Criminals underestimated him—just as people had underestimated Falk his entire life.
Turning a “Flaw” Into a Signature
Falk’s glass eye became an integral part of Columbo’s character.
The subtle asymmetry in his gaze added to the detective’s unpredictability. You couldn’t quite read him. You couldn’t be sure what he was thinking.
It made his famous line—“Just one more thing…”—even more powerful.
Because behind that unassuming demeanor was a razor-sharp mind.
What Hollywood once saw as a limitation became one of the most distinctive features in television history.
The Power of Being Underestimated
There’s a deeper lesson in Falk’s story, and it goes beyond acting.
Being underestimated can be a disadvantage—but it can also be a powerful tool.
When people don’t expect much from you, they don’t guard themselves as closely. They reveal more. They relax.
Columbo used this to solve crimes.
Falk used it to build a career.
