The first time, he tells her, "Don't count on that," and the second, "I thank you for the compliment, but we are both professional in our fields."
Don't forget the one at the Playboy Mansion, where the murdered woman suddenly appears and is alive after all, making Columbo look silly in front of everyone...
@@philsurtees That was a variation on an early Columbo story, where an architect was getting a rich man's second wife to fund a city wide project. He had to have his victim be "missing" because if he was declared dead, the fortune would all go into a trust his widow couldn't do much with. But as you say, in "Columbo Cries Wolf", the eventual victim wanted a big publicity stunt that would raise the value of her magazine (she had 51% of the stock, her eventual killer had 49%). But once Columbo had been humiliated, the killer struck, believing Columbo couldn't do a thing. Similarly, in the early story (I don't recall the title, my bad), once Columbo dug up the foundation of the high rise, the killer architect thought he could move his victim's body there and Columbo would never be allowed to dig it up again given the expense and public humiliation.
There's also the one with Martin Landau, where we saw Martin commit the murder, but then as Columbo begins his investigation...oops, his twin brother shows up!
@@mazengwe28 I see the set up as two people, in this case Columbo and the murderer, each making calculated moves trying to get the upper hand against the other. It's a mind game where a mistake or wrong move on either side could be devastating. I see it this way because they are both essentially on equal footing at the beginning and it is only through their manipulation of each other that one is able to come out on top.While I admit cat & mouse is a fitting description, I am curious what makes it better?
@@FettManTAG Well I guess I never looked at it that way because the bad guy already played his part. He is just answering enough questions to not give himself away. Cat & mouse is more the the cat is after theouse hutbjas to go through a maze or obstacles to catch the mouse. Now if the murderer was a serial killer, then maybe I would think of it more as a chess match. But I do see your point of view though, especially the way you explained it.
My favourite episode is every episode. I love it when people don' believe he is a police officer. Best one was with the nun in the homeless shelter. After she finds out he is a cop she assumes he's working under cover. I never get sick if that scene. Hilarious.
Favorite episode is A Friend in Deed in which Columbo really sticks it to the Deputy Commissioner, his boss. Like you mentioned, it's very satisfying for Columbo to not only catch these well-to-dos but to see their faces when the jig is proverbially up.
I never in my life had a shred of interest or curiosity for columbo, I just knew it existed. Now I’m rearranging my day so I can watch some of it immediately. Thanks as always for what you do here. Your enthusiasm is infectious and the love for the subjects always shines through.
Yeah, it's in one of the late-80s revival episodes. They also made it very clear there's been no divorce and the two were happily married. Total erasure of the "Mrs. Columbo" debacle.
Right. I spent awhile thinking she was supposed to be fake. Of course then we get Kate Mulgrew in the Mrs. Columbo spinoff which got rebranded as 'Kate Loves a Mystery' It never worked as well, even if Kate was a great actress.
@@DasKame I was listening to an interview with Falk and he was asked if the character invented his wife. He said that he always believed Columbo's wife was real but that he wasn't sure how many relatives he actually had being that there was always a neice or cousin that just hapened to have some experience relevant to the case.
One thing I find so interesting and so few mention is with Columbo you see the evolution of police work and forensics. Fingerprints weren’t really a thing in the first few, computers, answering machines… all sorts of things introduced as the series progresses Also his love of magic, not sure if the character always had it or accumulated it but I still love him for it :)
The two episodes with Jack Cassidy as the murder and the one with Ruth Gordon as a kindly old mystery writer avenging her niece's death and Janet Leigh as an old time Hollywood star with a terminal illness. Those four episodes are fantastic.
The Janet Leigh and Ruthe Gordon episodes quite touching. In Leigh's episode, he lets her go (as Sherlock Holmes did a few times in his own cases) because she was dying and that in a few months, she wouldn't even remember committing the murder. At the end of Ruth Gordon's episode, when Columbo has caught her, she says she wishes it had been Columbo who investigated her niece's murder.
@@steventitch4169 In Leigh's episode she didn't even remember committing the murder by the time Columbo started investigating it which is why he was willing to accept her friend's false confession (which both knew wouldn't hold up until after she died).
Reading this reminded me, I was watching one of the Hallmark mystery movies and the main character ( a caterer or a matchmaker or something) had the last name Dove, and then later they said she changed it from the Italian 'Columbo", and I noticed she said "...just one more thing..." a lot.
I think you really nailed one of the key strengths of Columbo: being able to savor the Hero/Villain interplay. It's so much fun to watch and it really gives all the guest stars a lot of room to live in their characters and deliver strong performances. I'm a huge fan of the episodes with Patrick McGoohan, one of my favorite on-screen baddies, who clearly loved working on this show and kept coming back.
I loved Columbo as a child and it moved with me right to adulthood. I've seen every episode so many times and still enjoy them to this day. What always surprises me though is that I see younger people still watching and appreciating the show. Columbo will live forever!!
I grew up watching columbo, I'm in my late fifties now and I still watch it even though I just have watched each episode a dozen times over, it was the best detective show and remains so.
Been watching Columbo since I was 7. Appreciate it more every year. Downloaded Peacock on my TV JUST for the show. I'm 38 now, but man, no other show fills me with such...satisfaction upon viewing
Now You See Him is my favourite episode A scene I'll always love, and actually made me shout "YES" is from that episode. Columbo tricks him in to picking a lock on stage and when he does it Columbo leans in and says "I knew you could do it" and winks. It is Glorious!
5:50 Poirot was described in-canon as a man who was fastidious when it comes to cleanliness and symmetry. Bear in mind that the breakthrough presented in _Mysterious Affair at Styles_ was a direct result of Poirot's obsessive desire to straighten up objects in a room-- and this was no late-career tweak: _Styles_ was Agatha Christie's first book, after all.
The episode “Any Old Port in a Storm” is one of my absolute favorites. Donald Pleasance has just the right amount of unhinged for my taste. Also I truly appreciate all of your mystery related content, as it reminds me of evenings spent watching various series with my mom. I look forward to what you cover next. Keep up the good work.
Totally! Who can forget him in the restaurant thundering *_"AN EXCITING MEAL HAS BEEN RUINED BY THIS LIQUID FILTH!”_* He was a bit unhinged, you're right. I liked the way the assistant basically used the situation to blackmail him into a relationship. She'd obviously fancied him for a while. It was completely unnecessary to the plot, but to me those type of things give a story that little something extra...
Columbo did something unique in that he treated everyone - EVERYONE - as a person. Not just a murderer, not just a victim, not just a criminal, but a person. It's refreshing to see.
I love Columbo. One of my favorite episodes is the one with Leonard Nimoy who played a doctor. There’s this one scene where Columbo figures out the murder and Nimoy just laughs at how obscure how it all was. Culombo, out of character, takes this award on Nimoy’s desk and slams it on the desk. One of the only times his dumb demeanor drops and you can tell Nimoy became scared and serious. Still love this series as much as Murder She Wrote
One of my favourite Columbo quotes is from The Bye-bye, Sky-high IQ Murder Case: 'Here I've been talking with the most intelligent people in the world, and I never even noticed.'
