That said, Columbo still seems like Kira’s Kryptonite

As a Death Note fan when I was younger, I really enjoy reading this, especially about this Columbo guy because I haven't heard of him (which gives me a another series to watch after I finish my backlog).

But I feel many of these scenarios make Kira too passive. You need to remember that when the FBI was investigating him, he was able to kill not only Raye Penber, the agent who was stalking him, but also all the FBI investigators who were in that case, in the same day. I believe surviving the encounter with Kira is a big factor to keep in mind when making these scenarios.

Add Misa Amane on the mix, and the scales tip on Kira's side. (I think L was very lucky Misa couldn't do anything in time after their first encounter).