Columbo

Martin Landau Peter Falk Colombo 1973

Peter Falk Richard Kiley Colombo 1974

Peter Falk - 1973

Case Study House No. 22

NBC Mystery Movie stars 1975 cropped

Columbo is an American television series that first aired in 1968 as a pilot episode and subsequently became a series on NBC in 1971, running intermittently for more than three decades, with its last episode broadcast in 2003. The series stars Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo, a shrewd but unassuming Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective known for his rumpled raincoat, cigar-smoking habit, and catchphrase, "Just one more thing." Columbo is a landmark in the crime drama genre, particularly within the detective fiction subgenre.

Premise

The show's format is a reverse whodunit, known as a "howcatchem," where the audience is shown the murder and the murderer at the beginning of each episode. The plot then follows Columbo as he solves the case, not by proving how the murder was committed, but by determining the motive and catching the murderer in a lie. This format allows viewers to focus on the psychological duel between Columbo and the suspect, rather than the mystery of the murderer's identity.

Characters

The central character, Lieutenant Columbo, is a seemingly bumbling and disheveled detective who hides his sharp intellect and keen investigative skills under a façade of absent-mindedness. Columbo's character is noted for his methodical and painstaking approach to solving crimes, often catching perpetrators off guard with his unexpected insight. The series rarely introduces recurring characters other than Columbo himself, focusing instead on a new set of suspects and supporting characters in each episode.

Production

Columbo was created by Richard Levinson and William Link, who were inspired by the crime-solving style of Sherlock Holmes and the character Porfiry Petrovich from Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. The show was notable for its lack of violence and on-screen action, relying instead on the intellectual battle between Columbo and the murderer. The series' episodes were usually 90 minutes to two hours long, a format that was unusual for television series of the time but allowed for a more detailed and nuanced exploration of the characters and plot.

Legacy

Columbo has left a lasting legacy in the world of television, praised for its writing, Peter Falk's performance, and its unique approach to the detective genre. The series has been syndicated worldwide and has inspired books, a stage play, and has been referenced in various other media. Columbo's influence can be seen in the development of similar detective shows that focus on the psychological aspects of crime-solving rather than action or procedural details.

Cultural Impact

Lieutenant Columbo has become an iconic character in American pop culture, recognized for his distinctive style, personality, and investigative method. The series is credited with influencing not only television crime dramas but also the broader perception of detectives and investigative work. Columbo's approach to solving crimes, emphasizing understanding human behavior and motive, has been referenced in academic discussions about criminal investigation techniques.