With "How-Catch-Ems", I still get that sense of mystery but it's almost like the mystery is centered around trying to figure out the detective's thought process, rather than finding the murderer. Because in these stories, the detective basically knows who did it immediately, the detective and the audience still start each episode on the same page. The puzzle is just figuring out how to trap the killer. Instead of clues, you're looking for evidence. With Columbo, I really enjoyed trying to keep up with Columbo's mind; why he was asking each question and what information he got from the suspect (as it was usually left unspoken). And spotting the "smoking gun"/guilty knowledge that was gonna give the murderer away was often just as satisfying as any "who-done-it" epiphany.
I feel that there are a couple of episodes that warrant a "that time Columbo went off the rails" review. Like "Mind Over Mayhem" that unironically features a robot build and programmed by an 8 years old kid.
Oh yeah, when Columbo doesn't like the victim. Those are always good. Like the arrogant body builder. Columbo was nice for a while, then he got fed up with him.
The most off the rails one is based on an 87th precinct novel by Ed McBain where Columbo solves the mystery of his nephew’s kidnapped bride from their wedding reception. It’s a terrible Columbo movie but a pretty good Ed McBain.
There was at least one 1970s era TV guide review of the show that expressed the exact same opinion. Not everyone found Falk's character portrayal charming even back then.
Try and Catch Me is the best episode. The interaction between Peter Falk and Ruth Gordon is sublime. Falk was such an underrated actor and he had great comedic timing, watch him as Columbo roasting Sinatra. Sheer brilliance.
In some of the Poirot stories, I'm rooting against Poirot and for the murderer, because the "decedent" was such an ass and so deserving of his or her fate. _Columbo_ is different from that. Even if I have some sympathy for the killer's motive or situation, Columbo himself is so humble and unassuming that he's always the underdog you can root for.
I'm so happy seeing Columbo get some love. Even though it originally aired a little before my time, and then when I couldn't appreciate it that much, it's still aged very well thanks to some truly unique 'mysteries' and great acting. It's one of those shows that proves you don't need a ton of special effects or an outrageous budget to make something of quality. Acting and writing can go a long way. And it's also nice hearing Agatha Christie getting some love. Obviously she's sold an insane amount of books and put her stamp on the genre, but it still feels like she's underrated and not talked about enough. 'And Then There Were None' is a fantastic book that can be read in a short time and the movie was great as well (and on Prime).
Excellent take on this show! One of my favorite things about Columbo was how the murderers always took him very lightly at the beginning of each show and went out of their way to appear cooperative, but by the end of the show they were highly annoyed and stressed realizing he was hot on their trail.
Murder by Death is pretty problematic though. Especially Peter Sellers' character. Instead watch The Cheap Detective. It's a much better Neil Simon movie starring Falk.
I totally agree. Murder By Death is a great movie that is a sendup of many detective tropes. I still quote parts of that movie. "I'm not a Frenchie. I'm a Belgie!"
Yes! A brilliant episode because Nimoy's character is Super Duper Uber Arrogant, and it's an excellent example of the highly intelligent murderer thinking this bumbling, scruffy idiot will never be able to catch him...
It was a masterclass of directing suspense. Both the villian and hero are at the edge of their breath. I remembered it was close. They both respect and fear each other. One is at the verge of giving up and the other almost collapse.
A few months, I watched the first season of Columbo when I saw it available via streaming. I did so because it reminded me of my grandmother. I lived with my grandparents as a young boy and she loved watching Columbo, and would often say of him, 'he's a good man.' The first season is masterful, cinematic as you indicated, and the acting really top notch. I find later seasons filled with rushed stories as episodes were shortened in time and shown more often on TV, but that first season is a good companion for me and my grandma, whom I miss. Thanks for your video.
One favorite recurring motif in Columbo is the use of technologies that were new and/or obscure at the time as part of the investigation or trap, such as answering machines, portable tape recorders, and fax machines.
There is an old QI episode in which Frank Skinner talks about a discussion he had with David Baddiel, about wether Columbo had a glass eye or not. The entire time he was talking about that, I kept thinking of that line: "Three eyes are better than one."
YES!!! I was hoping you would do an episode on Columbo, easily my favourite detective. The Image of Peter Falk falling down the hill is forever burned in mind.
Hahaha I absolutely know what you mean! It was often at the beginning of an episodes on a season or two on the collection of episodes I have so I’ve seen it so often hahaha🤣
I came to Columbo pretty late only watching it for the first time two years ago but I absolutely fell in love with Columbo and now he's up there with my all time favourites like Poirot, Sherlock Holmes and Nero Wolfe
My favourite Columbo episode is Season 5's Forgotten Lady. I find myself almost moved to tears when Columbo reveals a tragic truth about the murder which as an audience member, takes you completely unawares. Janet Leigh, most famous for her roll in Hitchcock's Psycho, plays the fading movie star to perfection. Thanks for creating such a wonderful tribute to such a legendary show.
Yes, it is also kind of odd because he cannot really clinch his case, with the culprit realizing they have been had, as the murderer... Isn't really one anymore. Class performance by Mrs. Jason Leigh.
I know a guy who was a limo driver in the 80's and had Falk as a customer. One day they were in an accident and the limo had to be towed. Falk called for another limo and made sure the first limo driver came with him and was dropped off at home. From everything I've seen, heard, and read he sounds like a genuinely good guy.
I've been listening to the audiobook of "As You Wish", which is about the making of "The Princess Bride". Fred Savage talks about how lovely Peter Falk was, how they would stay put between filming and just chat. Fed Savage said he forgot when the cameras were rolling, and that it just felt like a conversation with his grandpa. 🥰
This is an amazing video essay! Thank you for your points on OCD, totally agree. My fav episode is “Forgotten Lady” starring Janet Leigh. The ending is heartbreaking 😢
The first time I watched an episode of Colombo, I was SO CONFUSED. Like, why did they start by showing us the murder?? How can this possibly be enjoyable?? My mom was like, "Just watch." By the end, I was hooked. o.o
That's exactly what happened the first time I watched the show. They showed the murder, and I was like, 'Well that ruins the surprise'. But once they got to the end of the episode, I was like, 'Oh, THAT'S why they showed the murder first.'.
I have deeply fond memories of Columbo, the character, and literally can't remember an actual episode. I really appreciate how you were able to flesh out the formula for these shows. Now I'm intrigued to watch them for the "first" time!
One of my favourite things in the world is sitting and watching Columbo with my mother. She's obsessed with murder mysteries and introduced me to shows like Columbo, Murder She Wrote, Poirot, Rosemary and Thyme etc since childhood. I'm so glad this channel exists to talk about that genre, and this video brilliantly encapsulated what I love about Columbo. :)
I'm glad you mentioned the snobbiness of the murderers Columbo brings down. At least in the original run, the murderers all have two central traits. One is that they are all professionals of some kind that should give them an edge over any but the most skillful detectives: they're chessmasters, psychologists, stage magicians, computer techs, military tacticians, etc. And the other thing is the snobbiness, or perhaps more precisely, they feel they are above the law for whatever reason. So the fact that a very common, humble detective shows them that they are neither too smart nor too important to avoid a reckoning is always satisfying. And the fact that Columbo pursues them without ego is part of the appeal too. They aren't matching wits with a man; they're matching wits with a servant of justice. They can't escape through bullying, flattery, or sympathetic behavior, because Columbo isn't just a man; he is the eyes and hands of justice.
