For the second time in the series' run, Rockford has a run-in with the ficticious 'National Intelligence Agency' (the first being in 'The Dog and Pony Show' from the 4th season). For some reason, the show's producers were unwilling to call it the Central Intelligence Agency. In the 70's, and in many circumstances even today, using the CIA or FBI by name would generally require the story receiving script approval - not for nefarious reasons, but, rather to make sure the agency is shown in a professional manner. It's for this reason, agents in The X-Files had identification which read 'Federal Bureau,' as there is no branch of the F.B.I. which handles paranormal activities (or is there..?).
The building used as Col. Huxley's place (which was located nowhere near Paradise Cove) was also used on "Exit Prentiss Carr", "A Portrait of Elizabeth", "The Deep Blue Sleep", "In Hazard", "The Fourth Man", and "Feeding Frenzy".
The events in the story took place from January 10 through January 12. The show first aired on January 12, 1979.
{The Battle-Ax and the Exploding Cigar (#5.13)} was being filmed while California was having wild fires in Southern California. Just before {James Garner} was going to drive a car with {}Marge Redmond's stunt double {}Leslie Hoffman, he was informed that the fire had come dangerously close to his house. James left the set, to try to save his home. His stunt double, {Roydon Clark}, took his place to film the scene.