"Elsbeth"

Columbo is finally back.  It took decades.  People have been trying, and trying, and copying the Columbo model for years.  With little success.  The trick wasn't to copy the idea.  Even if it was original.  The idea that we know the killer, the motive, the method in the first 20 minutes was unique.  Making this a "how are they going to get caught?" rather than a "Whodunit?" was brilliant.  But the key to it all was Peter Falk.  And he couldn't be replicated.  With Carrie Preston, however, we finally have an honorable character to pass the baton to.  Ms. Preston infuses her character, Elsbeth, with the perfect balance.  She seems innocent and simple yet has that determined annoying quality which drives killers insane.  The writing supports this and the New York setting gives it verve.  The supporting cast may take a while to gel, but overall, I say home run.