Ep 1. Prescription: Murder

Columbo is an American crime drama series that is known for its unique format of starting with the depiction of the crime and the criminal and then showcasing how the detective, Lieutenant Columbo, unravels the mystery to catch the culprit. The first episode of the show, titled "Prescription: Murder," premiered in 1968 and introduced audiences to the iconic character of Columbo.

In "Prescription: Murder," the viewers are presented with a brilliant and successful psychiatrist, Dr. Ray Fleming, who cunningly plans and executes the murder of his wealthy and manipulative wife, Carol. He carefully devises an elaborate plan to cover his tracks, which includes framing his mistress, Joan, as the murderer. However, to his surprise, Columbo's stubborn and methodical investigation style picks up on the smallest clues and starts to piece together the truth.

The episode starts with the murder, and the viewers are introduced to the various characters, including the victim and the murderer. Dr. Fleming exudes confidence and intelligence, which makes him an interesting character to watch. His calm and calculating demeanor as he plans the murder and then covers his tracks will keep the audience engaged throughout the episode. As the investigation progresses, Dr. Fleming's façade begins to crack as Columbo digs deeper.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the show is the unique character of Columbo himself. Portrayed by the legendary actor Peter Falk, Columbo is a quirky detective who is often underestimated due to his disheveled appearance and unassuming nature. However, his intelligence, wit, and sharp observation skills make him one of the best detectives in the business. In "Prescription: Murder," Columbo's character is introduced to the audience, and they get a taste of his unconventional investigation methods and his trademark line, "Just one more thing."

Through the investigation, viewers learn more about the relationships between the characters and their motives. There are various twists and turns as Columbo collects evidence and interrogates suspects. As the episode progresses, the tension builds as the viewers wonder whether or not Dr. Fleming will be caught and brought to justice.

Throughout the episode, the viewers are treated to clever dialogues and strong performances by the cast. Peter Falk's portrayal of Columbo is exceptional, and he effortlessly carries the episode on his shoulders. Gene Barry's performance as Dr. Fleming is captivating, and his character's intelligence and arrogance make for a great opponent to Columbo's style of investigation. The rest of the cast also delivers powerful performances, which adds to the overall quality of the episode.

Overall, "Prescription: Murder" is a fantastic introduction to the world of Columbo. The episode's clever writing, strong performances, and twists and turns make it an exciting and engaging watch. The unique format of the show, starting with the depiction of the crime and building up to the detective solving it, sets it apart from other crime dramas. The episode serves as a great showcase for Peter Falk's talent and introduces audiences to the iconic character of Lieutenant Columbo. It is no wonder that the show has stood the test of time and remains a favorite of many crime drama fans.