The episode title "Conscious Unthroupling" stems from the term "conscious uncoupling" which was famously used by Gwyneth Paltrow when she announced her separation from Chris Martin. Gwyneth Paltrow is now married to Brad Falchuk, creator and writer of The Politician and Glee, where they first worked together.
William talks to Hadassah about starring in a production of Fiddler On The Roof. Bette Midler, who plays Hadassah, started in Fiddler On The Roof on Broadway.