Columbo

How Columbo Redefined Crime Mysteries for Generations

Celebrating Columbo: A Timeless Detective Series

Few television shows have captured the imagination of audiences quite like Columbo. This iconic detective series, which aired from 1968 to 2003, remains a beloved classic thanks to its unique storytelling, memorable characters, and clever plots. In this article, we will explore what made Columbo such a hit and uncover fascinating trivia about the show.

Peter Falk

At the heart of the series is the titular character, Lieutenant Columbo, brilliantly portrayed by Peter Falk. Columbo is a disheveled, seemingly absent-minded detective working for the Los Angeles Police Department. His rumpled raincoat, ever-present cigar, and beat-up car belie a razor-sharp mind and relentless pursuit of justice.

Just One More Thing...

The phrase became so associated with Columbo that Peter Falk titled his autobiography "Just One More Thing."

The Crime-Solving Detective We Can’t Stop Watching

At the heart of the series is Lieutenant Columbo, portrayed masterfully by Peter Falk. Columbo is a seemingly disheveled and absent-minded detective working for the Los Angeles Police Department. His trademark rumpled raincoat, ever-present cigar, and beat-up car are as iconic as his investigative prowess. Beneath his unassuming exterior lies a razor-sharp mind and an unyielding dedication to justice.Columbo's character subverts typical detective tropes. Instead of being suave and sophisticated, he appears bumbling and forgetful. This facade is a crucial part of his investigative technique, allowing him to disarm suspects and catch them off guard. His famous catchphrase, "Just one more thing," often signals the moment when he reveals a crucial piece of evidence or asks a pivotal question that unravels the killer's alibi.

The Catchphrase

The phrase "Just one more thing..." became synonymous with Columbo's character. It originated from writers Richard Levinson and William Link as a solution to extend a scene that was too short. Rather than rewrite the entire scene, they had Columbo return and say "Just one more thing..." This phrase served as a clever investigative tool, allowing Columbo to catch suspects off guard after they thought the interrogation was over.The catchphrase typically came at the end of a conversation, just as Columbo was about to leave. This false exit became a trademark of the character. The phrase became so associated with Columbo that Peter Falk titled his autobiography "Just One More Thing." It has been referenced and parodied in various media and even influenced real-world figures like Steve Jobs, who used a similar phrase in product presentations.

The "Inverted" Mystery Format

One of the most distinctive aspects of Columbo is its narrative structure. Unlike traditional whodunits, each episode begins by showing the audience the murder and the perpetrator. This "howcatchem" or inverted detective story format shifts the focus from "who did it?" to "how will Columbo catch them?"This approach creates unique tension as viewers watch Columbo slowly but surely close in on the killer, who is often a wealthy or influential member of society. The cat-and-mouse game between Columbo and the murderer becomes the central drama, with audiences eagerly anticipating how the lieutenant will ultimately expose the truth.

Themes and Social Commentary

While Columbo is primarily a mystery series, it often touches on deeper themes and social issues. The show frequently explores the contrast between Columbo's working-class background and the privileged world of his suspects. This dynamic allows for subtle commentary on class divisions and the abuse of power.The series also delves into the psychology of its killers, examining their motivations and the pressures that drive them to commit murder. Many episodes feature complex characters grappling with ambition, jealousy, or fear of exposure, adding depth to what could otherwise be straightforward crime stories.

Iconic Episodes

Several episodes stand out for their clever plots and memorable performances:Murder by the Book
Directed by Steven Spielberg and featuring Jack Cassidy as the murderer, this episode is often considered one of Columbo's most important episodes. It is praised for its cinematic quality and brilliant score.A Stitch in Crime
Starring Leonard Nimoy as Dr. Barry Mayfield, this episode showcases Columbo's cleverness in dealing with a cold-blooded murderer. A rare moment where Columbo loses his temper adds intensity to this classic episode.Any Old Port in a Storm
Donald Pleasence plays Adrian Carsini, a wine connoisseur who murders his brother. Columbo's growing knowledge of wine becomes key in unraveling Carsini's alibi in this fan-favorite episode.Try and Catch Me
Ruth Gordon stars as a lovable murderer in an episode that has grown in popularity over time. It is considered by some to be one of the last truly great episodes of Columbo's classic era.A Friend in Deed
This episode features one of Columbo's most satisfying "gotcha" moments as he takes down a corrupt police commissioner using particularly clever methods.Swan Song
Johnny Cash stars as a famous gospel singer turned murderer in an episode notable for its star power and plot involving a staged plane crash.

