Ep 7. Lady in Waiting

Columbo season 1 episode 7 "Lady in Waiting" is a classic detective story featuring Peter Falk as the brilliant and unassuming Lieutenant Columbo, who always manages to solve even the most complex of cases. In this episode, Columbo investigates the murder of a wealthy socialite named Grace Wheeler, who was found dead in her bathtub.

The suspects in this case are plentiful, as Grace's relationships with several men in her life were complicated, to say the least. Her current boyfriend, a boorish playboy named Tony, had a motive for the murder, as did her ex-husband and his new wife. Additionally, Grace's niece, who was living with her at the time of her murder, had a motive of her own, as did the family's longtime butler.

Despite the abundance of motives and suspects, Columbo is undaunted, and quickly begins to unravel the complex web of relationships and motivations that surround the case. His unique interviewing style, which involves asking leading questions and seeming to ignore the answers, often throws the suspects off guard and leads them to reveal more than they initially intended.

Throughout the episode, Falk's portrayal of Columbo is masterful, as he projects an air of bumbling confusion that hides his razor-sharp mind and prodigious detective skills. His disarming demeanor belies his ability to connect seemingly unrelated pieces of evidence and spot the flaws in the suspects' carefully crafted alibis.

As the investigation progresses, the tension builds, and the suspects become increasingly desperate to avoid being caught. Yet, despite their best efforts, Columbo steadily closes in on the truth, until the identity of the killer is finally revealed in a dramatic and unexpected climax.

Overall, Columbo season 1 episode 7 "Lady in Waiting" is a superb example of the classic detective genre, and showcases Peter Falk's remarkable talent as a character actor. The combination of well-crafted writing, intricate plotting, and Falk's singular performance make this an unforgettable episode that is sure to delight fans of mystery and crime fiction.