Endearing, Enigmatic Columbo Trivia Quiz

Answer: Peanut butter and raisin sandwiches

Columbo claims the combination of raisins and peanut butter is far superior to a PBJ. In one episode, he manages to convince a witness of the merits of his unusual sandwich, which they then enjoy together in the victim's kitchen.

Answer: He chews, rather than cuts, the ends off the cigars

The murder suspect feels only a savage chews the ends of cigars; a gentleman uses a cutter. Columbo tries the cigar in the suspect's way and is revolted by the amount of tobacco in his mouth.

Answer: Boiled eggs

Columbo often shows up with boiled eggs in one hand and shells in the other. He then spends the better part of the scene looking for a repository for the shells. In one episode a young police officer has the shells dumped in his hands with instructions to find a suitable means of disposal.

Answer: "This Old Man"

With a knick knack, paddy whack, give a dog a bone! Often the accompanying soundtrack includes versions of the tune as well.

Answer: He can't shoot and doesn't like guns

In one episode, Columbo is tracked down by superior officers and required to submit to a test of his shooting ability, because he hasn't completed his annual firearm test for five to ten years. Under questioning, he is forced to admit that he isn't even sure where his police issued pistol is. He eventually convinces an expert shot on the force to take the required test in his stead.

Answer: A basset hound named Dog

Columbo never comes up with a name for his canine companion, other than Dog. In one episode he explains that the dog won't come to him, no matter what he is called, so Dog is good enough.

Answer: Playing the tuba

In one episode, he delights a group of school children by playing a ditty on the tuba. He admits it was the only instrument left in high school when he signed up for band.

Answer: It's not known for sure

It was never clear in the series whether Columbo and Mrs. Columbo had children or not. For instance, in one show Columbo indicates that he and his wife never had children; in another episode, however, he assures a suspect he will bring his wife to dinner, provided he can find a babysitter. Maybe he means a babysitter for Dog? This can be explained in a couple of ways: in many episodes, Columbo was known to provide contradictory information as he often manipulated suspects by so doing, or it could have been that his family was growing as the series progressed; thus he may not have had children in the earlier shows, but had a family as the years went by.

Answer: Chili and crackers

He loves his chili! Even when it is several days old and a slight green in cast. He admits that crackers render a good chili superlative.

Answer: Frank

In one episode, in reply to a suspect asking for his first name, he responds "Lieutenant. In another episode, it is revealed as Frank on his police badge.