A Deadly State of Mind - S4-E6
Other mistake: Right before Columbo tricks Doctor Collier into incriminating himself, he places Collier under arrest, even showing him the warrant. At no time does Columbo inform Collier of his Miranda Rights; meaning that Collier's self-incriminating statements would not be admissible in court. Although the series typically features Columbo cornering the culprit in a way that is unlikely to hold up in court; this particular example stands out as Columbo has torpedoed his own case. If he had not placed Collier under arrest and let him incriminate himself then the statements (in front of witnesses) would be admissible as evidence.
A Deadly State of Mind - S4-E6
Plot hole: (Spoiler) Mrs. Donner screams in fright just as she jumps to her death from her balcony. This seems unreasonable since she believes herself to be going for a swim (under post-hypnotic suggestion) The scream is heard by a later witness to help establish time of death. If she suddenly realized the deadliness of her act, why would she continue with it?
A Deadly State of Mind - S4-E6
Continuity mistake: When Columbo asks if he can borrow the psychiatrist's lighter, the man has his cigarette in his mouth and a newspaper in his left hand as he reaches into his pocket for the lighter. In the next shot, as he hands the lighter to Columbo, the cigarette has jumped into his left hand with the newspaper. (00:27:40)
A Deadly State of Mind - S4-E6
Plot hole: Collier's relationship with Nadia Donner is wildly improper, and her husband knows about it. It seems unlikely that nothing was done about it.
Answer: Columbo deduces that the first blow must have been to the front of the head, the force causing the victim to fall backwards and hitting the back of his head hard on the ground.
raywest ★