Ep 2. A Case of Immunity

In Columbo season 5 episode 2, titled "A Case of Immunity," Lieutenant Columbo investigates the murder of an international diplomat, Eric Prince. Prince is found dead in his hotel room in Los Angeles with a gunshot wound to the head. The hotel staff and security team are under immense pressure as the diplomat was under police protection, and his sudden death could cause international tension.

The investigation leads Columbo to a fellow detective, Sergeant Michaelson, who had been assigned to protect Prince during his stay. Michaelson claims to have been out of his room at the time of the murder, but Columbo finds inconsistencies in his story. Further digging leads to the discovery that Michaelson had an affair with Prince's wife, Vivian. Vivian is a singer and was performing at a club on the night of the murder, but Columbo thinks that she may have been involved in the plot to kill her husband.

Columbo continues to pursue his line of inquiry, and his efforts bring him face-to-face with foreign diplomats, politicians, government officials, and even spies. During his investigation, he finds that the blackmailer who was threatening Prince had been working as a waiter at the hotel. But, before he can get to the bottom of the case, he has to deal with the immunity that every diplomat enjoys, which often stands in the way of justice.

As the investigation progresses, Columbo faces a number of roadblocks in his quest for justice. He has to navigate his way around the protected status of foreign diplomats, as well as the wall of lies and deceit that those involved in the murder have built around themselves. Columbo's unassuming nature allows him to blend seamlessly into different worlds and charm his way into uncovering information that others would not typically divulge.

The storyline of "A Case of Immunity" is rich in complexity and intrigue, making it one of the standout episodes of the season. The characters have depth, and their motives are not always clear, making the show unpredictable and riveting. Throughout the episode, the audience is kept on their toes as they attempt to piece together the clues along with Columbo.

The strength of the episode lies in the buildup to the climax. The pacing is steady, and the plot twists are smartly deployed, keeping the audience guessing until the end. One of the main themes in the episode is the idea that everyone is vulnerable, and even those with diplomatic immunity are not above the law.

Overall, "A Case of Immunity" is a solid entry for the series and delivers on the expectations of fans of the show. It is a classic whodunit that is sure to entertain both casual viewers and die-hard Columbo fans. The episode provides an engrossing and engaging mystery that is worth watching.