I love Columbo and saw every episode of Falk's 30 some career playing this beloved character. This is by far one of the weakest episodes, mainly from a lack of direct evidence problem. It's a circumstantial case by far.
Although Columbo has determined that the young composer was drugged and placed on top of the roof elevator, he does not tie any direct evidence to the suspect. The drug used was also admittingly taken by Findlay for sleep, played as short tempered, actor Billy Connolly, and well established composer. The shoes were 2 sizes too big, so what? Granted, if this would have gone to court the motive would have been great since the young composer's work could be shown as stolen by Findlay.
Motive does not mean Findlay murdered him in the eyes of the law. It was a bit of a WTF happened when Findlay just fessed up in a Perry Mason moment. Rather than fight the arrest later in a court of law. I think a good lawyer could have gotten him off, and showed reasonable doubt. Sad yes, but that is how life really is.
Although Columbo has determined that the young composer was drugged and placed on top of the roof elevator, he does not tie any direct evidence to the suspect. The drug used was also admittingly taken by Findlay for sleep, played as short tempered, actor Billy Connolly, and well established composer. The shoes were 2 sizes too big, so what? Granted, if this would have gone to court the motive would have been great since the young composer's work could be shown as stolen by Findlay.
Motive does not mean Findlay murdered him in the eyes of the law. It was a bit of a WTF happened when Findlay just fessed up in a Perry Mason moment. Rather than fight the arrest later in a court of law. I think a good lawyer could have gotten him off, and showed reasonable doubt. Sad yes, but that is how life really is.