Benedict stages Jenifer’s death as a suicide by gas asphyxiation. To create an alibi, he "naps" in his dressing room at the Hollywood Bowl before a concert, but actually slips out to commit the crime.

Columbo uses news and concert footage to prove Benedict was not wearing the flower during the performance, but had it immediately afterward at the crime scene. Benedict's wife, Janice (Blythe Danner), ultimately refuses to lie for him, sealing his fate. Key Episode Trivia

In addition to Cassavetes and Danner, the episode features Hollywood legend Myrna Loy as Benedict's mother-in-law.

In the Season 2 premiere, " Étude in Black " (1972) , the rumpled Lieutenant faces off against Alex Benedict (John Cassavetes), a world-renowned conductor who murders his mistress, concert pianist Jenifer Welles, to protect his career and marriage to a wealthy heiress. Plot Summary

While at the crime scene, a carnation falls from Benedict's lapel. He later picks it up in front of Columbo, but the Lieutenant notices it was missing during the earlier televised concert.

This episode marks the first appearance of Columbo’s lethargic Basset Hound , whom he eventually names "Dog".