Murder with Too Many Notes - S10-E13
Visible crew/equipment: When Columbo accompanies Sidney Ritter downstairs to see the elevator that goes to the roof, they are alone, but as Ritter says, "I can't think what use this could be to you," the abdomen (with hand in pocket) of a crew member, wearing a blue shirt and brown pants, is visible at the right side of the screen. (01:07:10)
Continuity mistake: When Columbo is talking with a cadet, Columbo says that he was in the army. Later, when the Colonel mentions 2200 hours, Columbo asks him what time that is. If Columbo had been in the army, he certainly would have known that 2200 hours is 10:00 PM.
Answer: In the show, he was already a Lieutenant. A promotion would put him in the next rank up, which for the L.A.P.D. would be Captain. However, some of a Captain's duties would be overseeing other officers and ensuring they're compliant with policies, regulations, and standards. It would also most likely take him out of the field. This is something Columbo has no desire for as he rarely goes to police HQ's. Nor does he show interest in compliance and standards (for example, not going to his semi-annual evaluation at the firing range). However, he could still be assigned to a higher pay grade based on expertise, which is a form of promotion that does not include rank advancement. This would be going from Lieutenant I to Lieutenant II. I don't believe in the show it's ever started what his pay grade is. Although, in s02e01 (I believe) he mentions making $11K a year. Whether or not this was a true statement on his part, if you could find pay scale information for an LAPD Lieutenant in the 70's, it could give you an idea of his pay grade.
Bishop73