The eight season moves into the 1970s, with DCI George Gently facing retirement. In the opening episode Gently discovers the victim's wife was convicted of the murder eight years ago, he decides to re-open the case; a controversial move. But DI Bacchus opposes Gently's decision, not least because he worked as a DS on the original investigation and putting mentor and protégé at complete odds.

Columbo, a disheveled, cigar-chomping, trench coat-wearing police lieutenant, who appears to be an incompetent bumbler. Despite his appearance, Columbo is the shrewdest, most resourceful detective in the LAPD.