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Reverse Columbo

Columbo is an American crime drama television series starring Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo, a homicide detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. He presents as a disarmingly bumbling idiot and leaves a room only to return with the catchphrase "Just one more thing" to ask a critical question which would reveal he is indeed a highly intelligent investigator and had caught his quarry in a lie. The Reverse Columbo is when someone purports to be smart and then asks a question that reveals they are fucking dumb as a box of hammers.
So you say you are doing research into childhood cancer. I was tempted to go into a similar career in medical research . I loved science all through school. Have you always wanted to be a Scientologist?”

“Wow that was a Reverse Columbo!”
by Smudge wrangler January 12, 2026
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