The Face Of A Killer Who WON | Columbo

[@hwoods01]

Murder investigation is easy. When interviewing people, all you do is listen for the dramatic music and you got your killer. Its why police have such a high percentage of convictions.

[@LoveBeautyFun7]

And when you hear “kill kill kill kill, haha haha” in the background... run!!!! 😂

[@jaynadixon9581]

😂😂😂😂

[@mmsizzlak]

Nah... It's easiest with a script

[@B-26354]

With columbo you knew who the murderer was from the start, you watched them commit the murder - with columbo it wasn't a mystery, it was watching how columbo solved the case and unravelled a the killers alibi.

[@DeathnoteBB]

“She did the evil voice!”

[@mattmenefee3889]

Nimoy is one of the most evil Columbo villains there ever was. I love this episode for how different it is. Normally the killer has some type of redeeming quality...not Spock!

[@micahgreene4573]

@John Caulfield he got mad with Robert Conrad in An Exercise in Fatality.

[@micahgreene4573]

@John Caulfield I see others in the thread mentioned it too. He was pissed, lol.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

He might have been the meanest of all the villains. And being a doctor made him more diabolical.

[@oleggorky906]

He seemed More Leonard Nimrod than Nimoy here. Totally evil dude.

[@MrAitraining]

Yeah, Dr. Mayfield was stone cold in this episode. A borderline serial killer actually.

[@jamessmithe5490]

Columbo staring intently during the operation is even cooler because earlier in the episode he was too squeemish to watch an operation.

[@thetman0068]

Maybe it was the doctor’s imagination

[@idiotwithanopinion8082]

@@thetman0068 no, Columbo is willing to make himself uncomfortable when others lives are on the line

[@vibovitold]

@@idiotwithanopinion8082 or, more likely, he only pretended to be uncomfortable as part of his harmless persona

[@BazookaIke]

in a couple of other episodes Columbo talks about how much he hates to lose. He really takes it personally when it comes to solving murders.

[@walterlv01]

Same thing happened in the Roddy McDowell episode "Short Fuse" - he is perpetually afraid of heights but when it came to busting the murderer he was perfectly fine when riding a cable car up a 500-foot mountain - and with the door open for part of the ride.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

There really isn't a killer more scary than a doctor: the ultimate betrayal.

[@trhansen3244]

I think a nurse is even scarier. They wear more make up.

[@theoddfather8782]

Nothing scarier than a Priest.

[@trhansen3244]

@@theoddfather8782 True. But the scariest of all? A liberal!

[@theoddfather8782]

@@trhansen3244 A Liberal, how could I have missed this? It was there in front of me the whole time!

[@Jupex]

@@trhansen3244 Is this some america joke i dont get

[@liul]

I remember watching this episode, I was surprised when Columbo got very angry at the suspect, because usually he's very friendly with them. And it was because a life was in danger, it wasn't only about catching the guy, but about saving a life. We already knew he was a good empathic person, but seeing him so passionate trying to save a life was awesome

[@42luke93]

I agree, there are many other episodes where Columbo was too late in preventing a 2nd murder.

[@manjackson2772]

It happens in at least one other episode too

[@Kontorotsui]

Well, if the victim is dead already, nothing to do. But if he knows another could die if he doesn't stop the culprit is a different matter.

[@leroysimon5692]

Columbo's character in the pilot episode was the typical tough, no-nonsense cop. We are lucky Peter Falk was allowed to show us what a great actor he was, and give us the unique Columbo we love. RIP Mr. Falk.

[@leroysimon5692]

👍🏾

[@SamBrickell]

The makeup in this episode was incredible; I couldn't even see an outline of Leonard Nimoy's real ears.

[@cmjohnson61]

Sam, Too funny...lololol.

[@thejabberwocky5884]

LMAO

[@marcom1898]

This has to be early CGI haha

[@diggdeep1780]

🤣

[@Fremen2]

Please show yourself out....

[@fastguned]

Nimoy's laugh before Columbo slams the desk is about the most realistic laugh by an actor I've ever heard. Cudos to Nimoy. And the way Nimoy does those 2 slight blinks at the exact right moment after Columbo slams the desk is perfect.

[@letsgoforaspin]

There's an almost imperceptible gulp as well, just adds to it

[@ucimobile0468]

That’s because he had to hold it all in as Spock.

[@michaelburman9705]

He joined Star Trrek to avoid justice.

[@fastguned]

@@michaelburman9705 Star trek started way before this Columbo episode. Star Trek started in 1966. This episode was from 1973.

[@michaelburman9705]

@@fastguned True but perhaps he also had the ability to travel through time

[@pauldavies5611]

As far as I know, this is the only episode where Columbo ever got angry at the murderer. One of the best scenes in the whole series.

[@scrmepal]

No he did get angry with another killer played by Robert Conrad who ran a fitness club, as well!

