Columbo Goes to College: A Detailed Look at the Episode
"Columbo Goes to College," which aired in 1990, stands out as a memorable installment in the later series of Columbo. This episode distinguishes itself with a clever plot, well-developed villains, and a nuanced performance by Peter Falk. It presents a compelling narrative of deception, intellectual arrogance, and the ultimate triumph of Columbo's seemingly unassuming brilliance.
Plot Overview
The episode revolves around two privileged fraternity students, Justin Rowe (Stephen Caffrey) and Cooper Redman (Gary Hershberger), who commit a meticulously planned murder. Their victim is Professor D.E. Rusk (James Sutorius), who threatens to expose their academic fraud and ruin their futures. The duo orchestrates an elaborate scheme involving sophisticated technology to create a seemingly airtight alibi. However, they underestimate the deceptively astute Lieutenant Columbo, who unravels their intricate plot through persistent questioning and careful observation.
The Cast and Their Performances
The success of "Columbo Goes to College" is largely attributed to its well-chosen cast and their compelling performances:
- Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo: Falk delivers a particularly nuanced performance, portraying Columbo as even more unassuming than usual. He masterfully uses his disarming demeanor to lull the overconfident students into a false sense of security, allowing him to gather crucial clues. This episode showcases Falk's ability to portray Columbo's intelligence and strategic thinking beneath his rumpled exterior.
- Stephen Caffrey as Justin Rowe: Caffrey shines as Justin, the more calculating and driven of the two murderers. He effectively portrays Justin's arrogance, impatience, and growing frustration as Columbo's investigation progresses. Caffrey's portrayal captures the character's ruthlessness and the lengths to which he is willing to go to protect his future.
- Gary Hershberger as Cooper Redman: Hershberger provides a more understated performance as Cooper, the quieter and more reserved of the duo. He effectively conveys Cooper's dependence on Justin and his growing unease as their plan begins to unravel.
- James Sutorius as Professor D.E. Rusk: Sutorius plays the ill-fated Professor Rusk.
- Robert Culp as Jordan Rowe: Culp, a recurring guest star in Columbo, adds another layer of intrigue as Jordan Rowe, Justin's demanding and influential father. His presence highlights the pressure Justin faces to succeed and the consequences of failure in his privileged world. 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".
- William Lucking as Dominic Doyle, Katherine Cannon as June Clark, Alan Fudge as Mr. Redman, Maree Cheatham as Mrs. Rowe, Bridget Hanley as Mrs. Rusk, Jim Antonio as Joe Doyle, Steven Gilborn as George, Guy Stockwell as Club Owner, Les Lannom as Malloy, Elizabeth Swackhamer as Sara, Karl Wiedergott as Ollie Sachs, James Ingersoll as John, Dick Balduzzi as Janitor, Robin Bach as Maitre D', Gregg Rogen as Todd, Morgan Jones as Crime Lab Man, Jane Alden as Producer, Noel Conlon as Detective, Frank Farmer as Professor #1, Laurence Haddon as Dean Howard Gillespie, Larry McCormick as News Anchor, George C. Simms as Officer, Aaron Seville as Policeman, Alf Powers as Professor #2, Shauna Steiner as Newswoman, Jeremy McCollum as Toby, Troy Shire as Cary, David Cowgill as Crewman, Robert Robertson Ross Jr. as Norm, Anthony Beninati as Charles, Mary Angela Shea as Reporter #1, Darren Scott as Valet, Casey Van Patten as Reporter #2, and Mary Maldonado as Latin Maid.
Key Elements of the Episode
Several elements contribute to the enduring appeal of "Columbo Goes to College":
- The "Gotcha" Moment: The episode features one of the most satisfying "Gotcha" moments in the entire series. Columbo's meticulous unraveling of the students' complex scheme, combined with their growing realization of his true capabilities, makes for a compelling and dramatic climax.
- The Villains' Arrogance: Justin and Cooper's arrogance and blatant disrespect for Columbo are central to the episode's tension. Their underestimation of the lieutenant fuels their downfall, as their attempts to manipulate him ultimately backfire. This dynamic creates a compelling contrast between the seemingly bumbling detective and the supposedly brilliant students.
- The Use of Technology: The murder plot's reliance on technology adds a modern twist to the classic Columbo formula. The students' use of computers and electronic devices reflects the changing times and presents Columbo with new challenges.
- The Script: The script is sharp and incisive.
- The Soundtrack: The soundtrack enhances the mood seamlessly, with a fun toe-tapping song right at the start.
Themes and Interpretations
"Columbo Goes to College" explores several themes relevant to contemporary society:
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- The Pressure to Succeed: The episode highlights the intense pressure placed on students to achieve academic success, particularly those from privileged backgrounds. Justin and Cooper's desperation to maintain their status and avoid disappointing their parents drives them to commit murder. This theme resonates with the anxieties surrounding academic competition and the pursuit of excellence.
- The Consequences of Arrogance: The students' arrogance and belief in their intellectual superiority prove to be their undoing. They underestimate Columbo's intelligence and fail to recognize the significance of seemingly minor details. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and the importance of humility.
- Appearances Can Be Deceiving: Columbo's disheveled appearance and unassuming demeanor mask his sharp intellect and unwavering determination. The students' misjudgment of Columbo underscores the importance of looking beyond superficial appearances and recognizing the potential for brilliance in unexpected places.
Production Details
- Director: E.W. Swackhamer
- Writers: Richard Levinson & William Link (created by), Jeffrey Bloom (teleplay by & story by), Frederick King Keller (story by)
- Executive Producer: Jon Epstein
- Co-Executive Producer: Peter Falk
- Supervising Producer: Alan J. Levi
- Co-Producer: Todd London
- Composer: James Di Pasquale
- Director of Photography: George Koblasa
- Editor: Bill Parker
- Production Designer: Bill Ross
- Art Director: Cosmas A. Demetriou
- Set Decorator: Mary Ann Good
- Costume Designer: Jacqueline Saint Anne
- Makeup Artist: Dorinda Carey
- Hairstylist: Danne D. Long
- Unit Production Manager: Norman Henry
- Second Assistant Director: Barbara Bruno
- First Assistant Director: Mary Ellen Canniff
- Set Designer: Randall D. Wilkins
- Sound Mixer: Thomas E. Allen
- Supervising Sound Editor: Paul B. Clay
- Casting: Donna Dockstader
- Ladies Costumer: Karen Bellamy
- Men's Costumer: Steve Ellsworth
Reception and Legacy
"Columbo Goes to College" has been well-received by critics and fans alike, with many considering it one of the strongest episodes in the later Columbo series. The episode's clever plot, compelling performances, and exploration of relevant themes have contributed to its enduring popularity. Some viewers have drawn parallels between the episode and the Menendez killings, which occurred around the same time, noting similarities in the themes of privilege, desperation, and familial dysfunction.
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