Peter Falk will always be a hero to me. My very favorite episode is Try and catch me. Ruth Gordon plays an Agatha Christie like character and nails it. I love watching her and Peter Falk work together. Perfection!
"Being chased by Columbo is like being nibbled to death by a duck" HELP
... Yeah. That one got me. And it's so very apt.
I can understand why Pratchett.... Found inspiration in that sentence.
I lost it at that one...
Couldn't sum it any better than his own words... cause that's how it is.
🤣
Columbo is lovable because he is a warm, friendly and polite guy. He's also enormously intelligent, stubborn and with a strong sense of justice, furthermore he's smart enough to pretend not to be smart, he plays the fool effortlessly - even though it may cover some genuine quirky traits. He's always polite, he's rarely judgemental, which is odd for a man in his job. He treats even the murderes with kind respect and understanding. He is by far my favorite movie/TV sleuth. You presented him well.
I agreed all the way up to the "non-judgemental" part. He's totally judging everyone connected to the murder. If he wasn't he wouldn't be playing dumb. He very quickly susses out who did it, and then uses the dumb act to lull the murderer into overconfidence - which invariably leads to the killer making a mistake. He is the consummate detective.
He’s an American 2nd doctor from doctor who
And a lot of murderers call him out on it and tell him to drop the act. Some only realise it too late.
I would say that the writers, producers and Peter Faulk never wanted to reveal how "smart" Columbo really was. I think they wanted that part to be a mystery to the audience, maybe something open to interpretation. There are many scenes where Columbo irritates the murderer by bumbling and fumbling around, talking about things completely unrelated or pulling papers out of his coat like his phone bill. The thing is, we as the audience are never sure if this is Columbo putting on an act or if this really is how he always behaves.
So, I wouldn't say Columbo is intelligent as much as he is dedicated and observant. (Spoiler here) In the episode with Nimoy, we see the murderer is very intelligent and almost always one step ahead of Columbo. It gets to the point where we see Columbo have a rare outburst of anger and contempt towards the murderer. During the entire episode, Columbo just can't find that proof he needs because Nimoy's character outsmarts him the whole way. Nevertheless, Columbo continues to do everything he can to find proof. He never gives up. He has to work harder than the murderers and its that dedication that may seem like intelligence, but maybe its just Columbo out working his opponent.
@@joelmarksbury4376 I have to disagree. Columbo IS intelligent, and while some of the bumbling is his personality, he exaggerates it to lull the suspects into a false sense of ease, which is usually their downfall. There is the occasional suspect that outsmarts him for a while, but usually not so much. The way you can tell is at the end, the bumbling idiot act drops, the dopey eyes turn razor sharp, and he snaps his trap around them. Heck, you can see a little of that razor sharpness in his eyes occasionally throughout. It is mostly an act, as I said, an exaggeration of his character's personality. You are supposed to know he is intelligent, and know he is playing the suspect for a fool, that is the whole point of his character, which is why he is one of my favorite detectives. Peter Faulk was genius in that role.
Ah, Columbo. In my family, if we came back into the room or called back to ask another question, Dad would always answer with "Yes, Columbo." It became such a habit that one night, a customer turned around and came in the hotel sliding door to ask a follow up question, and I automatically responded with, "Yes, Columbo?" Fortunately, they thought it was very funny!
Lol. I'd think that was hilarious.
Concur, that's hilarious.
My family also loves to adopt catch phrases from shows and movies, people don’t really get me until they meet my parents lol
I'm going to have to use that now.
Or "You don't have to be Columbo to work that out."
My favorite part about Columbo is he acts dumber then he is to catch his suspect. I LOVE it when the villian falls not because they're weak but because of their ego.
Which is why I love Dr. Mayfield who was able to figure out that Columbo is clever and just laugh at his face finally breaking Columbo's act where the good detective for a very rare time was actually serious in front of his suspect.
Interesting lesson if we were to all drop our ego
I especially like when Colombo catches the murderer and the murderer congratulates him and asks if he wants to join for a drink or something. No needless running, no further protest, the murderer sees that it’s over
"No needless running, no further protest, the murderer sees that it’s over"
Well, except for that British couple in season 2 where the husband had a mental breakdown and started quoting the play he was just in and the wife started pleading and bawling like a baby.
My grandma had a genius way of turning Columbo into a whodunnit - she'd just miss the first five minutes of each episode.
Bit hard to play, seeing as Columbo would always stalk The Murderer, talking to ancillary characters as well, of course, but it was Always the murderer that he talked to the most, while the episode would show the murderer trying to cover their tracks, glare at Columbo’s back, etc etc. how she missed all that........
@@vercoda9997 have you tried being old?
@@mirabletest Not that old, clearly.
@@vercoda9997 I admit, she was usually done with the whodunnit part by the middle of the episode :) But I think it really made it more enjoyable for her, and she'd always watch that show that way!
Admittedly, come to think of it - she very much disliked the sight of people getting "murdered"; maybe she just made do with skipping those "unwatchable" parts...
Usually, when us grandkids were over, she asked us to watch the first five minutes while she was doing some chore in the next room, not spoiler her on the murderer, but get her up to speed on who the characters were.
@@decnet100 And if not a whodunnit, she at least made it a howdunnit.
Shout out to that time they made a Mrs. Columbo spin off and they disowned it in the show by having Columbo say that "Someone was going around pretending to be his wife". Ouch
They could salvage it into canon by making her his sister-in-law.
Too funny. Personally, I am not a big fan of Kate Mulgrew to start with. Something about her rubs me the wrong way.
@@staceymeans134 I mean he is Italian in the show right. They have huge families so that could work. Maybe a cousin?
She was not believable in the role, but in the episodes I saw, she was still married to Columbo and they had a daughter, but he was never in the show seemingly "on a case"...never mentioned divorce on the episodes I watched which were included on my Columbo dvd set...
@@jamiebraswell5520 if I’m correct, she refused to let her daughter(s) see Peter Falk while he was dying from dementia. A law was passed in his name that involves visitation or custody for the infirm.
My favorite episode was when Columbo tricked a cop that was trying to frame someone for murder because they already had a criminal record.
Columbo tells him he’s headed towards the suspect’s apartment and the cop beats him there to stash stuff related to the murder. When Columbo shows up the cop pretends to find it saying, “see he must have done it we found it in his house” only for the criminal to tell him, “this isn’t my house!”
I was laughing so hard at the fact the cop played himself because Columbo rented a fake apartment and gave the cop the wrong address just so he would be caught with evidence to the murder.
Columbo is probably my favorite show from what I call “old timey”. I watch stuff like love boat, fantasy island, married with children, happy days, deputy dog, murder she wrote, in the heat of the night, and Alf. Columbo has been my favorite since I saw the first episode.
Oh yeah. I remember that one. We got a double murder too.
Absolutely. That episode, “A Friend In Need” is my favorite, too. Columbo had to play it really cagey because the murderer was his boss.
