2
0
Columbo: a disheveled homicide detective. Jessica Fletcher: a charming novelist and amateur sleuth. These are the main characters of my favorite mystery shows, “Columbo” and “Murder, She Wrote.” These shows are fundamentally the same, featuring unconventional pro- tagonists who always crack the case.
Taking place in the 1970s and 80s, respectively, both of these series offer a refreshing escape to the past. Now- adays, many murder mysteries are graphic and intense. There is something invigorating about “Columbo” and “Murder, She Wrote;” they offer mystery and excite- ment, along with familiarity and humor.
“Columbo” ––starring Peter Falk as the titular character––isn’t a typical mystery show. The viewer sees the murder played out at the beginning of each episode. Knowing “whodunnit” doesn’t take away from the storyline––it only makes it more gripping.
In each episode, Lieutenant Columbo pulls up to the crime scene in his beat-up Peugeot 403 convertible. He’s always slightly hunched over with tousled hair, wearing his signature rumpled raincoat, and holding a cheap ci- gar. Repeatedly, Columbo is mistaken for a random guy and has to pull out his badge to prove his legitimacy.
Columbo’s bedraggled appearance is just one aspect of his unique crime-solving tactic. He always compli- ments the suspect, often asking them to help him solve the case. By underselling his abilities, Columbo gives his suspects a false sense of security. In each episode, Colum- bo uses his keen observation to prove them wrong.
Although the viewer knows who the murderer is all along, it is entertaining to watch Columbo piece together every little clue leading up to conviction.
Columbo often mentions his wife, but she is never actually seen. Columbo’s dog, aptly named “Dog,” appears in 8 episodes. Besides this, there are no recurring characters, except Columbo of course. This allows each episode to stand on its own.
“Columbo” takes place in Los Angeles, where- as “Murder, She Wrote” is set in the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine. As an LAPD lieutenant, Columbo has reason to be involved in many murders. Jessica is not an official detective but has a knack for stumbling upon murders wherever she goes.
Jessica Fletcher, played by Angela Lansbury, is a retired English teacher, best-selling crime novelist, and part-time detective. She is well respected and admired by community members and her fans.
Unlike “Columbo,” “Murder, She Wrote” has several recurring characters, including town doctor Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Amos Tupper (who was replaced by Sheriff Mort Metzger after the first four seasons). Jessica’s deceased husband is mentioned regularly, and her many other relations pop up in numerous episodes.
About half of the murders in “Murder, She Wrote” occur in Cabot Cove, which results in an alarmingly high homicide rate for a seemingly peaceful town. As sheriff Mort Metzger puts it, “on a per capita basis this place makes the South Bronx look like Sunnybrook Farm!”
Jessica often travels throughout the United States, and even globally, to visit relatives or take care of busi- ness. No matter where she goes, murder seems to follow the friendly Mainer. This has led to speculation from “Murder, She Wrote” fans that Jessica is actually a very convincing serial killer.
Although the circumstances are suspicious, Jessica’s personality is too endearing, making it hard to believe she could ever kill anyone. She uses her charm and intellect to solve murders––and is always a step (or three) ahead of the police.
“Columbo” and “Murder, She Wrote” are set on opposite sides of the country. Each “Columbo” episode is between 70 and 98 minutes long, while “Murder, She Wrote” episodes last 48 minutes on average. Although they have many differences, both shows have one major similarity: a loveable main character. Columbo and Jessi- ca Fletcher have very different personalities and distinct ways of solving crimes. Even so, these two characters have delighted viewers for decades.
Oh, and just one more thing…
Both “Columbo” and “Murder, She Wrote” are available to watch through Amazon Prime Video.
