"Just one more thing..." Why I love Columbo

There is next to nothing on television these days, except perhaps episodes of Columbo at the weekend, but even these are interrupted by lots of adverts. So we have been working our way through the advert-free, box set of Columbo, starting at the beginning and watching them in order. It is guaranteed entertainment. At the moment we are on series 7, so almost at the end of those episodes made in the 1970s. (Later series were made after a break of over ten years).

I have never met anyone who did not like Columbo; there are several magic elements that combine together to make it entertaining and amusing, with a satisfying end. Peter Falk is fantastic in the role and you can see that he really enjoyed playing the part; he played Columbo over many years. It is also the writing, particularly in the early episodes, which is witty and well crafted, and establishes Columbo's character in pleasing detail. It is so consistent and well-defined, that you feel you know him. We build up a picture from the well-worn raincoat hanging off his shoulders, the cigar, the battered old car, and his loveable hound, Dog; as well as regular references to Mrs Columbo, whom we never see, but which create a character and background to Columbo's life.

Part of Columbo's appeal is seeing his world build up over the series, through Peter Falk's performance. There are small details that help make him a rounded character, like his love of chilli and Scotch, his large family, and how he prefers to keep his feet on the ground, rather than fly or get on a boat. Columbo has a lot of fun with his cases, although he is always serious about nailing the murderer. He seems to enjoy the process, playing as it were, cat and mouse, but always respectfully calling the murderer "sir". He always expresses an interest in whatever the murderer happens to do, such as cooking or chess, or uses a nephew or niece as a reason to ask more about it (who knows if these anecdotes about his family are true...) I love the way he acts stupid, or forgetful, but is actually as sharp as a knife. That knowing and playful smile; a wave of his hand as he leaves; and the classic turn as he reaches the door, "Just one more thing..."... (the title of Falk's autobiography.) He always seems to know from the first moment who did it, and hints strongly to the murderer that he knows they are responsible. It is just a case of finding that crucial way to prove it, and there are some fabulous examples, where he catches them out in the cleverest of ways. The first episode I remember watching was "A Stitch in Crime" (s2) with Leonard Nimoy, which has a good ending. I also particularly liked "Blueprint for Murder" (s1 set on a building site), "Candidate for Crime" (s3, the senatorial election), "A Case of Immunity" (s5 the foreign embassy with Sal Mineo), "Short Fuse" (s1, Roddy McDowall and the exploding cigars) "Try and Catch Me" (s7, the writer with the safe) and the one with the two Dobermans, "How to Dial a Murder" (s7).  The episode with Johnny Cash is also very enjoyable and Cash turns in a fine performance ("Swan Song, s3). And "Double Shock" with the twin killers (s2). I could go on...

The murderer is always too clever for his or her own good and there are a few patterns that emerge in their behaviour. When informed of the murder, unable to respond naturally, many react in the most over-the-top way - for example William Shatner's actor character in "Fade into Murder" (s6). When questioned, instead of being puzzled by something which troubles Columbo, the murderer invariably offers a detailed explanation as to what might have happened, as if they understand it better than he does. Some offer to help him eagerly, while others become more and more annoyed with his constant appearances by their side (one particularly funny moment is when the murderer comes home and finds Columbo snoozing in a chair, in the dark ("Suitable for Framing" s1).  One murderer describes him as "the omnipresent detective", which I found very amusing.

Murderers are often well known actors, and some guest-star in several episodes. Robert Vaughn, Janet Leigh and Patrick McGoohan all appear. (There are various directors: "Murder by the Book, s1, was directed by Steven Spielberg and "The Bye-Bye Sky High IQ Murder Case, s6, by Sam Wanamaker.) If you are a murderer in Columbo, there are several things which you can do, but which of course, will not work in the end, as the Lieutenant will figure it out. Several killers use time to provide an alibi, either by smashing the victim's watch to show a certain time, or by altering clocks, or by deliberately asking someone the time so that they remember this and provide a handy alibi. Everyone seems to drive posh cars and live in massive houses, and older men seem inexplicably to attract much younger women. A lot of murderers have spent a long time planning their crime, but never account for the detective who will be their downfall...

One thing which you should learn from the programme is that crime never pays. And often one murder leads to another to cover your steps. A word of advice for anyone who figures out that someone is a murderer - never ask them for money! It is clear from Columbo that all blackmail efforts lead to your sudden and swift demise.

I think part of the programme's popularity is its formula, and how you know who the murderer is at the start. Who would think that this could keep you watching all the way through, but Columbo's appeal is in his character and the ingenious thought processes he goes through to nail the criminal. He figures it out perfectly every time, and it is this which is so satisfying. A departure from this formula, "Last Salute to the Commodore", directed by Patrick McGoohan (s5), does not fit in with the others, in my opinion and left me bemused. But that blip aside, the programme is enduringly enjoyable and one of my absolute favourites. Columbo has to be the most endearing and cleverest of fictional detectives. One of the joys of the show is that you can watch them again and again, and it does not matter that you know the outcome. Peter Falk has given us endless hours of enjoyment. A quote from the Columbo box set pamphlet sums it up perfectly:
"There's nothing finer than curling up on the sofa in the afternoon to find an episode of Columbo about to start."