Michael Landon originally wrote this script for Dan Blocker. Because of Blocker's death in May 1972 (two months before filming), Landon was forced to re-write the script, pressing Little Joe - the Cartwright who had lost many other girlfriends to death throughout the show's run - into the spotlight role. There are several allusions to Dan Blocker's death, including a scene where Joe and Ben grieve over the tragic circumstances surrounding Alice's murder (Michael Landon and Lorne Greene cry in each other's arms, which was very out of character for Joe and Ben). Later there is a zoom-in on a picture of the now-deceased Hoss on Joe's dresser.
Originally shown as a 2-hour episode, for later broadcasts, it was shown in 2 parts. Part 2 had a recap of scenes from Part 1 at the beginning.
With this episode, the show returned to using its original theme music.
Bonne Bedelia, who played Alice Harper, would go on to play Holly McClane, wife of John McClane played by Bruce Willis in the movie "Die Hard". She also is the aunt of Macaulay Culkin, who played Kevin McCallister in the movie "Home Alone".