This episode features an extensive flashback that bridges the gap between Batman: The Animated Series (1992) and this series explaining why Dick Grayson, the original Robin, quit crime-fighting with Batman and became Nightwing, a hero of his own as well as how Batgirl got closer to Batman. This flashback was adapted into issues #1 and #2 of the limited series, "The Batman Adventures: The Lost Years", written by Hilary Bader with artwork by Bo Hampton, Terry Beatty which came out 9 months before this episode aired on Kids WB. Issue # 3, which was never adapted, expanded on what happened to Dick Grayson after he left and how he became Nightwing.
This is the second episode to feature all four Bat-Family Heroes (Batman, Robin, Batgirl, and Nightwing) in their costumes (although Batman and Batgirl are only seen in the flashback). The other episode to show all four heroes in costume is Over the Edge (1998). However, neither episode shows all four together in costume at the same time.
Some growing tension and changing nature of Bruce and Dick's relationship was previously established in the Batman: The Animated Series (1992) episodes, Robin's Reckoning: Part I (1993), Robin's Reckoning: Part II (1993), and Night of the Ninja (1992). But it seemed to worsen in the flashback as Batman became more driven in his mission.
This is the only episode to feature Dick Grayson in his Robin costume as he is Nightwing in present day and no longer using the Robin identity. Interestingly Dick Grayson's old red and green Robin costume is the only design used from Batman: The Animated Series (1992) in the flashback sequence. Batman, Batgirl, and even The Joker all feature their new revamp looks and costume that they regularly wear in this series. However, in the comic book adaptation, "The Batman Adventures: The Lost Years" Issues #1 and #2, all character features their original designs and costumes from "Batman: The Animated Series" and its comic spin-off "The Batman Adventures".