This is the second time the season finale consisted of a variety show fundraiser. The first time was season 3' episode "The Rent Party." Coincidentally, Jimmie Walker (J.J.) didn't appear in either episode.
Thelma (Bern Nadette Stanis) dances to Odyssey's hit song "Native New Yorker" (1977). Although the show is set in City of Chicago, Bern Nadette Stanis was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and attended The Juilliard School in New York City, so she is in fact a Native New Yorker.
Gary Coleman starred on Different Strokes,and Janet Jackson also appeared as Willis's girlfriend.
J.J. (Jimmie Walker) does not appear in this episode.