According to an interview with Piper Laurie on "TV Legends", another role was initially required for this episode; the big name star hired for it shot a scene, then decided the role wasn't big or interesting enough and promptly left the set. Two more actors were hired, but in the end, the role was written out and some new scenes written and filmed. Asked if this might put her off more television roles, Piper replied that there is a lot of pressure on producers and directors of television and it would, indeed, not put her off at all.
In-joke: Jack thinks he's beaten Ben at tap dancing. Other than actor, Gregory Hines who plays Ben was a renown tap dancer and he gets to show it here.