Great analysis! I am a long-term Columbo fan who is also new to the forum, and I never thought about those connections before.

I have been considering putting together a post that details all of Columbo's recipes (like Pop's veal recipe in "Murder Under Glass", and his comical omelet recipe from "Murder by the Book"... no eggs, just milk!) from all the seasons, but I am missing about 5 of the episodes, including "A Friend Indeed," so thanks for reminding me of that one!

You're very welcome, Wendy! Sounds like a great idea for a post, too, since Columbo's proficiency in cooking is a notable trait of his. I've never been able to keep up with all the instances of him showing his culinary knowledge, so it would be interesting to see such a study!