[@pauldavies5611]

scrmepal Yes, you’re right. I had forgotten.

[@m.e.d.7997]

Spock was mocking and laughing at Columbo.

[@gilberteaston1087]

Columbo also got angry in the pilot episode Prescription Murder where he confronts the mistress of the murderer who was also an accomplice in the murder and really yells at her to try to break her down so she'll confess.

[@pauldavies5611]

@@gilberteaston1087 Right. Forgot that one too.

[@jonahj9519]

Love how Columbo effectively intimates him into saving the old doctor’s life.

[@makeitthrough_]

@@HighOctane01 I love the episode where he bribes another cop to take the mandatory firearm test for him and sign his name on the form. It's refreshing to have a tv cop who doesn't devolve into gunfire to solve his problems (or, well, it's refreshing to go back and watch the show after seeing some of the braindead crime procedurals these days)

[@stuartjohnson5686]

@@makeitthrough_ most cops don't ever fire their gun outside the range

[@ScottyDont1945]

​@@stuartjohnson5686 especially in England, most cops will never even hold a gun in their entire career

[@andyfroy5775]

@@stuartjohnson5686 London Metropolitan Police Service/SO19 are different though - can't even board a tube train sometimes

[@Irondragon1945]

intimates? 😊

[@reneecarter6702]

It’s great to see Nimoy displaying his versatility beyond Star Trek.

[@fastguned]

Yea he also played a doctor in a1978 movie called "Seizure-The Cathy Morris Story. Also played a doctor in the 1978 version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Also he played an Indian in an episode of Gunsmoke. Great believable actor in anything he did.

[@trhansen3244]

He also starred in the tv series called In Search of, where he travels all over the world solving mysteries.

[@mountainbirder9872]

He was also incredibly creepy in Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1970s version).

[@chezsnailez]

@@trhansen3244 ~ we actually know him more from In Search Of...

[@michaelsaunders1400]

He was also on an episode of _The Twilight Zone._ Fact.

[@sealteamryx6758]

I love the episodes when columbo cuts the act and just tells them straight up he thinks they did it and hes gonna bust em

[@Astrobrant2]

Columbo doesn't like being laughed at.

[@ducktales2020]

he does so with purpose here as well, he knows he has to give up the game to ensure that a second surgery is performed to save the doctor's life.

[@douglaslally156]

I think the writers and producers had occasionally remind the audience that Columbo was more than a comical slob who solved murder cases, he was also a real police detective.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

I think there's quite a lot going on in the scene. Columbo is egging him on to do the surgery to both get the evidence AND save the old man's life. Spock's laughter is both frustrating in that he doesn't seem to be taking the bait, AND it's both personally and humanly galling. Spock is laughing at him, AND he's laughing about the murder he's in the process of committing. Columbo is reacting to ALL of it. Dr. Mayfield has to the most evil of the series murderers, and Nimoy absolutely nails it

[@IRanOutOfPhrases]

These moments also carry more weight precisely because it's not normally in his nature. You'll always have your Stablers or Vic Mackeys out there that make you go, "Oh, look out, he's angry now!" every episode they're looking to bust some skulls, but when you see Columbo showing even a sliver of anger that's when you REALLY know things are about to go down.

[@AltoonaYourPiano]

You know he's pissed when he drops the "I'm just a regular average guy asking questions to an expert" act and cuts straight to the point.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

When Columbo loses it--the only time in the whole series--the face Nimoy makes is fantastic: stony, blinking, and for just that moment, afraid--like a kid who just got nailed for shoplifting. He recovers immediately, but it's masterful acting on Nimoy's part: he's a psychopath, but he's still human enough to be afraid for his own skin.

[@tylerlackey1175]

I mean... if someone slams something down in front of you you're going to be startled unless you're drugged unconscious. He wasn't afraid just like you wouldn't be afraid, you'd just be like "wtf"

[@johnathonwaggoner358]

I hate to break it to you, but this was NOT the ONLY time Columbo lost his temper, but this way the FIRST time he lost it.

[@parasharkchari]

My favorite time he lost his temper was the one with Antony Alda, because you get to hear him lose it while still conversing in Italian.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

@@parasharkchari I DID NOT KNOW that was Alan Alda's brother that played the Italian waiter. He did a convincing job as an Italian: I just assumed he was. But the temper from Columbo there IS feigned: he's not really angry with the boy; he just wants to rattle and test him. He does the same thing in the 68 TV movie Prescription for Murder, not in Italian of course. But I think he genuinely loses his temper with Mayfield. It's not an act there.

[@KalOrtPor]

@@johnathonwaggoner358 He did lose his temper in his first appearance Prescription:Murder, Gene Barry played such a villainous and shameless doctor about the level of Nimoy's here that Columbo couldn't contain himself, especially confronting his mistress being okay with letting him get away with it.

