Second of three appearances by F-Troop alumna Melody Patterson, who was from 1970-77 the real life wife of James MacArthur (Danny 'Danno' Williams).
"Nightmare in Blue" was sharply criticized in an October 6, 1974 New York Times article by novelist and journalist Caryl Rivers headlined "TV Has Fun With Robbery, Arson and Kidnapping. So Why Not Rape?" Rivers wrote, "The Hawaii Five-O episode featured what I can only describe as 'glamour rape.' ... The rape on Hawaii Five-O was not horrifying, not ugly. 'Titillating' is the word for the way it was presented. Lovingly, the camera stalked the rapist's victims. It peeped at shapely legs in mini-skirts, leered at a wiggly walk, watched a swaying bottom. It made rape seem like a subject for a Playboy centerfold, an incident without terror and pain." Rivers' essay also discussed how rape was portrayed in A Case of Rape (1974) and The Hunters (1974).
In a rare display of major frustration, the usually composed McGarrett violently kicks the door of his office leading out to the balcony when the investigation has seemingly stalled.
During the stake out scene it is odd that a highly trained policewoman would fail to be suspicious of Stark, as he was not wearing a name plate on his shirt.
It is learned from HPD Captain Harada that a number of officers are on patrol in their own vehicles.