@@mediumjohnsilver Thank you I had forgotten about that. A lot of reasons it's my favorite episode.
I think that episode is from the last season of the original block of Columbo. If I remember correctly, the policeman had a wealthy wife, he murdered her by drowning her in the bath tub and staged a fake robbery of his house..
Another good episode is when a real estate developer buries a body in cement and starts to build a high rise on top of the body...
@@mamadouaziza2536 yup. I’ve seen every episode and loved how none of the plots were really recycled.
However, I like the original block a bit more because the later seasons were still cool but I feel like they kinda stretched how Columbo figured out the mystery. Also the original did a better job of taking you step by step through what tipped him off and they showed more so you could see the clues before Columbo did.
The other two best characters in Columbo were his car and his dog, I so wanted a Basset hound as a kid.
Yes, me too!
His wife never appeared on camera?
@@arricammarques1955 : Never.
@@arricammarques1955 never, thats the entire joke of his constant referral to his wife, she never appears on the screen even once despite clearly being important in Columbo’s life
"Columbo" made Peugeot cars cool. (He drove a 1959 Peugeot 403 Covertible.) th-cam.com/video/dLvumtMaYeE/w-d-xo.html
There's something very comforting about watching Columbo. Even though it's predictable and every episode has a similar plot, it is fun and relaxing.
I think it's because you're on the same side. In whodunnits, you're trying to figure out who . . . done it. You want the same thing as the detective, but you're not a team or anything. But in Columbo, you and Columbo are the only two people in the world who know who the murderer is. Even if other people are on his side, you are the only two that know for a fact who did it.
It is very comforting, yes. I rewatch the show every few years for that reason. I think it's a mix of things. The character feels very human, very decent, very warm, down to earth and humble (in sharp contrast to most of the murderers of the show), but he is at the same time always extremely calm and confident that sooner or later he will catch the murderer. He is never scared and he is never thrown off. The few times he seems nervous you know it is an act and he has something up his sleeve. It is basically watching a likeable person, the type of person you would feel comfortable and safe around, that is so good at what he does that you don't need to worry about whether or not he will succeed. Even when the murderers seem truly evil you can relax every time Columbo is in the scene. You know he will win, no matter how smart or ruthless the murderers are. And even though the plots are somewhat similar and the structure is always the same, you never know what specific trick he is going to use or what details he is going to pick up on. So it is a familiar and comforting structure with enough variation to make every new episode interesting. And the time period, music and settings gives it a certain nostalgic feeling that is very cozy. Also the fact that there is practically no violence in the show. There is at least one murder in every episode of course, but besides that it's just Columbo talking to people. He doesn't carry a gun and he never fights anyone.
I think the slow tempo of the show and lack of crazy plot twists and explosive discoveries is what makes this show so relaxing to watch ;)
I know a guy who was a limo driver in the 80's and had Falk as a customer. One day they were in an accident and the limo had to be towed. Falk called for another limo and made sure the first limo driver came with him and was dropped off at home. From everything I've seen, heard, and read he sounds like a genuinely good guy.
Also, and I know this is a weird flex but I saw Falk's grave and his headstone is genuinely charming and sweet.
Now I’m not saying you’re wrong or doubting you but how does a tombstone become sweet
@@lemonnomel9416 because it’s a cute joke about him and his wife.
@@stefanfilipovits21 oh. Duh. That is rather cute
@@lemonnomel9416 it was actually kind of weird. I feel like half the graves in that cemetery were celebrities with jokes on their headstones. It was like the haunted mansion tbh. Jack Lemmon, Jackie Collins, Falk, Hugh Hefner, Merv Griffin, and Billy Wilder all had jokey headstones.
@@stefanfilipovits21 I mean I expected nothing less of Jack Lemmon at least.
Columbo describes himself in a later episode (not sure which one, sorry), saying that when he went through the police academy, he knew that he wasn't the smartest one of the bunch, but if he worked harder than everyone else, he would succeed.
It's the episode with the murder at the club for geniuses.
Whenever I watch that episode, I think it would be cool to have a prequel series. Where he's just starting out, and honing his skills.
It is The Bye-Bye Sky High I.Q. Murder Case. That is my favourite Columbo scene.
The Bye Bye Sky High IQ Murder Case, season 6 episode 3 broadcasted in 1977 I think.
@@B1_66ER It's one of my favorite episodes.
This is a wonderful tribute to the show and character :)
Thanks for the community post, friend. For some reason yt refuses to send me any notifications for Roses...
@@victoriashevlin8587 I agree, youtube has really gone down hill in that way.
*walks away*
Oh wait, there's just one thing, how did you find this video?
Thank you, Dom, for leading us here! I'm so glad I stumbled upon Columbo last year, it's a great show, and this was indeed a lovely tribute to it.
there are numerous reasons that i adore peter faulke and his remarkable performance. a lot of happy memories, watching tv with my grandfolks at the weekend back in the eighties :)
when i stop to think about it there is always just one more thing :P
What I love about the show is how very early on, you see something clicks and it's obvious Columbo knows exactly who the killer is, and the rest of the episode is both him trying to expose the criminal, usually through their own hubris, and the audience left to figure out "Well, we know who it is. But how does HE know?"
Others may have mentioned it, but the original tagline for Monk was "The Defective Detective" until OCD sufferers and mental health advocates complained. Columbo's personal theme was "This Old Man." He hums, whistles, and sings it, and even tries to play it on the piano. Really enjoyed your video. Love me some Columbo!
I have to say Reqiuiem For a Falling Star, where Columbo shows heart because the killer did not know she had done it due to dementia and had a short time to live, so let her live her final days in peace.
Fantastic episode.
Saw that episode a few weeks ago, absolutely broke my heart. Janet Leigh was fantastic in that episode too.
Just in case... wasn't the episode called "Forgotten Lady" with Janet Leigh? I think Requiem for a falling star was a different one.
Especially tragic when you think about what happened to Peter Falk.
Oh, yeah, that's an episode from season 5 called "Forgotten Lady" and it still breaks my heart every time. It's so tragic in every way. :(
"Being chased by Columbo is like being nibbled to death by a duck."
Nibbled to Death By Ducks is one of my favorite mysteries I read back in middle school!
I loved it too
The Johnny Cash episode is one of my faves. Colombo at the end saying he wasn't afraid of him, because anybody who sings like that can't be all bad.
the one with Donald Pleasance is good also with Columbo and him drinking wine at the end
@@stellertonybeller1972 the guy that killed his brother and was being blackmailed by his assistant?
@@oreox1000 Any Old Port in a Storm i think it was called
I always found that interesting, since the Johnny Cash character might be the worst of all murderers in the show
one of my dad's fave moments too! it's a good one.
The one thing I always liked about Columbo is that, very often, he would learn about the killer's expertise and then use what he learned against the killer. For example, in one episode, he trapped Robert Culp, who had used subliminal cuts to get his victim to where he would kill him, by using his own subliminal cut.
My absolute favourite scene in Columbo (can't remember the episode name) is when he is talking to this artsy woman about art, and how good his wife is at painting. He then reveals his wife actually does paint by numbers. I was on the floor laughing! The ridiculousness of it and how you know he knows he is taking the piss out of these artsy people, gets me every time.
