Writer:	John T. Dugan
Director:	Jeremy Kagan
Star:	Peter Falk (Lieutenant Columbo (no first name))
Guest Star:	Dean Stockwell (Eric),  Val Avery (Ralph Dobbs),  Kathryn Kelly Wiget (Miss Johnson),  Richard Stahl (Mr. Fremont),  Don Keefer (Deputy Coroner),  Cliff Carnell (Plainclothesman),  Joe Renteria (Box Attendant),  Ivan Naranjo (Sgt. Hernandez),  Susan Howard (Eric's Wife),  Valerie Harper (Eva Babcock),  James Gregory (Coach Rizzo),  LeRoy Ellis (Himself (uncredited)),  Robert Culp (Paul Hanlon),  Dean Jagger (Walter Cunnell)

The set used as Wagner's house in this episode is a slightly remodeled version of the living room at Ken Franklin's house in "Murder by the Book." (edit) This is the second appearance for Robert Culp as the murderer. His first murder was in "Death Lends a Hand" in Season 1. (edit) 90 minutes long. (edit)

Columbo: Uh, sir?

Walter Cunnell: Yes?

Columbo: You don't mind if I ask you a personal question, do you?

Cunnell: No.

Columbo: What'd you pay for those shoes?

Cunnell: I think about 60 dollars.

Columbo: I stepped into some water yesterday and ruined mine. You don't know where I could find a pair that looks like that for around 16 or 17?

Cunnell (befuddled): 16 or 17? Sorry, I don't really, Lieutenant.

Columbo: Thank you. (edit) Paul Hanlon (angry): Columbo, I'm trying to watch this game! What is it?

Columbo: You know, you did the same thing the first time I came in here last Sunday. I guess that's what started me wondering.

Hanlon: I did what?

Columbo: You turned the radio down but not quite off. When I told you that Eric Wagner was dead. It's alright. I do the same thing. You know, when I'm listening to the game and my wife interrupts, I can't help myself. I want to hear that game and I don't care how the important the interruption.

Hanlon (annoyed): Your wife has my sympathy. (edit) Columbo: You now, I listened to this thing I can't tell ya how many times, over and over again, figuring maybe I'd hear something that shouldn't be there, some sound that shouldn't be there, an ambulance, a fire truck, like you were in a phone boothe, something...

Hanlon (impatiently): But you didn't because it isn't there. I made the call from this booth from that phone.

Columbo: Then it suddenly occurred to me. I had it backwards. Maybe there was a sound that should be there and wasn't. (edit) Hanlon (yelling): Columbo, I'm going to throw you out of here on your ear!

Columbo: I wouldn't do that, sir. I mean, you'll miss the best part. You see, I'm not finished. (edit)

During the pre-game chitchat, we hear the commentator state: "Today, all holds are barred." No idea what he means by that. The line is more usually heard as "No holds barred." (edit)

This episode does not have any allusions. Add some now!