Experience Tumblr like never before
Similarities between Columbo and Vimes:
Always finds the criminal(s)
Absolutely love and worship their wives
Cigar addicts
Always investigating/mingling with the rich, but doesn't fit in with that crowd.
Later has other, younger detectives following them around and introducing new ideas and techniques.
Short little guys.
Not to mention that Pratchett wrote something along the lines of "Being investigated by Vimes was like being nibbled to death by a duck." (I couldn't find the exact quote, but I know it exists somewhere.)
Which is a play on Peter Falk's quote about Columbo:
"Being chased by Columbo is like being nibbled to death by a duck."
This was fun. Thanks for bringing it up!
Vimes and Columbo have so much in common it's crazy. (They're both coppers and are completely devoted & worship their wives)