[@wvu05]

Correction: The face of a killer who THOUGHT he won.

[@oleggorky906]

He thought wrong, didn't he?

[@chrismc410]

The middle east guy who had diplomatic immunity thought he won too until his king heard what he did and said he'd be subject to their country's laws on murder which he himself knew was barbaric in most eyes and begged for jail in the U.S.

[@wvu05]

@General Bismarck Based on what?

[@wvu05]

@General Bismarck And why wouldn't it hold up in court?

[@TNTITAN]

@@wvu05 How do you prove that Colombo didn’t put some fake ones in his own jacket? There may be a way but the point is chain of evidence has been broken.

[@rickelmonoggin]

In the 1970s, the greatest aspiration an actor could have was to be the bad guy in a Columbo episode.

[@oleggorky906]

I wonder if some of them actually put out feelers for the chance. It's a similar scenario to the chase at the end of a Benny Hill show. Everyone wanted to be in one of them as well.

[@woudgy]

Um, no

[@wildcardartsent]

woudgy Um, yes.

[@woudgy]

@@wildcardartsent 🙄 Yeah, I'm sure in the 70s, at the height of the Hollywood Renaissance, the "greatest aspiration an actor could have" was playing a role on an episode of Colombo-not, say, being asked to take a leading role in a project by Coppola or Kubrick. I mean... it's a great detective show and all...

[@wildcardartsent]

woudgy In terms of television yes it was. Those are definitely big names too but for TV it was either this, soap operas, sketch shows, the Tonight Show and Midnight Special. The last one was mainly for comedians and musicians.

[@jakebond2294]

To believe one can outsmart Columbo is not logical.

[@shernalfred6613]

But he did he can not prove that he planted that on him .. there were no witnesses,it is his word agains his..come out with the evedence out of thin air atfer he left the room

[@jackkenefick2696]

The hell you cant!

[@pauld6967]

​@@shernalfred6613Nah. Anyone who understands LT. Columbo from watching all of the shows knows that he already knew that the sutures were planted on the scrubs, had other officers find them & photograph the discovery and then he went to meet with the killer in his office. That's why he didn't need to fumble around and search for the sutures. It was all to put the killer at ease and make the "gotcha!" sting a little bit more.

[@grf15]

@@shernalfred6613 Sorry, but you're wrong. The sutures could only have come from the operating room. They were clearly used and could be tested in the lab to prove they had the right type of blood to match the doctor who received the new valve.

[@ziraprod6090]

@@grf15 ?? He agreed with you.

[@doncarlodivargas5497]

These early Colombo episodes are of incredible high quality, both the plot, the acting, the music and the camera, everything is top notch, many movies and tv-series fade by time, but not Colombo, still absolute quality

[@djrychlak4443]

Well said.

[@GoGoTwice]

Agreed, also helps that they picked great actors to play the bad guys

[@doncarlodivargas5497]

@@GoGoTwice - yes, the actors in the Colombo series are absolute great, they probably enjoyed themselves I guess

[@blackAngel88it]

Almost everything. There is a scene, might have been this exact episode, not quite sure anymore, where the killer sneaks into a hotel room and you can see the filming crew in the mirror...

[@opinionday0079]

the early ones were classic but some of the later ones were not so good, they went a bit to far on the comedy, columbo became a kind of parody of himself at the end and the writing in the early ones was fantastic.

[@jcmgbg]

Best episode ever. Columbo gets pissed at the doctor and slams his desk. Love that!

[@porkchop2218]

That was awesome, I really enjoyed this episode even if it was 9 minutes at a time per week

[@hblanche]

It works because normally Columbo doesn't lose his cool.

[@Cheezwizzz]

I remember the first time seeing that, it made me jump!! Never saw it coming, shows the skill of Falk and the writers!!

[@ricogoldstar]

Yep, we rarely see Columbo lose his cool and play Tough cop!

[@docmalthus]

@@ricogoldstar I think the last time before this we saw him lose his cool was in the original "Prescription: Murder".

[@Avyncentia]

I love Nimoy's ability to raise a single eyebrow so expressively.

[@bertramattles1695]

One of the few times you saw Columbo display anger at his suspect.

[@elderherrera2238]

The slamming on the desk.

[@GeneralSirDouglasMcA]

This and the Pilot episode are the only times that I know of that Columbo ever gets aggressive.

[@Polpaccio]

@@GeneralSirDouglasMcA in "A Deadly state of mind" he gets aggressive with Hamilton's character's Assistant when she tries to be evasive with him

[@talos6202]

Bertram Attles....don't forget the episode with Robert Conrad. He played Gym specialist, Miles Janus. He yelled at him while sitting in the waiting room of a hospital. Other people waiting were listening in on their heated conversation.

