Columbo possesses many attributes that separate it from other detective shows, but perhaps the most unusual difference is that the series does not keep the murderer’s identity a secret. In fact, the opening of every episode dedicates time to show how the killer commits the crime and reveals their motives all before the titular main character has appeared. What is the purpose of telling a detective story in which there is no mystery?
Originally aired in 1971, Columbo is a crime drama series that follows a quirky but deceptively intelligent police lieutenant who investigates homicide cases in Los Angeles. Episodes follow a consistent structure, beginning with the murderer committing the crime and subsequently attempting to remove all traces of evidence from the scene. Columbo is then introduced into the plot, following whatever clues he can find until he confirms who is responsible for the crime. Though the series ended after 10 seasons in 2003, it still entertains a broad audience with its interesting storylines, subdued tone, and Peter Falk’s iconic portrayal of the main character.
The concept of revealing the murderer early in the episode may seem counterintuitive for a crime drama. Columbo is an inverted detective story, where the emphasis is placed on how the murderer is caught rather than determining the most likely suspect. Introducing the killer at the beginning of each episode places them in a position where they are as much the focus of the story as Columbo, perhaps more. The show not only draws suspense from the detective’s efforts to solve the case but also from the culprits’ attempts to outsmart him.
A unique effect of Columbo’s storytelling structure is the viewer’s catharsis when the murderer is caught. Oftentimes, killers dismiss Columbo for his misleadingly inept demeanor and are confident in themselves to the point of arrogance, but through his persistence, the lieutenant frustrates them until they make a mistake that inadvertently serves to prove their guilt. By following this order of events, the show builds intrigue in the investigation by tracking Columbo’s gradual progress toward discovering the murderer’s identity and modus operandi. No matter how flawless the murderer’s plan may seem, Columbo inevitably finds inconsistencies in their cover-up and prevents them from getting away with the crime.
Though each Columbo episode generally adheres to the same format, the series still finds ways to surprise its audience. One of the more somber examples of this is the episode titled “Forgotten Lady.” The killer is a former movie star named Grace, who shoots her husband but makes his death look like a suicide. Grace is introduced in the same manner as the killers in previous episodes, but the twist comes when Columbo discovers startling information about her failing health that, in the end, convinces him to let her go free. There are not many instances in which the show hides details about the murderer upfront, but they are effective because they allow the viewers to see that the circumstances of the case are actually more complex than originally expected.
Columbo’s greatest strength comes from its willingness to break convention. While it is not the only production to use the inverted format, it is a great example of how a crime drama can be engaging without following the traditional crime story structure. Much like its humble, unassuming lead, the template for the show is unorthodox in nature, making the crime inversion premise unusually satisfying to longtime fans as well as newcomers.