Columbo: Columbo Goes to College

Not one of the strongest of the Columbo movies, but still pretty entertaining. There seem to be some echoes of "Compulsion"(1959) in the plot conceit of two college boy murderers who start insinuating themselves into the police investigation of the killing of their law professor, both to divert attention from themselves and to keep abreast of how much the police are finding out. But in this case, they are up against a much wilier opponent in Lt. Columbo, and their excessive self-confidence and politely suppressed scorn for the rumpled detective eventually lead them into a trap. Despite the fact that the murder plot hinges a little too much on fancy technology to be really plausible (could anyone really work out such a complicated conspiracy, requiring careful timing and gadgetry in just 24 hours?) it is still enjoyable to watch Columbo play the buffoon, lulling the culprits into complacency, and then proceed to wipe the smirks off their faces in the final revelation scene.

I felt that way when I saw the episode in its original run and still agree when I watch it on reruns. You had the culprits totally mocking Columbo throughout the episode and treating him like he has down syndrome. And in the end you see their shock when Columbo gets them dead to rights and arrest them. You also get a realistic reaction from the arrogant preppy killers. They stillcouldn't give Columbo his props and say he just got lucky. I like the formula where there is an elaborate crime, the killer(s) totally underestimate Columbo, and then you get their realization that Columbo was totally playing the criminals. I recall in the first few episodes of the post 1989 episodes they weren't following that formula and this was the first episode that I was pleased with.

or any stories reminiscent of the Leopold and Loeb case, you may find this movie entertaining. The cast includes Robert Culp,with Stephen Caffrey and Garrison Hershberger as the college students.

Peter Falk is his usual self, pretending to be tricked by the precocious students. Caffrey ("Longtime Companion", "Buried Alive") is excellent, and should do more of these menacing roles. Basically the two frat buddies become tired of their demanding parents, who expect nothing less than academic perfection, attendance at the best schools will only be financed if they conform. There is an excellent scene wherein Culp rakes Caffrey over the coals after he gets a low grade, threatens to cut off his trust funds and Caffrey later says to his friend: "I hate him, I want him dead"...

All is not well in Beverly Hills. This is always an excellent theme. I believe this film came out in 1990 right after the Menendez killings. If you watch "Menedez, a Killing in Beverly Hills" and then compare it to this film, you may find some interesting parallels.

I love Columbo, and although it is not one of the best episodes for me, it was a well done and interesting episode. Apart from dragging a little too much in the middle, Columbo Goes to College was a well-paced episode, and the story is once again an interesting one with the final solution where the murderers under-estimate Columbo. Hearing Columbo explaining how it all happened, you do realise how clever the murder really was. As with the case always with Columbo, it is a strikingly shot episode with a convincing setting, and the soundtrack enhances the mood seamlessly, with a fun toe-tapping song right at the start. The script is sharp and incisive. It was fun seeing Robert Culp playing Cooper's father, rather than a murderer for a change. James Sutorious gives a good turn as the Professor. Peter Falk is exceptional as he consistently is, Stephen Caffrey is great as Justin, the more interesting and "juicier" character of the murderous duo and Gary Hershberger while more low-key is also effective as Cooper. All in all, an interesting episode with an ending that is both clever and riveting. 8/10 Bethany Cox

PLOT: Two spoiled frat boys (Stephen Caffrey & Gary Hershberger) murder their professor in an inventive way after he threatens to flunk them and expose their fraudulence. Robert Culp is on hand as the VIP father of one of them.

COMMENTARY: This is my favorite episode of the latter-day series (1989-2003). The spoiled college guys are overconfident and mock Columbo behind his back but, despite the Lieutenant's appearance and geniality, he's not naïve or clueless. Speaking of which, the clues gradually mount up, leading the rumpled detective to one of the best 'Gotcha' conclusions in the series. Everything clicks for a superb entry.

GRADE: A