The first-run airing closes with a modified version of Stephen J. Cannell 's production logo (Cannell typing on his typewriter, then pulling out the page; it flutters down to a stack of papers which curl into a series of concentric C's). Here, the words "Mentor, Colleague, Friend" have been added, and the pulled page now flutters out of frame, leaving "We'll miss you, pal" on the screen. Cannell passed away earlier that month.
First appearance of Beckett's boyfriend Josh.
When Ryan touches the DeLorean he shakes his hand and says it's cold. This is a reference to Back to the Future when Doc Brown sends the DoLorean one minute into the future and he touches it and says it's cold.
Castle nicknames Roland D'Andre as "D'Andre the Giant". Later on, Esposito asks "Why did he go Hulk Hogan on me?" This is a reference to the 80's legendary wrestling feud between Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant as part of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)). The feud culminated in 1987 with one of the biggest event in wrestling history, WrestleMania 3, which was attended by more than 90,000 people, an indoor attendance record at the time.
Victor Webster played the future husband of Alyssa Miliano in Charmed. Alyssa Miliano played a past girlfriend of Richard Castle.