There are so many things wrong with Grand Deceptions from the absurd plot hole with the two boxes to the at times woeful level of acting skills on display.

Having said all that, for a reason I can never quite explain, I've always enjoyed watching this one.

Agreed, "Grand Deceptions" is a guilty Columbo pleasure of mine.

"Do you see this box marked 'military miniatures'? That would be toy soldiers, sir."
"Don't patronize me, Lieutenant!"

I'm glad I purchased the entire set of the Columbo episodes because I don't worry about the edited portions.

I thought it was the mud that solved the case. I didn't pay attention to the books, just the mud.

Interesting topic.