Ep 4. A Matter of Honor

Columbo is a classic American crime drama television series that follows the investigations of a Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective, Lieutenant Columbo (played by Peter Falk). The show is known for its unique format, which follows the investigation from the perspective of the murderer, as well as Columbo's trademark trench coat and cigar.

Season 5, episode 4 of Columbo is titled "A Matter of Honor." In this episode, a Japanese businessman named Toshiro Kobayashi (played by Mako) is in Los Angeles to finalize a deal with a company called Western World Motors. However, a rival businessman named Roger Stanford (played by Donald Pleasence) is determined to sabotage the deal to prevent Western World Motors from gaining a foothold in the Japanese market.

Stanford is also a collector of Japanese swords and is obsessed with the idea of owning a legendary sword called a "Tachi." When Kobayashi reveals that his family owns a Tachi, Stanford becomes fixated on acquiring it and steals the sword from Kobayashi's hotel room. However, he doesn't realize that Kobayashi is aware of the theft and is determined to retrieve the sword at any cost.

The theft of the Tachi is discovered the next morning when Kobayashi's assistant finds the empty scabbard in the hotel room. He alerts the police, and Lieutenant Columbo is assigned to the case. Columbo soon discovers that Stanford is the prime suspect, but he doesn't have enough evidence to prove it. Stanford denies any involvement and claims to have been at a party at the time of the theft.

As the investigation continues, it becomes clear that Kobayashi and Stanford are in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Kobayashi confronts Stanford and demands the return of the sword, but Stanford refuses. In retaliation, Kobayashi threatens to reveal information about Stanford's shady business dealings to the authorities. Stanford, realizing that his career is at stake, decides to take drastic action to protect himself.

The tension builds as Columbo pieces together the clues and uncovers the truth about the theft of the Tachi. The episode builds to a thrilling climax as Kobayashi and Stanford face off in a final confrontation that leaves one of them fighting for their life.

Overall, "A Matter of Honor" is a gripping episode of Columbo that showcases the show's signature blend of mystery, suspense, and wry humor. The episode features strong performances from the entire cast, particularly Mako and Donald Pleasence, who deliver memorable performances as the warring businessmen. Fans of the show will enjoy the intricate plot, the engaging characters, and the clever twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end.