Famous Guest Stars

One of the joys of rewatching "Columbo" is spotting the many famous actors who appeared as guest stars, often as the murderers. The show attracted a wealth of talent, including both established stars and up-and-coming actors who would later become household names.Some notable guest appearances include:

  • Dick Van Dyke: The beloved comic actor took a dramatic turn in the episode "Negative Reaction," playing a photographer who murders his wife.

  • William Shatner: The "Star Trek" icon appeared in two episodes, "Fade in to Murder" and "Butterfly in Shades of Grey".

  • Leonard Nimoy: Another "Star Trek" alumnus, Nimoy starred in "A Stitch in Crime" as a murderous surgeon.

  • Faye Dunaway: The Oscar-winning actress played a seductive killer in "It's All in the Game," an episode written by Peter Falk himself.

  • Leslie Nielsen: Before his comedic career took off, Nielsen appeared in two episodes: "Lady in Waiting" and "Identity Crisis".

Columbo's Iconic Car

No discussion of "Columbo" would be complete without mentioning the lieutenant's famous car. Columbo drives a battered 1959 Peugeot 403 Cabriolet, which becomes almost as iconic as the detective himself.The choice of this particular car was actually made by Peter Falk. When told that Columbo needed to drive a run-down vehicle, Falk initially resisted, feeling it was an unnecessary character detail.However, the producers allowed him to choose from cars available on the studio lot. Falk spotted just the nose of the Peugeot 403 jutting out from the back of the lot and knew it was perfect for Columbo.Interestingly, the Peugeot 403 was already out of production by the time "Columbo" began airing, having been manufactured from 1955 to 1966. This added to the car's character, making it seem even more dated and worn by the time it appeared on screen.

Trivia and Fun Facts

  1. Columbo's First Name: Despite appearing in numerous episodes, Columbo's first name is never explicitly stated. When asked directly in one episode, he simply responds, "Lieutenant."

  2. The One That Got Away: In the episode "Forgotten Lady," Columbo lets the killer go free. This rare occurrence happens when he discovers that the murderer, a former film star, is terminally ill and doesn't remember committing the crime.

  3. International Columbo: While most episodes are set in Los Angeles, the show occasionally ventured abroad. The episode "Dagger of the Mind" was set in London, featuring British guest stars.

  4. Columbo's Wife: Often mentioned but never seen, Columbo's wife becomes almost a character in her own right. Her unseen presence adds depth to Columbo's character and sometimes even provides inspiration for solving cases.

  5. The Basset Hound: Columbo's pet dog, simply named "Dog," appears in several episodes and becomes another beloved character in the series.

The Legacy of Columbo

Columbo has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The character's distinctive mannerisms, his clever investigative techniques, and the show's unique format have influenced countless detective series that followed. The phrase "pulling a Columbo" has entered the lexicon, referring to the act of asking seemingly innocuous questions that lead to a crucial revelation.The series has been praised for its intelligent writing, strong performances, and its ability to maintain high quality over many years. It has won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and Golden Globes, cementing its place in television history.Columbo stands as a testament to the power of great storytelling and memorable characters. Its enduring popularity is a tribute to the brilliant performance of Peter Falk, the clever writing, and the show's ability to reinvent the detective genre. From its iconic protagonist to its star-studded guest appearances, from its inverted mystery format to its subtle social commentary, "Columbo" remains a series that continues to captivate and inspire viewers decades after its initial run.Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, there's always "just one more thing" to discover in the world of Lieutenant Columbo. As we celebrate this groundbreaking show, we're reminded of the timeless appeal of a brilliant detective in a rumpled raincoat, driving a beat-up Peugeot, and always getting his man (or woman) in the end.

Early on, Columbo used variations like "One thing bothers me" before settling on the classic "Just one more thing" phrasing.