[@talos6202]

@@Polpaccio I'm going to look for that episode. I don't remember that one.

[@thatsjustlikeyouropinionma3025]

Leonard Nimoy plays the perfect psychopath in this, and seeing that high functioning psychopaths can make exceptional surgeons it fits like a glove.

[@regalecusglesne3022]

psychopaths seem to have a fascination for medicine. and medicine seems to be purposedly made to fit psychopaths. doctors are scum and i have a searing hatred for them.

[@________9658]

Calm down satan

[@holidayfish]

theyre not "high funtioning" lol thats more for mental illness than personality disorders, theyre 'high intelligence' - more drs, CEOs and high risk work like special forces; 'low intelligence' psychopaths are usually gangsters/criminals

[@1funkyflyguy]

@@regalecusglesne3022 Whattt???!!!!

[@ShaneusSnake]

@@1funkyflyguy lots of people are abused by their doctors. It’s not uncommon. Financially, physically, it can take many forms.

[@no-oneman.4140]

Columbo in it's prime is still regarded so highly because it had top notch acting, top scripts, top directing, top music, top editing. Simple. Peter Falk doesn't get enough credit , he was a mighty fine actor.

[@alexanderrupert4379]

You know... it's just occurred to me that I've never seen Leonard Nimoy laugh until now.

[@DorothyReich]

​@@alexanderrupert4379'Still haven't...

[@alexanderrupert4379]

@@DorothyReich Dude, I just can't right now.

[@djrychlak4443]

The relief shown by Nimoy in the end is such a beautiful setup for Columbo's entrance. The reversal could not be executed any better.

[@stesilaus1688]

I remember first watching "Columbo" decades ago as a child. Little did I know then that it would still be one of the best things on screen in 2022.

[@marinazagrai1623]

A close one would be Poirot with, of course, David Suchet.

[@universalassociates6857]

The lifting of the eyebrow at the very end when Dr Mayfield realizes he is caught is priceless - reminiscent of Spock’s facial expression in response to one of Dr. McCoy’s verbal jabs.

[@lewisc215]

no, it isn't

[@Brooklyn7savior]

RIP the both of these legends.

[@lewisner]

Nimoy was definitely a great actor and the both of them together was a masterclass.

[@damianstarks3338]

Yes legends they were.

[@damianstarks3338]

lewisner you read my mind here.

[@trhansen3244]

Nimoy went on to star in Star Trek, probably his most famous role, but he also went on to direct The Naked Gun with Leslie Nielsen.

[@modelcitizen2028]

Leonard Nimoy's portrayal of Dr Mayfield is perfect: cold, calculating and utterly ruthless. Could he be the most despicable Columbo murderer ever?

[@claudiocorleone7856]

Yes and today he would be free . Finding sutures in pocket of an investigator that seems to have harassed the suspect would not hold with a jury. But love the episode!

[@vibovitold]

@@claudiocorleone7856 even back then it wouldn't be admissible evidence. how can Columbo prove that it was Mayfield who put the suture in his pocket? how can he even prove that it wasn't there all along to begin with, even before he arrived at the scene?

[@ricardopedauga]

@@vibovitold wouldn't it have the blood of the person? Surely that would prove the sutures were inside

[@Kontorotsui]

@@ricardopedauga Now that's a good point.

[@JP_Vang]

"Live long and...just one more question."

[@r.j.powers381]

Perfect comment!!

[@momoiida5505]

Brilliant.

[@paulpena5040]

I think it was more like “Die quick and in poverty”

[@simonmcgreedy3868]

... to infinity and BEYOND!!!!!!

[@landonletterman831]

You won the internet

[@jamestiberiuskirk6426]

7:33 Nimoy changes for 5s into the role of Mr. Spock, standing in a military manner, than realizes it...

[@popkorn256]

5 sec is also the amount of time he had to take and hide the sutures once he closed the door. He really could have got away with it :)

[@momsberettas9576]

Good eye man! a real Columbo yourself.

[@nick37104]

@@popkorn256 No, because he didn't place the sutures on himself, he planted them in Columbo's surgical scrubs, and Columbo was wearing them during the scene.

[@popkorn256]

@@nick37104 I know. But Columbo left his scrubs on the couch at 8:16. So once Nimoy closed the door, he could have quickly gone for them :)

[@adrian993]

Love this episode! Not only for the anger of Columbo, but the machinations Nimoy has to go through. Nimoy is a cold blooded killer, but can't kill his intended victim because he can't kill him in a way that won't be detected by the autopsy Columbo is going to get if the victim dies. So, not only do we want to know how Columbo is going to catch him, we ALSO want to know how Nimoy is going to wriggle out of the murder he's already set in motion! The fact we know that Nimoy knows that Columbo has him dead to rights if the victim does die is icing on the cake.