When he mistakes the air ventilation for a piece of artwork I scream laughed!
Every episode you saw Columbo prove himself the better of all the bad guys, but he did it with such self-effacing gentle humor. Love that show!
The Leonard nimoy episode is still my absolute favorite episode, seeing Colombo get mad for, like, the only time is so jarring and cool and how the bad guy gets caught right at the end is incredible
It's on Sundance right now!!
A Stitch in Crime. He loses his temper confronting Robert Conrad, too, in Exercise in Fatality! You are right, it's awesome!
This is interesting.....my favourite also.....did these two actors have a dislike for each other?.....
@@stevesharp401 In a Stitch in Crime? Columbo got angry because Nimoy's character laughed at him and Columbo knew he was running out of time to stop a murder from happening. It's one thing for a person to try to obfuscate a murder but it's another to rub it in that he's going to kill someone.
This episode was the first time I'd ever seen Nimoy without all the Vulcan getup :) It was kind of a shock for twelve year old me lmao
The best detective on TV, imho. The series had some of the best written and acted episodes on TV. Some of my top episodes:
-The one with Leonard Nimoy as a surgeon. One of those times where the villain was 100% awful and Columbo snapped at him.
-Two of the Jack Cassidy's episodes: the first one (murder by the book), and the one where he is a magician.
-The Donald Pleasance one... absolute class.
-Etude in Black, Forgotten Lady and Double Exposure, too.
Yes yes yes! 100% agree.
all the jack cassidy episodes are fantastic, he always played a great villain. i also love the episode with columbo visiting the UK (i forget the title, i think it was season 2)
@@SullyWoodley That episode was fun, watching Columbo around london. But i must admit, that i didn't care too much for the plot and the ending was a bit weak.
My favorite episode is "any old port in a storm". The dynamic between Donald Pleasence and Peter Falk is just great.
Columbo was a masterpiece of character and would never have been so great without the great Peter Falk. The best part is that despite the long time the show ran, the character always stayed perfectly the same: same quirks, same coat, same car and even the same wife to speak about. It's unusual to see a character that doesn't evolve in some way and yet be a good thing.
Well, he did get a bit more wacky and exaggerated past, like, season four. Less subtle about the confused detective charade, and weirder in his interactions with witnesses and the like.
To chime in on the book recommendation: Peter Falk's biography "Just one more thing" which talks a lot about his experiences surrounding Columbo. It appears the lines between actor and character were very blurred!
The sad part is that I read that in his older years he had dementia and didn't believe that it was him playing the character. I love Colombo and was sad to hear that Falk lost his memory of it
I think he put a lot of himself in Columbo. He would have to have done to have that kind of enthusiasm for him after so many years.
Can you imagine having to actually sit down at a certain time on a Sunday night, and not get up for any reason, to get to see this? I bet so many people missed so many episodes. We are so fortunate to have it streamed on so many platforms. I think I have seen them all.
Yeah, one of the simpler aspects of Columbo that I've always taken pleasure in is the working class hero (Columbo) vs. arrogant rich jerk (most of the murderers) dynamic. Makes it feel just that much more satisfying to see Columbo pull one over on the killers that think they have him beat.
They are suave while he has a childlike honesty
Yes! In a lot of murder mysteries, they try to make the murderer sort of sympathetic. I love that even if Columbo has some empathy for these killers, we as viewers can delight in these wealthy assholes getting their comeuppance.
It's a kind of social satire on the poor vs the rich
Especially when they are so full of themselves, and superior, and sure that Colombo can't possibly catch THEM. Mwahahaha.
@@papusman Though there are the rare cases where we are given enough about them to sympathize with their plight and why they felt they needed to act. I recently saw By Dawn's Early Light, the murderer in that episode comes off as honorable, respectable, legitimately caring for his charges, and terrified of a future without his school. It's reprehensible what he did, but his reasons are so well laid out. Unlike most of the murderers he doesn't try to mislead Columbo, he obviously doesn't help him, but he is always incredibly cordial and stoic. In the end its his innately honest nature that gives him out.
I've seen nearly four seasons of the show by now, but that one really stayed with me, despite all of the other brilliant characters thus far.
There was a cool Columbo episode that managed to be a whodunnit and a howcatchem, starring Martin Landau. It starts out normally for a Columbo, you're shown the murder, and then it's revealed that the killer is a twin and you don't know which one actually did the deed.
There's also a great recurring gag with a tv and some parody soap operas.
love that one so much
Double Shock! It was written by the great Stephen Bochco (LA Law, Hill St. Blues, NYPD Blue).
I'm 35, meaning a was a kid when I watched Columbo, and kids my age wouldn't get why I liked it so much. I can't tell you how emotional I got at the idea that I wasn't alone... Thank you for this.
I'm the same age and watched it with my mom. I picked up the autobiography awhile back if you haven't read it I'd highly recommend it.
Same here I’m 36. I have fond memories of watching it with my dad! In the last few years I’ve watched a lot of episodes with my younger gf who didn’t know about the show at all. I hope to watch them with my kids one day. This kind of show is still great even when it’s old as it doesn’t need extravagant effects and big budget for the story to be captivating!
I`m the same age as you, watched it when I was little. :)
Im 35. When I was a child, we had 2 television stations.
I agree up watching Columbo, Murder She Wrote, Dial M for Murder, Matlock, mash, a-team.
In my 40's. This and other murder mysteries were things our whole family enjoyed together, including my younger brothers. You're definitely not alone.
Columbo is a masterpiece of Television. It is so hard to pick a favorite episode because they are all so high quality.
Death Lends a Hand will always be my favourite. Robert Culp does the smug-but-trying-not-to-look-smug routine brilliantly. Columbo totally bamboozles him, and it’s got that magnificent scene with the golf pro where Columbo drops the persona and talks man to man, which we don’t really get to see very often. Perfect episode.
The football episode was great. Plan was brilliant, but the kid wanted ice cream.
I also love Death Lends a Hand, especially the music! I always kind of felt like the score that plays when Columbo is first seen driving down the road to get to the scene is the Columbo theme song. My favorite episode in probably the whole series is Double Exposure, it's just fantastic chemistry between Culp and Falk.
I never realized that Columbo had Father Brown origins, but I can totally see it.
Will you be doing "let's watch this bonkers episode of Columbo" videos like the Murder She Wrote/Goosebumps/etc. series? I would totally be down for that, because although I've seen a few episodes, I don't know I could do the full watch-through myself.
Thanks for making great videos! XD
I recommended the one with the undertaker a while back and it was hearted so... 😁 maybe
I would LOVE that
Yeah please do!
A full watch through really is amazing though. My wife and I watched through the original run about 5 years ago. No regrets!
I know them all by heart but I'm sure Roses would surprise me!
If Columbo caught me I wouldn't even be that mad. He's just so damned charming.
One of the most memorable episodes for me was the one with Janet Leigh when Columbo didn’t actually get the killer. It was pretty heartbreaking but good
There is actually one Columbo story that does hide its murderer, "Last Salute to the Commodore". It looks like the formula at first, but then the man who we see disposing the body also is killed, and Columbo seems momentarily stumped. It'a a nice one, although I sort of prefer the others generally. But my absolute favorite is "Make Me a Perfect Murder", where the murderer tries to appeal to Columbo's kindness. She actually tries it twice. The first time, he tells her, "Don't count on that," and the second, "I thank you for the compliment, but we are both professional in our fields."
