Ep 3. Identity Crisis

Columbo is a mystery drama television series that revolves around the character of Lieutenant Columbo, a homicide detective who is known for his unassuming nature and his meticulous attention to detail. In season 5 episode 3 titled "Identity Crisis," Columbo finds himself investigating a murder case that has a number of twists and turns.

The episode opens with the discovery of the body of a wealthy businessman, Robert C. Barron, who has been shot to death in his own office. It quickly becomes clear that this is not a simple case of robbery gone wrong - there are too many clues and too many suspects to suggest otherwise.

As Columbo begins to interview the people who were in the building at the time of the murder, he discovers that many of them have secrets they would rather keep hidden. The victim's wife, for example, seems cold and aloof but has a passionate side that she tries to conceal. His business partner, on the other hand, is friendly and outgoing but has a shady past that he doesn't want to come to light.

Columbo's instincts guide him to focus on the victim's estranged son, William, who has a history of drug addiction and criminal behavior. William becomes a prime suspect in the murder investigation, but Columbo is not convinced that he is the culprit. He has a hunch that something else is going on.

As Columbo continues to investigate, he begins to unravel a complex web of deceit and betrayal. He discovers that the victim was involved in a secret operation that had the potential to make millions of dollars. He also learns that the victim was not the kind of man that people believed him to be - he had a number of enemies and had made a lot of enemies throughout his life.

Meanwhile, the suspects in the case become increasingly nervous as Columbo draws closer to the truth. They start to turn on each other, each convinced that the other is guilty of the crime. Tensions rise and relationships are tested as everyone tries to protect their own interests.

Ultimately, it is Columbo's persistence and attention to detail that lead him to the solution of the case. He pieces together a complex puzzle that involves multiple suspects, several alibis, and a number of different motives. It's a satisfying and surprising conclusion that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end of the episode.

Overall, "Identity Crisis" is an excellent example of the classic Columbo formula. It offers plenty of suspense, intrigue, and mystery, as well as a strong dose of character development and psychological analysis. It is a must-see for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned whodunit.