Lieutenant Columbo

Rumpled and unassuming, Lieutenant Columbo shuffles onto crime scenes in a shabby raincoat, chewing a cigar stub, apologizing for taking up anyone's time. He seems scattered, forgetful, easily impressed by wealth and status. He asks one more question on his way out the door. He wants, always, just one small thing cleared up before he goes.

The pleasure is dramatic irony turned into craft: we watch the murder happen first, then watch Columbo dismantle a killer who thinks he's smarter. Falk plays the bumbling exterior so warmly and completely that the intelligence underneath sneaks up on you — and on his suspects, who never see it coming until it's far too late.