The code on the phone, "What's the frequency, Kenneth?" is a reference to the R.E.M. song of the same name, which itself references a 1986 attack on reporter Dan Rather in which the attacker kept repeating the phrase, "Kenneth, what's the frequency?"
According to the marshal, Ronald wants the death penalty taken of the table. Of the states that currently retain the death penalty, Montana is the only one that has not handed down a death sentence in the 21st century. The last time the state sentenced a defendant to death was in 1996.
This episode's original title was "Chances Are", so named after the Johnny Mathis song which is featured.
John Carroll Lynch's character last appeared in the ninth episode of the season. In this episode, we learn for the first time that he had a twin brother, heralding Lynch's return to the show in the second season.