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