Frank Pfeiffer

The early shows (prior to 16:9 aspect screen ratio) are absolutely terrific. In these shows Columbo is constantly in contact with the villain, asking questions, suggesting theories, doubts etc. Of course this is totally unrealistic but who cares? It's emmensely entertaining. It seems to me that in the most recent episodes, Columbo''s "stalking" of the villain is less prominent. Also he seems less bumbling. A Hallmark of the series is Columbo''s humorous apparently bumbling behavior. But hiding beneath the crumpled exterior lies a crime-solving genius, a quality not revealed until the waning minutes of the show. Aside from this premise, the plot quality is also remarkable. One must constantly focus on the technical aspects of the plot. This is not a show for the sleepy viewer! Here is an example of an intriguing plot feature. In an episode featuring Robert Conrad, Columbo observes that the deceased has had a change of shoes. Did he change his own shoes or were they changed by the murderer? Columbo determines the latter from the way laces are tied. The latter episodes aren't bad either, but the earlier ones are the plums. Watch this show- you won't be disappointed. Peter Falk is a great actor and this role suits him to a "T."