Ep 2. Murder, Smoke and Shadows

Columbo is a classic TV detective series that stars Peter Falk as the renowned homicide detective Lieutenant Columbo. In this episode, titled "Murder, Smoke and Shadows," Columbo investigates a murder that occurs after a magic show.

The episode begins with a talented magician, the Great Santini, performing in front of a packed audience. After the show, Santini invites his staff to his dressing room to celebrate his success. However, when everyone has left, Santini is brutally murdered, and a valuable diamond is stolen from his safe.

Columbo is called to the scene to investigate the crime, and he quickly realizes that the murder was carefully planned. The killer left almost no clues behind, and there were no witnesses to the crime. The only things left behind were two cigarette butts and a pair of glasses.

Columbo begins his investigation by interviewing everyone who was present at the magic show, including Santini's assistant, Julie, and the owner of the theater, Max Dyson. He quickly learns that everyone had a motive to kill Santini, including a former partner who was cheated out of his share of the diamond.

As Columbo delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the murder was committed using a complex method involving smoke and mirrors. He also realizes that the killer had an accomplice who helped him or her get away with the crime.

Despite the lack of evidence, Columbo persists in his investigation, using his trademark observations and seemingly innocuous questions to get the witnesses to reveal crucial information. He also teams up with a forensic expert, who helps him uncover new clues that eventually lead to the killer's identity.

The tension builds as Columbo closes in on the murderer, using his wit and intelligence to discover a crucial piece of evidence that changes everything. Finally, at the end of the episode, Columbo reveals the identity of the killer in a dramatic scene that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Overall, "Murder, Smoke and Shadows" is a classic Columbo episode that features all of the elements that make the series so beloved by fans. With its intricate storyline, engaging characters, and unexpected twists and turns, it is sure to keep viewers guessing until the very end.