[@jamessmithe5490]

Columbo almost never loses his temper which makes that scene even more effective.

[@nebulousy]

first time I've seen Columbo show aggression, but I figured it was all part of his strategy to make the doctor panic and rush to save his next victim from dying

[@gianmarcopapetti8740]

Right

[@Yngvarfo]

He shows some real temper in the pilot episode, but of course, his character wasn't so fully fleshed out yet. Then, too, the perp was a doctor. One might wonder if Columbo doesn't like doctors very much. 😊

[@richardgates7479]

@@Yngvarfo Who would like a doctor that kills his patients?

[@fettarmehaarmilch4028]

@@richardgates7479 it depends

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

No, I think this went beyond strategy. Yes, he's trying to bait the doctor into doing the surgery, both to get the evidence and save the life, but the doctor is really a monster that Columbo has to hate. He's killed two and is working on his third. When he laughs, Columbo's frustration, anger, and disgust just boil over. I don't think it's an act or part of the strategy when he does it.

[@bird271828]

Spock can never be beaten, except by Lt. Columbo.

[@RubyBandUSA]

and ... Kirk from time to time

[@SnowDaulphin]

Sulu would be perplexed knowing Spock could be out witted.

[@bird271828]

@@SnowDaulphin 😂🤣

[@depressedhedonist]

Paper-rock-scissors-lizard-Spock-Columbo

[@dennisclark4370]

Hes not god, anybody can be beaten, it takes a MAN to admit it.

[@MS-cg1mj]

Well that told him. Colombo wiped the smile of his face and showed him how serious he was about his job.

[@cmjohnson61]

The very end of the scene was awesome. The music played a big part of the dramatic effect. Columbo humbly walks out the office after admitting defeat. The music becomes soothing as the doctor breathes a sigh of relief. Then BAM! Here comes Columbo back again as the music plays along. I love this show!!

[@Rhewin]

The best Columbo IMO. The few seconds the killer almost won makes it so perfect.

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

funny how Columbo says FASCINATING to Nimoy. the word, FASCIBATING was one of Mr Spocks signature lines. very clever of the writers

[@michaelm1]

Indeed.

[@christophestevenson1448]

Fascinating

[@Heart2HeartBooks]

And Spock used the word to express his perplexity to understand human's and the things they do... So did Colimbo use it in the same manner to describe the Drs unusual behavior. Fascinating!

[@Vyselink]

@HELL'S HITMAN Fascinating Masturbation. It's a portmanteau :)

[@CusterFlux]

Yeah, I had a good laugh with that one - it HAD to be intentional …

[@blaustein_autor]

Now, we can all learn from this: If you are a talented surgeon who killed a patient and the detective in charge just left your office empty-handed - lock your door before you celebrate.

[@manjackson2772]

He actually didn't kill any patients, at least not in the episode. His operation in this clip saved the life of the patient by replacing the dissolving sutures he'd used before with permanent ones - aborting his slow murder-in-progress to hide the evidence. He killed the nurse who was onto him, and her ex to make it look like the ex did it.

[@CLacroix]

How is it possible to dislike this video? Every single act or scene is spot on.. Some people wouldn't recognise gold if they had a tone in front of them...

[@Locktwiste72]

First time I had ever seen Columbo actually lose his temper. Dr. McCoy was right - Spock could annoy the hell out of anybody. Lol. One of the things I loved about Columbo - aside from that sharp detective mind that equals Sherlock Holmes and would put Batman to shame - was that the perpetrators usually went quietly. Columbo's charm and finesse usually softened up these killers to the point where they would just surrender and let themselves be taken in, usually without any fuss. He never played tough or arrogant, like today's so-called television and movie police detectives. Most of the criminals would be escorted out without handcuffs and in a few cases Columbo himself asked that they not be restrained. Columbo usually worked within the high society of the day, so most likely, although he detested their crimes, he was thinking of the reputations of their innocent friends, families, and associates. Columbo drove an ugly car, dressed like he had slept in his clothes, rarely (VERY rarely) ever lost his temper, shuffled about like he didn't know what he was doing. And don't get me started on his signature trenchcoat! In other words he didn't have the physical tough-guy, pretty-boy look, no fancy clothes, no fancy gadgets, and I wonder if he even carried a gun. I'm sure he did but I never saw him use it. He was no Magnum P.I., Shaft, or James Bond, but that was what made him great.

[@redsisco_]

in i think s1e2, one of the scenes was him going through a metal detector and not getting sprung because he didn't carry a gun

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

There's one episode where he slips a colleague $50 to cheat the firing test for him because he can't pass it. Columbo isn't violent, but he's got a tough as nails mind.

[@saebelorn]

In the umbrella scene he says that he doesn't carry a gun

[@TheSubwaysurfer]

these old episodes hold up so well They can be reintroduced to this current generation without skipping a beat.