I think there are three that depart from the established formula. Bird in the Hand, No Time to Die and the one you mentioned.
Don't forget the one at the Playboy Mansion, where the murdered woman suddenly appears and is alive after all, making Columbo look silly in front of everyone...
@@philsurtees That was a variation on an early Columbo story, where an architect was getting a rich man's second wife to fund a city wide project. He had to have his victim be "missing" because if he was declared dead, the fortune would all go into a trust his widow couldn't do much with. But as you say, in "Columbo Cries Wolf", the eventual victim wanted a big publicity stunt that would raise the value of her magazine (she had 51% of the stock, her eventual killer had 49%). But once Columbo had been humiliated, the killer struck, believing Columbo couldn't do a thing. Similarly, in the early story (I don't recall the title, my bad), once Columbo dug up the foundation of the high rise, the killer architect thought he could move his victim's body there and Columbo would never be allowed to dig it up again given the expense and public humiliation.
@@nancyjay790 "Blueprint for Murder" (series 1) also kind of had Columbo being publicly humiliated.
There's also the one with Martin Landau, where we saw Martin commit the murder, but then as Columbo begins his investigation...oops, his twin brother shows up!
Columbo makes me genuinely happy. Thank you for doing this.
My favourite has to be the one with Johnny Cash, he really nailed the role, and the ending was even a bit sad.
A Whodunnit is a puzzle, while a Howcatchem is a game of chess. Both can be equally fascinating to watch.
Excellent way of saying it!
Fantastic description! Different types fo tension there!
Cat & mouse is a better description. But to me, showing a killer at the beginning ruins the repeat factor.
@@mazengwe28 I see the set up as two people, in this case Columbo and the murderer, each making calculated moves trying to get the upper hand against the other. It's a mind game where a mistake or wrong move on either side could be devastating. I see it this way because they are both essentially on equal footing at the beginning and it is only through their manipulation of each other that one is able to come out on top.While I admit cat & mouse is a fitting description, I am curious what makes it better?
@@FettManTAG Well I guess I never looked at it that way because the bad guy already played his part. He is just answering enough questions to not give himself away.
Cat & mouse is more the the cat is after theouse hutbjas to go through a maze or obstacles to catch the mouse. Now if the murderer was a serial killer, then maybe I would think of it more as a chess match. But I do see your point of view though, especially the way you explained it.
My favourite episode is every episode. I love it when people don' believe he is a police officer. Best one was with the nun in the homeless shelter. After she finds out he is a cop she assumes he's working under cover. I never get sick if that scene. Hilarious.
Favorite episode is A Friend in Deed in which Columbo really sticks it to the Deputy Commissioner, his boss. Like you mentioned, it's very satisfying for Columbo to not only catch these well-to-dos but to see their faces when the jig is proverbially up.
Aww I had such a crush on him.
how dosen't? 😏
So it wasn’t just me?!
Oh my god, same!
You, both of my sisters, and apparently Fiona Apple lol
So apparently did Kitty Forman. "You just want to give him a bath!"
I never in my life had a shred of interest or curiosity for columbo, I just knew it existed. Now I’m rearranging my day so I can watch some of it immediately. Thanks as always for what you do here. Your enthusiasm is infectious and the love for the subjects always shines through.
I love Columbo. As a side note, doesn’t he mention someone pretending to be his wife solving murders in one of the episodes?
Yeah, it's in one of the late-80s revival episodes. They also made it very clear there's been no divorce and the two were happily married. Total erasure of the "Mrs. Columbo" debacle.
Untill the "Rest in peace Misses Columbo" Episode, i totally thought he invented his wife to get the Murder to talk
Right. I spent awhile thinking she was supposed to be fake. Of course then we get Kate Mulgrew in the Mrs. Columbo spinoff which got rebranded as 'Kate Loves a Mystery' It never worked as well, even if Kate was a great actress.
@@DasKame I was listening to an interview with Falk and he was asked if the character invented his wife. He said that he always believed Columbo's wife was real but that he wasn't sure how many relatives he actually had being that there was always a neice or cousin that just hapened to have some experience relevant to the case.
@@richmcgee434 Do you know what episode? My dad and I have been debating it for weeks.
One thing I find so interesting and so few mention is with Columbo you see the evolution of police work and forensics. Fingerprints weren’t really a thing in the first few, computers, answering machines… all sorts of things introduced as the series progresses
Also his love of magic, not sure if the character always had it or accumulated it but I still love him for it :)
The two episodes with Jack Cassidy as the murder and the one with Ruth Gordon as a kindly old mystery writer avenging her niece's death and Janet Leigh as an old time Hollywood star with a terminal illness. Those four episodes are fantastic.
The Janet Leigh and Ruthe Gordon episodes quite touching. In Leigh's episode, he lets her go (as Sherlock Holmes did a few times in his own cases) because she was dying and that in a few months, she wouldn't even remember committing the murder. At the end of Ruth Gordon's episode, when Columbo has caught her, she says she wishes it had been Columbo who investigated her niece's murder.
@@steventitch4169 In Leigh's episode she didn't even remember committing the murder by the time Columbo started investigating it which is why he was willing to accept her friend's false confession (which both knew wouldn't hold up until after she died).
The fantastic Jack Cassidy was in three episodes. Murder by the Book, Now You See Him & Publish or Perish.
Great use of wide angle lenses and low level angles in those episodes, to make you feel tension building
ooof, the mystery writer one got me when she said if Columbo were investigating her niece's death then she wouldn't have done it
Given all of Jessica Fletcher's relatives I'm surprised they never introduced "cousin Columbo" even as a throw away line
Reading this reminded me, I was watching one of the Hallmark mystery movies and the main character ( a caterer or a matchmaker or something) had the last name Dove, and then later they said she changed it from the Italian 'Columbo", and I noticed she said "...just one more thing..." a lot.
I would totally accept it as canon
"Just One More Thing" is such a lovely book. It's like having a chat with Peter Falk, and who doesn't want that? (Other than wealthy murderers)
You're right.. I've read it and it's like he's reading you a story, like in The Princess Bride 😁 he should have done an audiobook!
I think you really nailed one of the key strengths of Columbo: being able to savor the Hero/Villain interplay. It's so much fun to watch and it really gives all the guest stars a lot of room to live in their characters and deliver strong performances. I'm a huge fan of the episodes with Patrick McGoohan, one of my favorite on-screen baddies, who clearly loved working on this show and kept coming back.
I loved Columbo as a child and it moved with me right to adulthood. I've seen every episode so many times and still enjoy them to this day. What always surprises me though is that I see younger people still watching and appreciating the show. Columbo will live forever!!
I have every episode in the DVD set. My favorite of all time as well and I'm 61, so I've seen some good TV characters! 😊
I grew up watching columbo, I'm in my late fifties now and I still watch it even though I just have watched each episode a dozen times over, it was the best detective show and remains so.
