4 ms·

Well, in the case of Columbo, you (the viewer) have the benefit of knowing the culprit, because the murder is shown at the beginning of the episode. That's why

by rob74 5y ago

Well, in the case of Columbo, you (the viewer) have the benefit of knowing the culprit, because the murder is shown at the beginning of the episode. That's why Columbo is less a "whodunnit" and more a "howcatchem". But yeah, this infallible instinct that leads him straight to the perpetrator is pretty unrealistic...

mbg721 5y ago
Yes, I should have been more specific; I meant "you, the detective" and not "you, the viewer". I'm speaking as a huge Columbo fan, btw; I've seen most of the episodes multiple times, and last year I watched the entire box-set in order.
- ensignavenger 5y ago
  I too am a Columbo fan- since I was little and watched them on TV-- its been a few years since I last watched the box set... but I'm pretty certain there are a several episodes where Columbo does not know for sure who the murderer is right off. I also seem to recall one where he is unable to catch the murderer?
  - mbg721 5y ago
    You might be thinking of Columbo Cries Wolf, or It's All In The Game. He does resolve both cases, but they're unconventional (and both from the 80s/90s revival of the series).
scrollaway 5y ago
That’s why I really like Psych. The guesses are fairly often incorrect even if they eventually catch the perp.
- pfarrell 5y ago
  I really like Psych as well, but its formula is to always have them think they’ve solved the case quickly in act 2 only to find that person dead at the end of act 3. That being said, I don’t care. Just the chemistry and comedic timing of Sean and Gus is enough to keep me coming back for more.
A4ET8a8uTh0 5y ago
I seem to recall one episode where Columbo kept bouncing between three equally motivated suspects. I wasn't a big fan of the show then, but it struck me as an interesting device. I might be wrong and it is an exception that tests the rule.
sumtechguy 5y ago
I think the episode 'now you see him' shows off what he does best. He basically breaks down each part of the murder and runs all of the permutations. In one segment he shows how the victim must have known the murderer because of the position of the body using that method. Only some make sense. Then finds the only suspects in the area that fit the profile of being able to do it. Motive, means, and opportunity. In that one he even had means and opportunity before motive.

by rob74 5y ago

mbg721 5y ago

Yes, I should have been more specific; I meant "you, the detective" and not "you, the viewer". I'm speaking as a huge Columbo fan, btw; I've seen most of the episodes multiple times, and last year I watched the entire box-set in order.

ensignavenger 5y ago
I too am a Columbo fan- since I was little and watched them on TV-- its been a few years since I last watched the box set... but I'm pretty certain there are a several episodes where Columbo does not know for sure who the murderer is right off. I also seem to recall one where he is unable to catch the murderer?
- mbg721 5y ago
  You might be thinking of Columbo Cries Wolf, or It's All In The Game. He does resolve both cases, but they're unconventional (and both from the 80s/90s revival of the series).

scrollaway 5y ago

That’s why I really like Psych. The guesses are fairly often incorrect even if they eventually catch the perp.

pfarrell 5y ago
I really like Psych as well, but its formula is to always have them think they’ve solved the case quickly in act 2 only to find that person dead at the end of act 3. That being said, I don’t care. Just the chemistry and comedic timing of Sean and Gus is enough to keep me coming back for more.

A4ET8a8uTh0 5y ago

I seem to recall one episode where Columbo kept bouncing between three equally motivated suspects. I wasn't a big fan of the show then, but it struck me as an interesting device. I might be wrong and it is an exception that tests the rule.

sumtechguy 5y ago

I think the episode 'now you see him' shows off what he does best. He basically breaks down each part of the murder and runs all of the permutations. In one segment he shows how the victim must have known the murderer because of the position of the body using that method. Only some make sense. Then finds the only suspects in the area that fit the profile of being able to do it. Motive, means, and opportunity. In that one he even had means and opportunity before motive.