The Lt. Columbo Forum

An area where fans from all over can ask each other questions and voice their own ideas and opinions on anything Columbo.

This Forum is fondly dedicated in memory of  "cassavetes45"  (Carleen Zink),
Columbo's greatest fan and a great friend to us all.
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The Lt. Columbo Forum
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Re: Greenhouse Jungle

Yes, although I still think it's both reasons. Jarvis could definitely see Tony as a real danger when it comes to keeping the secret.

Re: Greenhouse Jungle

Yes, I see your point there, Grant. Tony probably would have folded like a two-dollar tent upon questioning; perhaps even questioning by Det. "Freddie" Wilson, thus spoiling the entire scam for poor old Jarvis. Realizing his scam for $300000 would go up in dust if Tony lives, Jarvis does the logical thing - he kills him.

Re: Greenhouse Jungle

I always thought that this episode had one of the weaker motives for murder. Tony may have been the "weak link" in the crime, but if there was no murder, there wouldn't have been much of a crime. Tony and Jarvis would only have been guilty only of breaking the trust before they were supposed to. As executor, I think Jarvis may have had the right to do that legally. Assuming he didn't, it's still not much of a crime to worry about.

Jarvis would have had half of the trust (about $1 million U.S.) if he didn't kill Tony. After killing Tony (and destroying a valuable automobile), Jarvis had twice that amount, but it was in cash! How can he spend it with police watching him?

It's a great episode, but the motive seems to have been an afterthought.