This story refers to a dead man named "Jacques Futrelle". This was also the name of a real person, an American journalist and mystery writer who died in 1912 at age 37; he was a passenger aboard the RMS "Titanic". He is best known for writing short detective stories featuring Professor Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, also known as "The Thinking Machine"; the first of these stories appeared in 1905. The "thinking machine" is a renowned sleuth known for his application of logic to any and all situations, especially to the "locked room mysteries" so beloved of Jonathan Creek. The real Futrelle's last book was published posthumously and dedicated by his widow to the officers and men of the "Titanic".
When they are "introduced," Jonathan makes a crack about liking Joey Ross in 'Sgt. Bilko.' This is a reference to the actor Joe E. Ross who appeared in 'The Phil Silvers Show' (also known as Sgt. Bilko).
First new episode in over five years.
The eponymous painting by Hieronymous Bosch, "The Grinning Man," does not actually exist and was made up for this show.
Debut of Sheridan Smith as Joey Ross.