S1E2: Death Lends a Hand

Unraveling "Death Lends a Hand": A Deep Dive into Columbo’s Investigation

Episode Summary

"Death Lends a Hand" is a classic Columbo episode that aired in 1971. The story follows investigator Brimmer, the head of a private security firm, who accidentally kills Lenore Kennicut, the wife of a wealthy newspaper publisher, after she threatens to expose his unethical methods. In a panic, he disposes of her body in an attempt to cover up the crime. Lieutenant Columbo, however, quickly sees through his deception and methodically builds his case against Brimmer.

Key Clues and Their Role in the Case

Columbo’s investigation relies on a series of small but significant clues that eventually unravel Brimmer’s carefully constructed alibi. Here’s a breakdown of the most crucial evidence:

1. The Contact Lens

One of the most important clues in the case is Lenore’s missing contact lens. Columbo deduces that she must have lost it during the struggle with Brimmer, and despite a thorough search, it is nowhere to be found at the crime scene where her body was dumped. This suggests she died elsewhere. When Columbo later finds the contact lens in Brimmer’s car, it directly ties the crime back to him.

Strengths: The contact lens is physical, irrefutable evidence that places Lenore inside Brimmer’s car, a location where she should never have been.

Weaknesses: Brimmer could argue that Lenore had visited his car earlier for an innocent reason and coincidentally lost the lens there. However, given her body’s location and the lack of evidence placing her anywhere else before her death, this defense would likely fall apart under scrutiny.

2. The Crime Scene Staging

Brimmer tries to make the murder look like a random roadside killing. However, Columbo notices inconsistencies, such as the lack of struggle marks on the ground and the carefully arranged position of the body, which suggest she was moved post-mortem.

Strengths: These inconsistencies make it clear that the crime was premeditated or at least covered up, eliminating the possibility of a robbery or random attack.

Weaknesses: The staged crime scene alone doesn’t point directly to Brimmer. While it raises suspicions, it requires additional evidence to definitively link him to the murder.

3. Brimmer’s Suspicious Behavior

From the beginning, Brimmer involves himself in the investigation, offering to help Lenore’s husband with his own private investigative resources. Columbo quickly realizes this is an attempt to control the flow of information and mislead the police.

Strengths: This psychological clue points to a guilty conscience and suggests Brimmer is trying to cover something up.

Weaknesses: This is circumstantial; aggressive involvement in an investigation does not necessarily mean guilt.

Overlooked or Alternative Clues

While the episode focuses on the contact lens as the smoking gun, other potential clues might have further strengthened the case:

• Brimmer’s cleaning habits: Given his meticulous nature, it’s possible forensic evidence (fibers, blood traces) could have been recovered from his car or clothing, reinforcing his guilt.

• Traffic or surveillance records: Although this is the 1970s, there might have been witnesses who saw Brimmer’s car near the scene at the time of the crime.

• Lenore’s last known movements: More scrutiny on who saw her last before entering Brimmer’s car might have sped up the investigation.

Could Brimmer Defend Himself in Court?

While Columbo expertly traps Brimmer with the contact lens evidence, a skilled defense attorney could attempt several counterarguments:

1. The Contact Lens Explanation: The defense could argue that Lenore lost her lens earlier and that its presence in Brimmer’s car is a coincidence.

2. Lack of Direct Witnesses: No one saw Brimmer commit the murder, which means the prosecution relies on circumstantial evidence.

3. Alternative Suspects: Without a murder weapon or a confession, Brimmer could attempt to shift suspicion onto an unknown attacker.

Final Verdict: Would Brimmer Be Convicted?

Despite potential defenses, the weight of evidence—especially the contact lens—makes a conviction likely. The combination of Brimmer’s suspicious involvement in the case, the forensic proof tying Lenore to his car, and the inconsistencies in his version of events would be compelling to a jury. While not an open-and-shut case, the prosecution would have a strong argument that Brimmer had both motive and opportunity, leading to a probable conviction.

Conclusion

"Death Lends a Hand" is a brilliantly constructed Columbo episode, demonstrating the detective’s keen observational skills and psychological insight. The case against Brimmer, though not flawless, is compelling enough to secure a conviction. His fatal mistake—overconfidence in his ability to control the narrative—ultimately leads to his downfall. As always, Columbo proves that no detail is too small in the pursuit of justice.