[@MarcillaSmith]

:: rimshot ::

[@Sunshine134chick]

Yup

[@Sunshine134chick]

Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling thats what u call a classic

[@nildabridgeman8104]

@@Sunshine134chick 🤛👊

[@nikw3026]

New Generation too dumb for these, I am one btw

[@SBaby]

Nimoy was a great villain in this. He was calm and collected, and he didn't really lose his composure until he was in danger of being caught.

[@ianpaternoster1396]

Two legends, both gone RIP.

[@martinw8062]

this is my favorite episode of columbo, this is the only episode where i could've accepted that columbo didn't catch the murderer.

[@erickleefeld4883]

An interesting thing about this episode is that the elderly doctor was really Leonard Nimoy’s first intended murder victim in the story, when he sabotaged the original operation. Then he killed the nurse in order to cover up what he’d done to the doctor, and later on he killed the Vietnam veteran and recovering addict in order to cover up the murder of the nurse. Those other two really fit the profile of a secondary victim in a Columbo episode, as part of a cover-up. But in the end, the elderly doctor still survived it all.

[@christianschonberger9695]

Beautiful: The doctor just raises his eyebrow: "You got me! well done!". Leonard Nimoy was awesome!

[@johncee1481]

Love they way he comes back into the room...

[@MrPicklerwoof]

One of the most truly psychopathic killers from the early Columbo series. It's actually quite a creepy episode - you're left wondering how many others the doctor has 'dispatched' over the years.

[@juliagjertsen2015]

oh my. Columbo in this episode ... not just his genius, but he is cross! yes. good. lovely touch. Peter Faulk...such a natural actor in this role. total respect. for me this never dates. x

[@mediasawdust2458]

I don't care if I was a brilliant, talented surgeon, I wouldn't be able to operate at all with Columbo lurking over my shoulder.

[@paulpena5040]

I was waiting for him to say “fascinating” at the end

[@andywood5699]

Love seeing Leonard Nimoy in another role. He was a wonderful actor but is mostly recognised for Star Trek

[@scrmepal]

Nimoy also had a major role in the Mission Impossible TV series after Star Trek, he palyed a character called Paris who was a sort of replacement for Martin Landau's Rollin Hand.

[@carlo70no]

Columbo also framed Kirk, twice!

[@lewisc215]

DUH

[@ianclarke5404]

Not seen this one, never seen Columbo lose his temper before.

[@letsgoforaspin]

I always wondered whether Columbo knew before he left the room, and just wanted to string it out a bit further to make the reveal worse for Mayfield, or whether it does just come to him in a flash once he left the room.

[@BenMurrayyy]

I think the problem is that if he DID know, and pull the sutures from his own coat, everyone would just think "Hey, he's just trying to frame the doctor", y'know?

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

I don't think so. It's in character for Columbo to have flashes of insight, and there's no way he'd leave the evidence alone with the doctor for a second to dispose of it. I wondered a bit--probably after seeing it more than once--why Mayfield doesn't immediately grab the suture out of the coat and get rid of it. But it would ruin the drama. I think on a first viewing, though, no one really thinks of these nuances. It's the fun of the drama that people are absorbed in.

[@danieltiemeyer3234]

I think most of the guilty in Columbo episodes were so tired of another question, that being caught was an end to a nightmare.

[@StickFigureStudios]

A rare display of temper from Columbo when he shows his contempt for the suspect. One of my favorite moments from the series.

[@bitw9141]

It's my favourite Columbo episode and its my favourite ending to a Columbo episode.

[@aeonise]

Everyone enjoys seeing the always-reserved Columbo snap for a minute, but I actually think it was actually another layer to his scheming (albeit also very much how he was feeling). I think he was trying to get the doctor's heart racing and some adrenaline going, to get him in at least a little bit of fight-or-flight mode so he wouldn't pause and think too hard about what he had to do to get those sutures back out. Columbo was having a hard time shaking the brilliant and poised doctor with his usual badgering, and he wanted the suspect rattled for the endgame.

[@B1G_Dave]

Great episode. One of the most evil killers ever and he was getting away with it until the last few seconds. The best room re-entry in Columbo history.

[@TheConorsmithusa]

It would've been so funny if when columbo storms back into the room, he would say... oh theres just one more thing !

[@realitycheck3363]

That's right Spock, you can lift that eyebrow as high as you like, he's got you busted!!! XD

[@mrcali68]

2:07 a rare moment when Columbo steps out of character and looses it.

[@MrAitraining]

Dr. Mayfield was stone cold in this episode. A borderline serial killer. Just kept on going and killing to the end.

[@ivancarlson953]

Finally, somebody saying to Nimoy, “Fascinating!”

[@chansetwo]

They should have got McCoy to do the operation, not Spock. He's not a doctor.

[@jack002tuber]

What am I a doctor or a moon shuttle conductor?

