Alexis makes her first appearance in this episode (the last one of the season), but she's played by an extra. The producers wanted Joan Collins for the role, but the network thought she was too old. The producers fought for Collins all summer and won. She made her debut in the role in the first episode of the second season.
Last episode for Bo Hopkins, Katy Kurtzman and Wayne Northrop. Northrup would return at the start of Season 7 while Hopkins would show up again at the tail end of Season 7 and the start of Season 8.
The 1981 Writers Guild of America strike delayed the premieres of many Fall 1981 series, including Dynasty, resulting in the original audience having to wait just under six months to meet surprise witness Alexis Carrington. This first season finale aired on April 20, and the second season premier wasn't broadcast until November 11, 1981.