YMMV / Columbo S 05 E 02

• Alternative Character Interpretation: Was King Hamid Kamal really intending to have Hassan executed? Or was that a bluff to make Hassan agree to a full confession? Hamid Kamal wanting to push Suari in a progressive direction would be at odds with enforcing such a punishment. On the other hand, given Hassan's reaction and the seriousness of the crime, it seems an execution was guaranteed. Alternatively, given how fast Hamid Kamal lets Hassan be arrested, Columbo having the confession papers ready, and their interaction right after Hassan leaves the room, it gives more weight to him preferring Hassan to just be convicted of the murder.
• Harsher in Hindsight: Sal Mineo was murdered less than six months after this episode aired. He was also the second Columbo victim to have been murdered in real life. The first was Barbara Colby from season one.