As he often does in the show, Tony gets upset about an animal matter: His childhood dog.
In the scene at the diner, Christopher (Michael Imperioli) is eating with his sponsor JT (Tim Daly) who is a screenwriter. JT mentions that he is soon meeting with television producer Dick Wolf and that good money could be made working on "Law & Order." Imperioli appeared on "Law & Order," in a guest appearance in season 6, and briefly as a series regular (ironically playing a detective) in season 15.
Young Livia is played by Laurie Williams, after previously being played by Laila Robins in seasons 1 and 3.
Tim Daly plays Chris's sponsor. Tim Daly was previously mentioned by name in the episode University.
The song played during the closing credits is "Melancholy Serenade," known primarily as the theme of The Jackie Gleason Show (1952).