Season 5, Episode 3, Columbo - Identity Crisis (1975)

Season 5, Episode 3, Columbo - Identity Crisis (1975)

 

 

This episode was directed by Patrick McGoohan, and written by William Driskill, Richard Levinson and William Link. 

 

The three best outfits in this episode are: 

 

1) Nelson Brenner, CIA spy, in a white jacket and plaid pants: 

 

 

He's wearing a jazzed up white disco blazer

 Paired with a russet red turtleneck and plaid flare pants, he cuts a striking figure. 

 

2) The Carnival Photographer's psychedelic button down: 

This shirt is a dream, as is the navy and red western get up walking through the frame. 

Psychedelic disco casual men's leisurewear on display at the photo booth. 

 

3) Nelson Brenner twinning with Janice Benedict from S3E1 Etude in Black in a yellow turtleneck and navy shacket: 

This is a good look, worthy of recycling. 

 

 

The navy with white contrast stitching is nautical and sporty, and the yellow ribbed knit turtleneck underneath is a nice pop of color. 

Honorable mention for fashion goes out to carnival photographer Joyce in a red floral halter and bell bottoms:

And the CIA spy in blue and white striped denim: 

The funniest lines from this episode are when AJ Henderson tells Brenner that there's more privacy on a freeway

And when Columbo chats with a small child while eating a hot dog, about his dog, Dog's ability to swim like a fish

Bonus points for absurdity go out to the giant panda at the carnival

 

This whole scene feels like a hallucination.