ManycriminalsmadethemistakeofunderestimatingLieutenantColumbo,ahomicideinvestigatorwithacrumpledtrench-coatandabeat-upcar,whocertainlyactedasanincompetentbumbler.Buthewassopolitetoeverysuspect,andhetalkedsomuchabouthiswife(whowenevergottoseeonanyepisode,butwhomanybelievelaterhadherownshow,starringKateMulgrew,laterofStarTrek:Voyagerfame)thathelulledeventheshrewdestmurdererintoafalsesenseofsecurity.Andalthoughtheaudiencehadwitnessedthemurderinthebeginningofeachepisode,itwasstillasurprisetoseewhatmistakesthekillershadmadeduringtheseeminglyperfectmurder.