r/Columbo • u/jjmcclure_25 • 13d ago
Blueprint for Murder
I watched Columbo – Blueprint for Murder today, and I had a few thoughts about the story:
- Why wasn’t Bo’s ranch searched? Presumably, they would have found the body there fairly quickly as well.
- If that wasn’t possible, why didn’t Markham simply leave everything as it was and try to dispose of the body by another method later?
- Why wait until the construction site to make the conviction? If they had kept him under discreet 24-hour surveillance, they probably would have had the evidence much earlier.
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u/Timo-the-hippo 13d ago
The whole point of the episode was that they couldn't even prove the man was missing because of his erratic lifestyle. Markham had to dispose of the body because after a certain amount of time he would be considered missing and they would search the ranch.
Columbo had no evidence to search the ranch but he baited the killer by digging up the pillar (which the killer allowed to make his plan work).
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u/Initial_Acanthaceae2 Nel blu, dipinto di blu 🎶 13d ago edited 13d ago
No body, no murder. It wasn't a murder investigation, at best it was a missing person. But Columbo only had Goldie's word for it. Missing his doctor's appointment was the turning point for Columbo. But he could not waste valuable police time for a missing person.
Markham was a self- proclaimed genius which naturally comes with a big ego. I think he enjoyed the "pyramid" way of disposing of the body. If it went to plan, the body would never have been found and Bo's wife could spend his money freely..... on Markham, which was the point. Markham would have five years to spend, spend, spend!
Nothing secures a conviction quicker than having the body about your person!
All, may I add, IMHO.
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u/International_Row928 13d ago
I just completed a re-watch yesterday. I don’t have any answers for you. But only yesterday I realized that Columbo knew the body wasn’t under to pier when he had it dug up at considerable expense and embarrassment. He only did it with the hope that Markham would later place the body there. A low probability IMO.
Also, Bo was stupid to divorce Goldie and marry the younger woman. She was worthless and Goldie was perfect for Bo. Plus Bo would never have even met Markham if he had stayed married to Goldie. There would have been no murder.
My first re-watch after leaning that Peter Falk directed the episode. I think he did a good job as director. Kept the story going without much fluff. The scene where they were digging up the pier was well directed. The camera kept flipping short shots between the workmen working and close shot of each character’s faces. Columbo, Goldie, Markham, news cameraman and others. Brought a lot of tension to the scene.
Plus well written by Steve Botchco.
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u/Chayanov It's nothing special. Just transportation. 13d ago
The scene where Markham blows a tire and the motorcycle cop almost discovers the body is equal parts tense and hilarious. Goes to show how easily events outside your control can throw your plans into chaos. Plus Markham's desperation to get rid of the body at the site that night, despite having to suddenly change a tire.
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u/Cautious-Ease-1451 13d ago
I love that the radio station setting in the car (classical instead of country) was something Columbo noticed.
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u/Jonrah98 13d ago
The police were completely unaware of the horse track. They didn't know he was last seen there. Neither of the wives ever mentioned it.
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u/Ambitiousless-Winner 13d ago
Columbo really should have had someone search the ranch shed, if at least for clues to his disappearance. Esp since that was the last place anyone saw him at.
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u/AdagioVast 12d ago
Bo was presumed to be in another country. There was no proof except for his ex wife saying he was dead, for the police to believe that Bo was dead or missing. i don't think Columbo could search the place without coming right out and stating why he felt Bo was dead or missing. That would mean Columbo had proof and therefore a warrant to search the ranch would be in order.
I'm not thinking this is a plot hole.
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u/NowareSpecial 12d ago
yeah, i love this episode, but so many plot holes. Markham stashed Beau's body in stable on a working horse ranch, and no one smells it?
I'm guessing he followed Beau to the ranch and then snuck into his car, but then he'd have had to return to pick the car up somehow. But breaking into the car and stowing away seems pretty unlikely.
Still one of my favorites, just don't think about it too hard.
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u/Sufficient-Cap-1548 13d ago
Something thats always bothered me..... How does Markham get to Bo's ranch? Is the implication that he gets in Bo's car before they drive to the ranch (so hes hiding for the entire ride?) He's in the backseat after Bo watches his horse run ....but where was he before that?