

“An Exercise in Fatality”,

was the first episode of Columbo’s fourth season. Featuring Robert Conrad as the health spa mogul, Milo Janus, he brutally protects his offshore interests by killing one of his franchise owners. It may have been a poor life decision but not bad as expecting to outsmart Lt. Columbo.

The villain, victim, method, and motive

Columbo facts and trademarks

Lt. Columbo learns about:

Phone recording machines and living healthy.

Mrs. Columbo:

Needs help hosting guests with Chinese food. Was depressed and ate pasta. But she started watching the Milo Janus television show and started exercising.



Dog:

Not seen.



This Old Man:

Columbo sings to himself on the beach just before disturbing Milo’s swim off the beach.



Brown paper bag:

Seen early when Columbo enters the crime scene carrying his coffee thermos. Seen late when he carries Gene Stafford’s shoes in it.



San Francisco:

Not mentioned.



Chili or ice cream:

Lt. Columbo talks about enjoying a bowl of chili and a rare steak now and then. Made a short-lived promise to give up chili.



Shoes:

Gene Stafford’s shoes were key evidence.



“An Exercise in Fatality”, Season 4 Episode 1



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