The Water of Life sequence marks the first use of flashbacks in a Star Wars episode, be they theatrical or made for television.
Mother Talzin's appearance is based on the design for a "Sith Witch" that was an early idea for Darth Sidious' apprentice in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999). The design was finally rejected in favour of Darth Maul.
The effect used on Mother Talzin's voice is directly inspired by the effect used for "The Voice" used by the Bene Gesserit to influence and control people in the 1984 film Dune.
When the droid commander reports to Count Dooku that the Separatist ship has been destroyed, Count Dooku gives it the order to withdraw. The droid replies, "By your command." This is not often used in the Star Wars universe, but is a frequent response of Cylons to orders in the Battlestar Galactica universe.
The Nightsisters are somewhat reminiscent of the Bene Gesserit of Frank Herbert's "Dune" canon.