the characters, not the shows, in terms of behaviors and smarts.
They both appear to be quirky bumblers, but the whole time they're brilliant and actually way ahead of everybody else, up till the end when they pinpoint the perp. Just looks like they modeled Matlock's behavior and smarts off of Columbo.
I like the Matlock show, find it entertaining, but this thought has always hit me.
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Not too surprising since Matlock Creator Dean Hargrove served as Executive Producer on the original Columbo series. In fact the first episode of Matlock used the same video tape clue that appeared in Etude In Black.
Jesus is the Son of God and my Lord and savior. Pretty cool.
Samclyde, I know your post was years ago, but I just spotted it now, so I will respond.
I have to disagree with your assessment of Matlock being like Columbo. He loves his hot dogs and is tight with money and complains about things and loses his temper a lot--none of these characteristics by the way is shared with Columbo. But Matlock isn't seen stumbling around appearing to not be following the important clues like Columbo is. When he comes questioning suspects, the bad guys always seem to take him seriously.
Columbo frequently got friendly with the murderer who often figured he could outwit the lieutenant. Matlock much more often annoys the murderer when he questions him and gets chased away. He's more direct with his questions and threatens subpoenas when they clam up.
I just don't believe there's more than a tiny bit of similarity in the two. I love both series by the way.
Why don't we just shoot 'em down and be through with it?