This marks the last time that Buffy's birthday is celebrated in the series. Spike comments that, because supernatural events have a history of occurring on Buffy's birthday, she should probably stop celebrating them. Buffy traditionally celebrates her birthday around the 12th or 13th episode of each season; her birthday takes place in episode 13 of Season Two (Innocence (1998)), episode 12 of Season Three (Helpless (1999)), episode 12 of Season Four (A New Man (2000)), and episode 13 of Season Five (Blood Ties (2001)).
In Dawn's classroom, the teacher is saying, "... if we can come up with things Jim lost during his years in Shanghai, and things he gained." She is referring to author J.G. Ballard, whose autobiographical novel "Empire of the Sun" was adapted to film in Empire of the Sun (1987).
Xander makes reference to Children of the Corn (1984). Nicholas Brendon played a role in Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995).
Buffy's line was cut due to length: "All the good ones got picked off by that lady with the wig. Lay off."
Willow and Anya's exchange was cut due to length:
- Willow: "I'll be fine."
- Anya: "This isn't some weird definition of 'fine' that means hiding in your room and crying?"
- Willow: "No."
- Anya: "Because we're tired of the crying."