Been watching Columbo since I was 7. Appreciate it more every year. Downloaded Peacock on my TV JUST for the show. I'm 38 now, but man, no other show fills me with such...satisfaction upon viewing
I ADORE Columbo as a character and a show, and it's one of my favorite shows to watch for comfort. I'm so glad you covered this!
The episode with Johnny Cash being the killer was fricking excellent and he was so damn good.
Swan Song
Yes ! and caught him because he had his guitar flown on a seperate flight - when normally he never lets the guitar leave his side
I heard he shot a man in Reno just to watch him die. Columbo caught up with him though?
@@w00dyblack I would have too that's the thing. It's something any musician would do. Totally a giveaway.
Columbia and Murder, She Wrote will always be one of the biggest "crossovers I wish would happen but never will" for me.
Now You See Him is my favourite episode
A scene I'll always love, and actually made me shout "YES" is from that episode.
Columbo tricks him in to picking a lock on stage and when he does it Columbo leans in and says "I knew you could do it" and winks.
It is Glorious!
5:50 Poirot was described in-canon as a man who was fastidious when it comes to cleanliness and symmetry. Bear in mind that the breakthrough presented in _Mysterious Affair at Styles_ was a direct result of Poirot's obsessive desire to straighten up objects in a room-- and this was no late-career tweak: _Styles_ was Agatha Christie's first book, after all.
The episode “Any Old Port in a Storm” is one of my absolute favorites. Donald Pleasance has just the right amount of unhinged for my taste. Also I truly appreciate all of your mystery related content, as it reminds me of evenings spent watching various series with my mom. I look forward to what you cover next. Keep up the good work.
Totally!
Who can forget him in the restaurant thundering *_"AN EXCITING MEAL HAS BEEN RUINED BY THIS LIQUID FILTH!”_*
He was a bit unhinged, you're right. I liked the way the assistant basically used the situation to blackmail him into a relationship. She'd obviously fancied him for a while. It was completely unnecessary to the plot, but to me those type of things give a story that little something extra...
This was also Peter Falk's favourite episode. He very much liked Donald Pleasance, and I think it shows in the performance.
@@philsurtees To this day, I will not leave wine in the car, no matter the weather... I don't want to end up with LIQUID FILTH!
Columbo did something unique in that he treated everyone - EVERYONE - as a person. Not just a murderer, not just a victim, not just a criminal, but a person. It's refreshing to see.
Kids too, he never talked down to kids. Just treated them like any other witness.
I think that made it all the funnier that columbo loved to hint to the murderer he knew in certain episodes
I strive to treat people like Columbo did.
I love Columbo. One of my favorite episodes is the one with Leonard Nimoy who played a doctor. There’s this one scene where Columbo figures out the murder and Nimoy just laughs at how obscure how it all was. Culombo, out of character, takes this award on Nimoy’s desk and slams it on the desk. One of the only times his dumb demeanor drops and you can tell Nimoy became scared and serious.
Still love this series as much as Murder She Wrote
One of my favourite Columbo quotes is from The Bye-bye, Sky-high IQ Murder Case: 'Here I've been talking with the most intelligent people in the world, and I never even noticed.'
With "How-Catch-Ems", I still get that sense of mystery but it's almost like the mystery is centered around trying to figure out the detective's thought process, rather than finding the murderer. Because in these stories, the detective basically knows who did it immediately, the detective and the audience still start each episode on the same page. The puzzle is just figuring out how to trap the killer. Instead of clues, you're looking for evidence. With Columbo, I really enjoyed trying to keep up with Columbo's mind; why he was asking each question and what information he got from the suspect (as it was usually left unspoken). And spotting the "smoking gun"/guilty knowledge that was gonna give the murderer away was often just as satisfying as any "who-done-it" epiphany.
"being nibbled to death by a duck" is probably the best description I have heard yet.
I feel that there are a couple of episodes that warrant a "that time Columbo went off the rails" review. Like "Mind Over Mayhem" that unironically features a robot build and programmed by an 8 years old kid.
I liked it! Columbo is SOoooooo much smarter than the average bear, they were having him meet another genius
The one where he goes to London, "Dagger of the Mind," is off the rails too.
Oh yeah, when Columbo doesn't like the victim. Those are always good. Like the arrogant body builder. Columbo was nice for a while, then he got fed up with him.
The most off the rails one is based on an 87th precinct novel by Ed McBain where Columbo solves the mystery of his nephew’s kidnapped bride from their wedding reception. It’s a terrible Columbo movie but a pretty good Ed McBain.
Oh yeah. That was fun.
YES! ive been hoping you would do a Columbo episode for quite a while.
My Dad always jokes that Columbo annoys the criminal into admitting it is them
There was at least one 1970s era TV guide review of the show that expressed the exact same opinion. Not everyone found Falk's character portrayal charming even back then.
"Alright I'll go to jail! Just please please get this man away from me!"
"annoys the criminal into admitting it is them" Ah yes, the famous scene in A few good Men.
Try and Catch Me is the best episode. The interaction between Peter Falk and Ruth Gordon is sublime. Falk was such an underrated actor and he had great comedic timing, watch him as Columbo roasting Sinatra. Sheer brilliance.
In some of the Poirot stories, I'm rooting against Poirot and for the murderer, because the "decedent" was such an ass and so deserving of his or her fate.
_Columbo_ is different from that. Even if I have some sympathy for the killer's motive or situation, Columbo himself is so humble and unassuming that he's always the underdog you can root for.
Columbo AKA "That one friggin guy you can never keep out of your house no matter how much you yell and scream at him."
He's like an ant infestation. Spray him with Raid all you want, you'll still have one hell of a time getting rid of him.
The episode "Rest in peace Misses Columbo" is one of the best things I have ever seen. A masterpiece of writing and acting.
Man, Helen Shaver as the Killer was such a disturbing, pittyfull and still meanecing Murderer
@@DasKame Helen Shaver is AWESOME!
I love Peter Falk, hearing his voice always makes me want to watch the Princess Bride.
I'm so happy seeing Columbo get some love. Even though it originally aired a little before my time, and then when I couldn't appreciate it that much, it's still aged very well thanks to some truly unique 'mysteries' and great acting. It's one of those shows that proves you don't need a ton of special effects or an outrageous budget to make something of quality. Acting and writing can go a long way. And it's also nice hearing Agatha Christie getting some love. Obviously she's sold an insane amount of books and put her stamp on the genre, but it still feels like she's underrated and not talked about enough. 'And Then There Were None' is a fantastic book that can be read in a short time and the movie was great as well (and on Prime).
Excellent take on this show! One of my favorite things about Columbo was how the murderers always took him very lightly at the beginning of each show and went out of their way to appear cooperative, but by the end of the show they were highly annoyed and stressed realizing he was hot on their trail.
I love rewatching Columbo. I especially like the episodes where he almost forms friendships with the criminal
You should really review a movie "Murder by Death." It's a very quirky comedy that pays homage to all the famous book and movie detectives.
Also Peter Falk ❤
Murder by Death is pretty problematic though. Especially Peter Sellers' character. Instead watch The Cheap Detective. It's a much better Neil Simon movie starring Falk.
