This really isn't an answer, but I'd like to see a finale in which Peter passes the torch to someone else. He has had a Watson type in a couple of episodes--but never one that could replace him.
sean (a.k.a 'various names' )...peter has done interviews over the past year stating that he would love to do another columbo...the problem is that he likes one particular script and the studio likes another one...so as it stands right now, they are still at an impasse.........stay tuned...
I would love to see Columbo go on forever, too! But I don't think passing the torch is a very good idea. Once an actor has become so strongly identified with a character, anyone else in that role is bound to be a big disappointment. Any of us who grew up with Peter Sellers as Clouseau knows what I mean. No one else should ever play Fonzie, Archie Bunker and of course Columbo. Does anyone here remember Bea Arthurs attempt to step into John Cleeses Fawlty Towers Role?
'Nuff said!
Deadly serious! It was in the early eighties I believe, before Golden Girls. It was called Amanda's By The Sea. Bea Arthur played Amanda. Tony Rosario, a former SNL cast member, played Manuel. It tanked after a few episodes.
If anyone here ever saw a movie titled "A Shock to the System" starring Michael caine, recall there was a detective played by Will Patton who was a complete Columbo Jr. if ever there was one. From the absent-mindedness to the stick-to-the-suspect aspect of him, the mind games, etc.