Although Columbo has spoken Italian in several previous episodes, he claims to have never learned the language. As such, it's possible that Columbo makes up a new backstory depending on the suspect to whom he is speaking.
One of only a few episodes in which Columbo is physically attacked.
Columbo complains about the clams he ate the evening before and is offered 'vongele' by Fortelli. This is a reference to Rod Steiger's comments in W.C. Fields and Me (1976). He always blames 'bad clams' for leaving any production featuring Charles Chaplin.
Both Peter Falk and George Wendt had previously made cameos in Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters" music video.
This episode takes place in October 1994.