The cast list in this episode is one of the longest in the series, and we're given a planetary adventure, and the first adventure on a non-Liberator/non-Scorpio starship since Mission to Destiny, if we discount the brief interludes on Sarcophagus and Death Watch. Like Mission to Destiny, it is a mystery-thriller (but not a whodunnit). The big cast, diverse locations and big plot give it a bit more of a filmic quality. Indeed, there's more than enough plot here to fill out a decent length film.
This episode is highly resonant with modern themes about human trafficking and gender stereotyping. It turns over the character of Tarrant in a way which is not resolved until Sand, later in the series.
This is the third episode of the final series to revolve around Servalan, after her reappearance in Traitor and in Animals.