Groovy Clues and Bell-Bottom Blues: Untangling a 1970s “Howcatchem”
The crossword puzzle. A daily ritual, a mental sparring match, a quiet corner carved out of a hectic day. We grapple with cryptic clues, celebrate moments of insight, and occasionally succumb to the dreaded “stare blankly at the grid” phase. But that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? The constant challenge, the intellectual workout, the satisfying
click
when that final letter falls into place.
Today’s post delves into a clue that evokes a specific era, a certain
je ne sais quoi
of polyester, platform shoes, and perfectly feathered hair. The clue points to a “howcatchem,” that wonderfully descriptive term for a type of television show that was all the rage back in the day.
Picture this: the 1970s. Avocado green appliances reigned supreme. Disco balls shimmered in dimly lit clubs. And on television screens across the nation, a new kind of crime drama was unfolding. These weren’t your average police procedurals. They didn’t just show you
who
committed the crime; they painstakingly detailed
how
they did it.
The “howcatchem” formula was ingenious. We, the audience, were privy to the criminal’s meticulously planned scheme from the very beginning. We saw the gears turning, the dominoes falling, the intricate web being spun. The tension wasn’t about discovering the culprit’s identity; it was about watching the police, the investigators, the good guys, slowly but surely piece together the puzzle and ultimately foil the plan.
This format flipped the traditional detective narrative on its head. Instead of following the detectives’ investigation after the crime had already occurred, we were in on the action from the start. We knew the murderer’s motives, their methods, their every move. The suspense stemmed from the anticipation of whether the detectives could figure it out in time.
The appeal was undeniable. It was like being given the answers to a complex riddle and then watching someone else struggle to solve it. We felt smarter, more engaged, more involved in the narrative. We were armchair detectives, shouting instructions at the screen, mentally comparing our own deductions to those of the on-screen investigators.
These shows were often characterized by a smooth, almost jazzy soundtrack, adding to the cool, calculated atmosphere. The dialogue was sharp and witty, often delivered with a knowing wink to the audience. The fashion, of course, was quintessential 70s – wide lapels, bold patterns, and plenty of bell-bottoms.
These shows often featured charismatic detectives, capable but flawed. They were the perfect foil to the often cold, calculating criminals they were pursuing. The cat-and-mouse game was always compelling, and the satisfaction of seeing the villain’s carefully laid plans unravel was immensely gratifying.
So, think back to those bell-bottom days, the days of shag carpeting and the emergence of a unique sub-genre of television. The crossword clue hints at a 1970s “howcatchem” TV series, a show that captivated audiences with its intricate plots and clever detectives. Let the clues simmer, and the answer will eventually emerge.
Available Answers:
COLUMBO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0725-25 NY Times Crossword 25 Jul 25, Friday