[@RunPJs]

"I'm a Doctor, not a murderer!"

[@kathyyoung1774]

🤣😆😂

[@royboy6301]

Only Logical. 🖖 Live long and prosper.

[@oleggorky906]

He got away with it because Scotty beamed him up! 😹😹

[@Mr_Gray_Sky]

"Are you going down?" Excellent foreshadowing

[@adamalbert7856]

One of the few episodes that Columbo shows real anger, I love this episode.

[@elizabethgalligan1805]

He made Nimoy jump. 2:07 One of the best columbo scenes ever!😊👍🏻

[@PeterMasalski93]

Colombo: You are under arrest! Nimoy: Kirk! Beam me up quickly! Im having troubles on this planet...

[@leenkeshramlagun7171]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👍

[@AMARWITA]

Kirk was under arrest too😂

[@jacquelinedeigan3913]

Yeah can just hear and see that..lol

[@kahliatangazi448]

Or as soon as Columbo started to be annoying he would just Vulcan nerve pinch him!

[@Astrobrant2]

Kirk: Sorry, Spock. Star Fleet Regulations require us to cooperate fully with indigenous law enforcement.

[@magicmanscott40k]

The color changing sutures and the ending are both brilliant. Great writing

[@cristiandemirel1918]

it would be great if you upload the entire episode, considering this is one of the best!

[@gmg9010]

cristiandemirel1918 you know they won’t though

[@patrickjohnson5658]

If you had been watching this channel about a year ago they had this exact episode up in full, then they removed it some months later.

[@gmg9010]

Patrick Johnson that’s dumb

[@patrickjohnson5658]

@@gmg9010 It seems every time this channel upload a new full episode they remove an older one. I managed to download the full episode of this to my laptop before they removed it.

[@gmg9010]

Patrick Johnson I just don’t understand why they would delete one they uploaded

[@dmwanderer9454]

This is the first time I've ever seen Columbo angry, coming straight out with the accusation and threat of imprisonment. He plays the fool, but it seems he doesn't appreciate being made a fool

[@chereecargill355]

I thought Nimoy hid the sutures in his hair. Same color!

[@nebulousy]

same here

[@jeremyashford2145]

You were supposed to. It was a red herring.

[@SnowDaulphin]

Shoulda put it there after Columbo returned his garment

[@richardgates7479]

@@SnowDaulphin I figured Columbo would wait a few minutes then pop back in the door. I'm surprised they didn't have the doctor caught with his hand in the pocket. But yeah, they chose the red herring instead.

[@patriciabrown8666]

Did you see that Nurse 😂😂😂

[@macmiles278]

Pure Columbo gold. Acting, plot priceless.

[@deborahmitchell6532]

I love Colombo, and one more thing. He gets his man everytime. 👍

[@martm216]

Two great actors - one of my favourite episodes.

[@chrishefner3869]

A real life lesson is to be learned from Columbo. Don't talk to cops, and get a lawyer.

[@johndougherty8720]

The better lesson is don't commit murder or wanton acts of violence.

[@brmbkl]

@@johndougherty8720 yeah no. The lesson is: if you’re innocent, don’t talk to police. Because most cops aren’t Columbo, who’s busy chasing mastermind killers anyway.

[@makeitthrough_]

Gene Takovic, that you?

[@ShinKamaitachi]

Watching all these little clips of Colombo makes me want to just buy the DVD box set.

[@mattb6369]

The DVDs are absolutely worth it!

[@christopherkraft1327]

Great episode, Lieutenant Columbo outwits Mr Spock! Fascinating!! 🖖

[@mc3695]

🖖

[@trhansen3244]

Still the highest rated Columbo episode ever.

[@robertszekely8686]

Definitely great seeing Falk and Nimoy together. Two legends. RIP.

[@marianpazdzioch6632]

I really expected Colombo to pop out during the surgery and say "well, I already replaced the valve this morning, and while doing that I found this" and he shows leftover dissolving sutures:)

[@NetTubeUser]

WOW!!! I've never seen Columbo so pissed so quickly before! Columbo is not a tough guy, but because his reaction was so unpredictable, it was really intimidating and frightening! Morality ... don't even try to beat Columbo's intelligence, and underestimate him. No one can because ... those who tried, really hard, are all behind bars for a long period of time.

[@matt5415]

I like the giant ashtray by the elevator at 3:24. Better finish your cigarette in the hospital lobby before you get on the elevator.

[@VegardMinde]

"Columbo" gives the most accurate depiction of mans psyche as i have ever seen in any crime serie!

[@vivi44]

The problem with this is Columbo did not have a warrant or witnesses to search his office and the Doctor can say he planted that there and it's Columbo's word versus the Doctors. He still would get off Scott free in a court of law.

