I got interested after I saw Jotaro mention it in JoJo’s Bizzare Adventure Part 3.
This show is a timeless gem. I really liked first 3 or so episodes, but the “car exhaust” monologue at the end of maybe the fourth episode made me fall in love with Columbo.
Please watch it if you haven’t yet. If it’s your type of show, you’re missing out big time.
And one other thing: I’m only on episode 5 so please spare me some spoilers in the comments 😅
In one of the earlier episodes the character just lets himself into the kitchen of a newly widowed woman and starts cooking for her while comforting her.
Pretty radical take on a law and order character for the time.
They also made a point of never casting a black person as a criminal, to avoid reenforcing prevalent stereotypes.
It’s far from flawless but it is very heartfelt at trying to portray a gentler image of a detective show.
Just started watching it due to this, and saw that episode - it was so nice! She was basically being harassed by the Serious Cops who have no time for Silly Emotions like grief and pushed out of the room to let them do Serious Work, and he catches up and actually listens and shows care and has her smiling a bit by being an earnest and harmless lil’ guy who makes a mean omelette.
…probably a good thing I didn’t watch this when I was younger, or I might have assimilated a lot of this character. Hmm, might not have appreciated it as much back then though.