Frank Gorshin was in a contract dispute with the producers and was replaced with John Astin in this episode.
The character of "Anthony Aquilla", described as an exiled South American dictator, bears a strong resemblance to Fidel Castro.
Trapping "Señor Aquilla" in the rod puzzle was similar to what happened in Riddler's first comic appearance (Detective Comics #140) where he trapped a "Mr. Eagle" in a puzzle made of twisted steel bars.