[@heathenpride7931]

Especially because rich white man

[@atnasingetnamn2887]

I mean basically none of Columbo's "gotchas" would work in a court. You've just got to suspend your disbelief a bit and enjoy the ride.

[@hahhah42speedruns]

Columbo expects people to plead guilty once he's proved his case. If not, he can always send them to the Columbo dimension.

[@Minecraftsweg]

@@hahhah42speedruns the wha-

[@RabbiHerschel]

@@heathenpride7931 Nimoy isn't White, he's Jewish, so presumably most characters he plays can be assumed to be as well.

[@chilliconn071]

In all the times I've watched Columbo, I've never seen him lose his temper before.

[@jamesscanlan6240]

Never saw Columbo really lose his cool with a murderer aside from here. Makes the scene all that much more effective.

[@beatrizmendoza9269]

Let this be a lesson to you, doctor; NEVER mock Columbo when he's serious about certain findings on a case.. especially if he suspects you may be the killer; his slamming your desk tells you he's DEAD serious!! 🤔

[@chrismc410]

Or kill him if you even suspect he knows something

[@Crazy56U]

I love how the Gotcha at the end feels less like Columbo pulling the rug out from under the guy after he briefly thought he won, but more like Columbo was openly fanboying about the stunt he pulled.

Columbo: finds the evicence The surgeon: “Beam me up, Scotty.”

[@power2084]

Spock would not say Scotty. He would say Mr. Scott.

[@trhansen3244]

@@power2084 Normally, I would agree with you but this version of Spock is not so rigid. I think he would say Scotty.

[@greyclaa]

Aahh begins with a "fascinating" and ends with an eyebrow raise. Perfection. RIP you two.

[@m.dwaynesteckley4832]

Frankly, one of the smartest things the Dr. did at the end when raising is 'Spock' eyebrow, was not to say or display anything: i.e. no break down confession. Brilliant episode where Columbo "gets" his criminal, but I'm not even sure this would make it to court. No doubt a Dr. of his stature is more than well off financially and could easily afford the best lawyers in that city, many who would loath Columbo for making them look stupid. I suspect being acquitted would be simple because of the suture evidence: was not found either in the O.R. nor on the physician, but only in the pocket of Columbo much after the surgery: he had to scrub up first. This would provide enough time for the police to plant it, some one else to plant it, it was already in that pocket etc. The whole case depends on that suture material and must remain untainted to be included in the prosecution: DNA was far in the future at this time.

[@csaracho2009]

All that is true. But there was evidence I guess, in a cadaver (the surgeon thread on the other person killed)

[@dpnerill4644]

@@csaracho2009 You could be right, but in the episode no other evidence is brought forward, so it makes us believe that the sutures are the only evidence.

[@dacapo]

Quite simply my favorite episode of Columbo ! Also featuring the best villain of the entire series !

[@RTD553]

That lift door should really have gone 'swoosh' as they headed down to the engineering deck.

[@sliderulelover]

What a tremendous episode and series. I wish Hollywood could produce programs like this again. Today it's trash of all kinds.

[@SiwakSerg]

Well, it's nice that sometimes the ending is open. I think the killer cannot be jailed in this case. The doctor, as a continuation of this remarkable discovery, could have said that this is just a setup by the police lieutenant. The sutures were never found in his belongings, they weren't found in the doctor's pockets - only in the pocket of a police officer. With a good lawyer, I think the murderer is free to go!

[@eamouyal]

except if the boys in the lab could find traces of the intended victim's heart cells on those sutures, in which case the setup theory would be dubious, to say the least

[@zoli11]

@@eamouyal lol, no DNA analysis back then. There are other episodes too though in which the evidence wouldn't stand in real court. Doesn't matter, it's entertainment.

[@courregeaaron947]

This show wouldn't exist if all the murderers just asked for a lawyer when Columbo interrogate them

[@raggedcritical]

That was my conclusion as well - cool reveal but the chain of evidence can't really start with the detective's clothes.

[@landl190372]

That moment he bangs the desk is the most angry Colombo ever got, so well written.

[@maxnullifidian]

Very few of Columbo's perps deserved to be busted more than this doctor! LOL He was just so...arrogant!

[@gedstrom]

Fortunately, simply being arrogant is NOT a crime!

[@earlsmith7428]

but he knew what to say and do, which is more than what most of Columbo's opponents did

[@GillAgainsIsland12]

Quite possibly the best of all the Columbo episodes. Leonard Nimoy was spectacular.

[@Freyafanboy90]

I like how they banter about but then Coloumbo stops playing games and in now uncertain terms outright calls the surgeon a murderer. And the surgeon pretty much admits in in a roundabout way but he knows that Coloumbo lacks proof. It's a nice moment of tension when the games are done away with and they get serious.

[@patrarus6097]

Thanks for posting. This is my favorite episode of all!