Factual error: In common with a number of characters in numerous episodes, Columbo hopelessly contaminates crucial evidence - at the end of the episode he handles the surgical gloves used by the killer with bare hands.
Factual error: This episode perpetuates the Hollywood myth that being shot in the upper thigh results in a minor, treatable injury. Galesko shoots himself in the thigh at point-blank range. This would almost certainly break his femur and rupture his femoral artery. If he was lucky enough to avoid such injuries - which is extremely unlikely - he won't be walking anywhere for weeks, even with a walking stick.
Factual error: The nurse is smoking a cigarette in the sick bay. By 1975, when the show was recorded, that would not happen.
Factual error: The nurse brings Danziger a sedative and takes his blood pressure. She has her stethoscope in her ears backwards. A qualified nurse would not make that mistake. When she comes in after the murder to do it again, she has the stethoscope in correctly.
Factual error: Several times, the revolver used to murder the singer is referred to as a "Weatherby" or "British Weatherby." Weatherby is an American manufacturer of rifles and shotguns; they do not make handguns. The revolver used is a Webley, which is of British manufacture.
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 hit the back of his head hard on the ground.
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