Manchester University Press
8 Columbo
-
Abstract
This chapter explores the significance of the ordinary in Columbo (NBC, 1971–2003). It shows how the titular detective figure is distinguished from other detectives not only by his raincoat, cigar and manner, but also by his connection to the ‘everyday’, enabling a mode of detection based on suspicious deviation from custom. Peter Falk’s embodiment of the detective as eccentric everyman is played off against the ostensibly ‘epic’ gladiatorial structure of the drama, the high-society setting, and, most markedly, the high-and-mighty villain, whose key flaw is hubris borne of self-imposed exile from normal interaction. With close reference to a single exemplary episode, ‘A Friend in Deed’ (1974), this chapter examines how stylistic choices and performance features help sing the virtues of groundedness, empathy and close attention to what people ordinarily say and do.
Abstract
This chapter explores the significance of the ordinary in Columbo (NBC, 1971–2003). It shows how the titular detective figure is distinguished from other detectives not only by his raincoat, cigar and manner, but also by his connection to the ‘everyday’, enabling a mode of detection based on suspicious deviation from custom. Peter Falk’s embodiment of the detective as eccentric everyman is played off against the ostensibly ‘epic’ gladiatorial structure of the drama, the high-society setting, and, most markedly, the high-and-mighty villain, whose key flaw is hubris borne of self-imposed exile from normal interaction. With close reference to a single exemplary episode, ‘A Friend in Deed’ (1974), this chapter examines how stylistic choices and performance features help sing the virtues of groundedness, empathy and close attention to what people ordinarily say and do.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vii
- Notes on contributors ix
- The Television Series xii
- Moments in Television, the collections xiv
- Acknowledgements xviii
- Introduction 1
- 1 Configurations of man, monster and hero in The Incredible Hulk 29
- 2 Game of Thrones’ Epic 9s 52
- 3 ‘I felt the touch of the kings and the breath of the wind’ 75
- 4 From the everyday to the epic and back 95
- 5 The epic in the everyday 116
- 6 Storms and teacups 140
- 7 Spies with ties 163
- 8 Columbo 186
- 9 Lost in the everyday 207
- Index 226
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vii
- Notes on contributors ix
- The Television Series xii
- Moments in Television, the collections xiv
- Acknowledgements xviii
- Introduction 1
- 1 Configurations of man, monster and hero in The Incredible Hulk 29
- 2 Game of Thrones’ Epic 9s 52
- 3 ‘I felt the touch of the kings and the breath of the wind’ 75
- 4 From the everyday to the epic and back 95
- 5 The epic in the everyday 116
- 6 Storms and teacups 140
- 7 Spies with ties 163
- 8 Columbo 186
- 9 Lost in the everyday 207
- Index 226
