Ep 1. Try and Catch Me

"Try and Catch Me" is an intriguing episode from the seventh season of the classic crime television series "Columbo," which aired in 1977. This episode, like many others in the series, showcases a unique blend of cat-and-mouse gameplay between the clever murderer and the deceptively shrewd Lieutenant Columbo, played by Peter Falk. The episode unfolds as a sophisticated game of intellectual chase, dressed in the seemingly simplistic and amiable demeanor of Lieutenant Columbo.

The story revolves around a prominent and much-loved crime novelist, Abigail Mitchell, who writes mysteries with intricate plots and unexpected twists. However, life takes a darker turn when fiction and reality collide, and Abigail finds herself entangled in an actual murder plot. Suffering from a personal tragedy, which she believes was caused by a member of her own family, Abigail decides to take justice into her own hands.

Devising a perfect crime mirroring the cunning she expresses in her novels, Abigail sets a trap with the precision and detail worthy of her literary fame. She meticulously constructs an alibi and implements her plan, confident that her ingenuity will leave no trace for authorities to follow. Abigail believes she has crafted the ultimate mystery, one that not even the sharpest of minds can untangle.

Enter Lieutenant Columbo, the disheveled, cigar-smoking detective known for his persistent questioning and sharp eye for detail. With his trademark rumpled raincoat and a seemingly absent-minded approach, Columbo begins his investigation with his usual understated competence. Despite Abigail's careful planning, the experienced detective senses that something is amiss and starts to pull at the threads of her story, revealing inconsistencies and probing into the finer points of the crime.

"Columbo" episodes are renowned for their inverted detective format, revealing the identity of the perpetrator from the outset and focusing on how the crime is solved rather than who committed it. Consistent with this format, the tension in "Try and Catch Me" is built not on uncovering the murderer's identity but on the intellectual duel between the criminal and the detective. The episode is a thrilling exhibition of wits and wills, with Abigail's confidence in her crime-writing abilities being matched by Columbo's equally strong confidence in his investigative skills.

Themes of guilt, grief, and the blurred lines between justice and revenge are explored throughout the episode. Abigail's likability as a character, her standing in society, and her sympathetic motives complicate the audience's perception of morality and crime. The game is intricate, and viewers are encouraged to consider the peculiar relationship between the author's ability to conceive a perfect murder in her novels and her attempt to execute one in reality.

Over the course of the investigation, Columbo develops a rapport with Abigail, which is often a hallmark of the series. His respectful and persistent nature allows him to gradually get close to the truth while demonstrating his admiration for Abigail's work and her intellect. This dynamic creates a fascinating duality, whereby Abigail, while under investigation for a serious crime, still finds herself charmed and somewhat amused by the detective's peculiarities and his relentless but courteous pursuit of the truth.

As is customary in "Columbo" episodes, the setting and secondary characters provide additional layers to the narrative. The atmosphere is that of a sophisticated milieu, one of literary circles and high society, which adds another layer of complexity to the puzzle Columbo must solve. Sprinkled with red herrings, evasive witnesses, and potential accomplices, the episode offers numerous false leads that Columbo must deduce and navigate in his quest for justice.

The episode's craftsmanship is evident in how tension steadily escalates through dialogue, character interactions, and the juxtaposition of Columbo's down-to-earth demeanor against the backdrop of high culture and intellectual sophistication. The visual storytelling, directing, and pacing all contribute to an immersive viewing experience, inviting the audience to solve the mystery alongside Columbo.

"Try and Catch Me" exemplifies what fans have come to love about the "Columbo" series: the irresistible allure of solving a seemingly perfect crime, the psychological depth of its characters, and the cerebral dance between the detective and the suspect. It's an episode that captivates and challenges, tantalizing the audience with the promise and excitement of a mystery conceived by a masterful author and unfolded by an equally masterful detective.