I think she did! Or was I dreaming?
I totally agree. Murder By Death is a great movie that is a sendup of many detective tropes. I still quote parts of that movie. "I'm not a Frenchie. I'm a Belgie!"
@@DasKame they even threw in an extra Columbo joke in the german dub
My favorite is, “A Stitch in Crime.” Leonard Nimoy is cold as the killer and the end is superb.
Yes! A brilliant episode because Nimoy's character is Super Duper Uber Arrogant, and it's an excellent example of the highly intelligent murderer thinking this bumbling, scruffy idiot will never be able to catch him...
It’s also one of the few times when Colombo shows anger, dropping his facade
Leonard Nimoy is a fantastic villain in that one, and the ending was just classic.
@@christopherrichardson2945 aw when he slams that desk and Nimoy jumps. Best Columbo moment since Prescription: Murder and his ranting in that, imho.
It was a masterclass of directing suspense. Both the villian and hero are at the edge of their breath. I remembered it was close. They both respect and fear each other. One is at the verge of giving up and the other almost collapse.
A few months, I watched the first season of Columbo when I saw it available via streaming. I did so because it reminded me of my grandmother. I lived with my grandparents as a young boy and she loved watching Columbo, and would often say of him, 'he's a good man.' The first season is masterful, cinematic as you indicated, and the acting really top notch. I find later seasons filled with rushed stories as episodes were shortened in time and shown more often on TV, but that first season is a good companion for me and my grandma, whom I miss. Thanks for your video.
One favorite recurring motif in Columbo is the use of technologies that were new and/or obscure at the time as part of the investigation or trap, such as answering machines, portable tape recorders, and fax machines.
"That'll be good, you and me together, Pat. Three eyes are better than one."
There is an old QI episode in which Frank Skinner talks about a discussion he had with David Baddiel, about wether Columbo had a glass eye or not. The entire time he was talking about that, I kept thinking of that line: "Three eyes are better than one."
My favorite detective. Wow I haven’t thought about this show in a while. Time to rewatch a bunch of episodes
YES!!! I was hoping you would do an episode on Columbo, easily my favourite detective. The Image of Peter Falk falling down the hill is forever burned in mind.
Hahaha I absolutely know what you mean! It was often at the beginning of an episodes on a season or two on the collection of episodes I have so I’ve seen it so often hahaha🤣
I came to Columbo pretty late only watching it for the first time two years ago but I absolutely fell in love with Columbo and now he's up there with my all time favourites like Poirot, Sherlock Holmes and Nero Wolfe
WOAH. This is actually ducking underrated. I had low expectations bc of the views but ur rly proved me wrong
Somebody that isn't me, draw Columbo catching a pokémon
My favourite Columbo episode is Season 5's Forgotten Lady. I find myself almost moved to tears when Columbo reveals a tragic truth about the murder which as an audience member, takes you completely unawares. Janet Leigh, most famous for her roll in Hitchcock's Psycho, plays the fading movie star to perfection. Thanks for creating such a wonderful tribute to such a legendary show.
Yes, it is also kind of odd because he cannot really clinch his case, with the culprit realizing they have been had, as the murderer... Isn't really one anymore. Class performance by Mrs. Jason Leigh.
I met him during the filming of Roommates while in my teens. He was cool and very nice.
I know a guy who was a limo driver in the 80's and had Falk as a customer. One day they were in an accident and the limo had to be towed. Falk called for another limo and made sure the first limo driver came with him and was dropped off at home. From everything I've seen, heard, and read he sounds like a genuinely good guy.
@@stefanfilipovits21 Wow! I like to think I'm nice, but that wouldn't have even occurred to me
Wow, me, too! I was an extra, and while I didn't exactly "meet" him, he did say hi to a bunch of extras while I was there.
I've been listening to the audiobook of "As You Wish", which is about the making of "The Princess Bride". Fred Savage talks about how lovely Peter Falk was, how they would stay put between filming and just chat. Fed Savage said he forgot when the cameras were rolling, and that it just felt like a conversation with his grandpa. 🥰
Fred Savage was truly blessed.
This is an amazing video essay! Thank you for your points on OCD, totally agree. My fav episode is “Forgotten Lady” starring Janet Leigh. The ending is heartbreaking 😢
The first time I watched an episode of Colombo, I was SO CONFUSED. Like, why did they start by showing us the murder?? How can this possibly be enjoyable?? My mom was like, "Just watch."
By the end, I was hooked. o.o
That's exactly what happened the first time I watched the show. They showed the murder, and I was like, 'Well that ruins the surprise'. But once they got to the end of the episode, I was like, 'Oh, THAT'S why they showed the murder first.'.
I have deeply fond memories of Columbo, the character, and literally can't remember an actual episode. I really appreciate how you were able to flesh out the formula for these shows. Now I'm intrigued to watch them for the "first" time!
all of the episodes are available on the internet archive
@@jamiesmusic really?!? Awesome! Thank you!
And on Peacock for free. A few ads every 15 mins or so
I am still waiting on that remake with Mark Ruffalo.
That would be excellent
Oh dang Ruffalo would be perfect
That's a really nice casting idea
No...
Rewatching this video months later. Thanks for it again! 🤗
One of my favourite things in the world is sitting and watching Columbo with my mother. She's obsessed with murder mysteries and introduced me to shows like Columbo, Murder She Wrote, Poirot, Rosemary and Thyme etc since childhood. I'm so glad this channel exists to talk about that genre, and this video brilliantly encapsulated what I love about Columbo. :)
"Just one more thing... I get the kids" damn near killed me.
You know, I never really considered the slobs vs snobs angle in Columbo before, but it’s definitely there
"Any Old Port in a Storm" is by far my favorite episode, especially the finale.
100% agree
You learn well ...... thank you sir thats the nicest thing anyone ever said to me ...
I'm glad you mentioned the snobbiness of the murderers Columbo brings down. At least in the original run, the murderers all have two central traits. One is that they are all professionals of some kind that should give them an edge over any but the most skillful detectives: they're chessmasters, psychologists, stage magicians, computer techs, military tacticians, etc. And the other thing is the snobbiness, or perhaps more precisely, they feel they are above the law for whatever reason. So the fact that a very common, humble detective shows them that they are neither too smart nor too important to avoid a reckoning is always satisfying.
And the fact that Columbo pursues them without ego is part of the appeal too. They aren't matching wits with a man; they're matching wits with a servant of justice. They can't escape through bullying, flattery, or sympathetic behavior, because Columbo isn't just a man; he is the eyes and hands of justice.
Watched this video - then hunted it down and watched the series, and I ate it up in about a week and change. LOVE the series
I always found Monk to be empowering. They played for laughs a little too often, but when he played it straight it was always very powerful
I love the Ricardo Montalban episode. Shatner and Nimoy are other favorite villains, I love seeing Star Trek actors interact with America's grandpa.
Peter Falk will always be a hero to me. My very favorite episode is Try and catch me. Ruth Gordon plays an Agatha Christie like character and nails it. I love watching her and Peter Falk work together. Perfection!
Just one more thing... seriously Great video. Thanks!
Columbo is a smashing detective series. Absolutely seminal. Peter Falk was brilliant.