Mary Stuart Masterson makes the first of five appearances as psychologist Rebecca Hendrix in this episode. In reality, she was brought in as a temporary replacement while series regular BD Wong (Dr. Huang) was appearing in the Broadway musical "Pacific Overtures." Wong would return in the episode Quarry (2005) - four episodes later.
Dallas Roberts has appeared in five episodes of SVU, as two different characters: 6.9, "Weak", as Thomas Mathers. 16.20, "Daydream Believer", as Greg Yates. 17.01, "Devil's Dissections", as Greg Yates. 17.02 "Criminal Pathology", as Greg Yates. 17.14, "Nationwide Manhunt", as Greg Yates.
Annie the manicurist sarcastically says "Isn't that the Unabomber?". This is in reference to Ted Kaczynski (b.1942, d.2023), an American mathematician, recluse, and domestic terrorist. Between 1978 and 1995, Kaczynski murdered three individuals, and injured 23 others, in a nationwide mail bombing campaign against people he believed to be advancing modern technology, and enabling the destruction of the natural environment. Before his identity was known, the media named him the "Unabomber" (University and Airline Bomber). A suspect sketch of the Unabomber was released in February 1987, following a Salt Lake City, Utah, bombing. The sketch was superseded by a more iconic sketch by Jeanne Boylan in 1994, but it featured the first view of the suspect in his infamous hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses. The composite sketch in this episode is very similar. Kaczynski was captured in 1994, and in June 2023, he died by suicide in prison, age 81.
The doctor says "Start her on five migs of Zyprexa B-I-D". Migs means "milligrams". Zyprexa, also known as Olanzapine, is an anti-psychotic medication that can treat several mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. B-I-D is a medical abbreviation for "bis in die", which in Latin means twice a day.