Now that our new computer is installed, we’re able to watch discs again; and this weekend we’re watching Columbo episodes, vintage 1971 and thereabouts.
This show was a world-wide hit, one of the greatest achievements, all-time, of American TV. And it’s still a blast today: it’ll never grow stale.
Columbo himself looks like the most insignificant man on earth. The murderers he brings to justice are persons of wealth, status, education, political power (sometimes), and charisma. They are all sure they can get away with murder. These are highly privileged people–real John Kerry/Nancy Pelosi types. Laws don’t apply to them: only to us chuckleheads and deplorables.
So it’s hugely satisfying when Columbo finally brings them down!
Columbo is Nemesis (just like Miss Marple!), and Nemesis is always humbly clothed. Nemesis is never flashy. As an agent of divine justice–God’s justice–Nemesis can never be bought off, intimidated, corrupted, or made a fool of. It will pursue the guilty beyond the gates of death.
And it’s good for us to know that.