Frank Gorshin was in a contract dispute with the producers and was replaced with John Astin in this episode.
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.
The character of "Anthony Aquilla", described as an exiled South American dictator, bears a strong resemblance to Fidel Castro.