Music:
- Theme from Shaft - Issac Hayes
- Town Called Malice - The Jam
- Love Cats - The Cure
- Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top
- Burning Down the House - Talking Heads
- The Sun Goes Down - Level 42
- To Cut a Long Story Short - Spandau Ballet
- Karma Chameleon - Culture Club
- Rockit - Herbie Hancock
- I.O.U. - Freeez
- Mama - Genesis
- Only You - Yazoo
Ray (Dean Andrews) says after seeing the stars, "Like we were bloody astronauts", which is sly dig at the ending of the final episode of US version of Life on Mars (2008), which was very much disliked by UK series co-creator and lead writer Matthew Graham. Later Chris (Marshall Lancaster) comments about Ray, "He was hallucinating earlier, thought he was Captain Kirk," referencing the famous US TV sci-fi series Star Trek (1966) (1966-1969) starring William Shatner as Captain Kirk. Also, Spizz Energy released the single "Where's Captain Kirk?" in 1983.
DCI Derek Litton (Lee Ross) mentions he has the Queen's Medal, referring to The Queen's Police Medal (QPM) which is awarded to police officers in the UK for gallantry or distinguished service.
Ravi Shanker is mentioned. Ravi Shankar was an Indian singer and musician famed for his playing of the Sitar, best remembered for his influence on Beatles guitarist George Harrison in the 60s.
Gloria (Camille Coduri) refers to toyboys, a term first coined in the 80s for young male lovers of older women.