This has the first use of Armenian language in the series. Not just a passing word, but an extended sequence without subtitles that delighted Armenians but must have baffled the general public. In the scene, Mannix speaks to Aram the salesman and then J.D. Arikonian the rug merchant.
Two of the actors in this episode (series regular Joseph Campanella and guest star Frank Campanella) are brothers, although their characters are not related.
This is the first episode in which Mannix's Armenian heritage is revealed.
This episode is the source of two shots used in the opening credits during subsequent seasons: one briefly shows Mannix driving a dune buggy, and the other (as the letters are spelling out his name over six different shots) depicting him diving to his left onto a sand dune, rolling over, and coming back up with his gun pointed at an assailant.
The location used for the mine is a familiar sight, as it was often used in 1950's, 60's, and 70's TV shows and movies. It was often used because of its close proximity to the studios. In fact, it's located at the foot of the mountain that is home to the famous Hollywood sign.