I have always liked Columbo. The one thing that is not realistic is how people come home and he's in their house or office and never presents a search warrant. He cannot just be in someone's house when they get home; not realistic! One needs a search warrant. He constantly breaks the law in this regard! Just one more thing and always needing a pencil are ridiculous transparent actions. He says and does ridiculous things that anyone can see through; very annoying! And, a lot of so-called evidence he presents wouldn't convict anyone!