The actual case is resolved early during a short, awkward exchange featuring the Lieutenant in a neck brace. The rest of the episode is a glossy, juicy soap opera focused on Trish Van Devere's character continually fighting against ever-mounting forces that have been pre-determined to close in on her.
One of the most controversial and universally hated episodes - especially among Columbo fans - Last Salute is definitely an acquired taste...BUT...if you can look past the dumb unnecessary quirks which McGoohan the director injects into the main character - it's actually quite a fun romp.
Can one be self-absorbed to the point of having an identity crisis? I'm not sure Patrick McGoohan or Peter Falk can answer that question, although McGoohan thinks the elaborate ruse he's created is the answer, or could be mildly interesting. The best it gets is an unintentional laugh out of the genial lieutenant, blurting out "Mah Jong" a few times after a glass of wine.
