Eleven months after this episode aired, 7 Jan 1982, the Coast Guard helo, #1420, that intercepted T.C., crashed into a mountain 50 miles east of Honolulu. All three crew were killed. The co-pilot was the CG's first female helicopter pilot, Lt. Colleen Cain.
Starting this episode, different opening credits are used, using Mike Post and Pete Carpenter's familiar theme tune (already heard on the closing credits for the previous few episodes) on the opening credits. This theme would be used, in several versions, for the rest of the show's run.
A Federal Marshal is portrayed by Michael Spilotro. He was the brother of Las Vegas Mafia boss Anthony "Tony the Ant" Spilotro. On June 14, 1986, they were both murdered by members of the Chicago Outfit of the Italian Mafia. The double homicide was dramatized in the movie Casino.
The title comes from the German proverb that is translated: Blood is thicker than water.