Ep 4. Death Lends a Hand

In Columbo season 1 episode 4, titled "Death Lends a Hand," we see the beloved Lieutenant Columbo investigate yet another seemingly perfect murder case.

The episode opens with the wealthy and powerful Los Angeles-based businessman, Brimmer, hiring a private detective to follow him and his wife around. Brimmer is convinced that his wife is having an affair, and he wants proof so that he can divorce her and keep his considerable fortune to himself.

However, things take a deadly turn when Brimmer's trusted assistant, Leslye, confronts him about his spying. In a fit of rage, Brimmer kills Leslye and makes it look like a robbery gone wrong. He hopes that by doing so, he will be able to skew the investigation away from himself as the prime suspect.

Enter Columbo - the disheveled, unassuming detective who quickly begins to piece together the clues in the case. He may look like he's out of his depth, but as fans of the show know, Columbo is one of the sharpest minds in the business.

As he digs deeper into the case, Columbo begins to uncover some surprising information about Brimmer's business dealings. He discovers that Brimmer may have had motive to kill Leslye beyond just wanting to keep his affair a secret. And as the evidence starts to pile up against Brimmer, the businessman becomes increasingly desperate to keep his freedom and his wealth.

Of course, as always, Columbo's investigation is just the beginning of the suspense in this episode. Viewers will be kept on the edge of their seats as they watch the detective unravel the mystery behind Leslye's death, with plenty of plot twists and turns along the way.

"Death Lends a Hand" is a classic Columbo episode that will keep fans of the show and newcomers alike hooked until the very end. With its smart writing, great performances, and tense atmosphere, it's a perfect example of why this show has remained a beloved classic for over forty years.