A Deadly State of Mind - S4-E6
Trivia: Unusually enough for a television show devoted to a homicide detective and the way he unravels the plans of cunning murderers, the fact is that Columbo has nothing to do in this episode. Doctor Collier is seriously assaulted by Carl Donner who then goes on to violently attack his wife. Use of deadly force to prevent such an attack is allowed in the United States. Collier does not commit murder; he doesn't even commit a crime. You'd think such a hightly educated man would know enough to keep his head, call the police and explain what had happened. He wouldn't even be charged.
Trivia: Peter Falk's real-life wife appeared in 6 episodes, each time as a different character.
Trivia: Columbo's first name is never mentioned throughout the series. However in a few episodes, such as "Dead Weight", "A Matter of Honor" and "Death Hits the Jackpot" he flashes his badge and the name "Frank" can clearly be seen.
Trivia: A clever, subtle hint as to Mason's guilt - Columbo arrives at the animal pound just in time to stop him feeding Laurel and Hardy (the dogs he trained to kill on command) a large amount of chocolate treats. He has planned this murder meticulously, and he would be aware that chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs. The amount he is planning to feed them from the bulging bag of large chocolate balls he is holding would kill both dogs within hours if ingested.
Trivia: Columbo's wardrobe for the show was Peter Falk's own clothes.
Trivia: In episode 10-3 the murderer smokes "Victory" brand cigarettes. In episode 10-2 the victim smokes "Victory." I have a suspicion that "Victory" cigarettes would be the only brand seen in any episode.
Dead Weight - S1-E4
Trivia: Kate Reid in this episode plays Mrs. Walters, the mother of Helen Stewart (Suzanne Pleshette). In real life, Reid was only seven years older than Pleshette.
Death Hits the Jackpot - S11-E1
Trivia: The car Freddy is looking at is a Dino 308 GTS (made by Ferrari, but not officially a Ferrari), which was manufactured from 1977 to 1980. (The photo and the car in the dealership has the rear side window slats from the later 308GTSi.) Freddy is going to pay $175,000 for the car. That car, when new, cost slightly more than $30,000, and the most expensive 308 Dino ever sold went for $159,500. (The Magnum P.I. Dino was at auction, expecting to fetch $150,000 to $250,000).
Death Hits the Jackpot - S11-E1
Trivia: Freddy's fake watch is a "Le Sur 2600." It has a day window across the 12 position (like a Rolex Day-Date), but it does not display a day.
Answer: In the show, he was already a Lieutenant. A promotion would put him in the next rank up, which for the L.A.P.D. would be Captain. However, some of a Captain's duties would be overseeing other officers and ensuring they're compliant with policies, regulations, and standards. It would also most likely take him out of the field. This is something Columbo has no desire for as he rarely goes to police HQ's. Nor does he show interest in compliance and standards (for example, not going to his semi-annual evaluation at the firing range). However, he could still be assigned to a higher pay grade based on expertise, which is a form of promotion that does not include rank advancement. This would be going from Lieutenant I to Lieutenant II. I don't believe in the show it's ever started what his pay grade is. Although, in s02e01 (I believe) he mentions making $11K a year. Whether or not this was a true statement on his part, if you could find pay scale information for an LAPD Lieutenant in the 70's, it could give you an idea of his pay grade.
Bishop73