As Jim Ferris was saying just before he was shot...This is the last time. That I can promise you.

If Clayton had heard the machine go off and turned it back on again, wouldn't that have completely destroyed any possibility of it being an accident? It would then be an obvious murder, and Clayton would be the obvious suspect.

Good point Cassa...I never made that connection!
And you are right E, the final clue does appear to be meaningless. I think it just sort of pains us sometimes to admit that a Columbo episodes has its flaws.

I agree, Paul. I think the reason why I am so bothered by this episode is because there is so much good stuff there, but it doesn't come together in a satisfying way. The ending is somewhat clever, but there are too many holes in Columbo's logic.