So, what is Columbo? Is that a country or something? My current web design suggests nothing about this show or contents of the blog.
-"Columbo" was a series of TV movies that ran throughout the 70's after a made-for-TV movie, based on a play, was produced in 1968. It alternated with other murder mystery specials featuring other famous crime solving characters on NBC. "Columbo" was revived by ABC in 1989 with episodes produced less and less frequently until 2003.
-Columbo was the last name of the main character, the only one to appear in every episode (obviously), Lt. Columbo (first name never officially known). This character was played by Peter Falk.
-The formula was mostly the same: someone commits a murder. The murderer thinks they're going to get away with it. In walks Lt. Columbo, who notices one thing or another and soon he's politely badgering (this is why you tuned in) the murderer about the case and these details. The murderer eventually can't take it anymore, and Columbo gets his (wo)man.
-The show was an instant hit. Many top stars of the 70's begged to be the culprit. Some stars even wrote and directed episodes. The show was always very much of its time, as we'll discuss, but it's fun to note how the raging 70's clashed with an old-fashioned but otherwise easygoing character like Columbo.
-Steven Spielberg directed an episode. No kiddin'. Steven Bocho wrote many of the early scripts. The show won a lot of Emmys, and deservedly so.
-There were also a few stinkers.
Although not the first use of the 'how catch 'em' formula, where we know already know who did the crime, watching Columbo trip up his subjects was always interesting and amusing. So stick around. "Prescription For Murder" will be the next entry.
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