In 1997, TV Guide named this one of television's best individual series episodes of all time.
J.K. Simmons, who plays Jerry Luppin in this episode, later rejoined the cast in the recurring role of Dr. Emil Skoda.
Schiff says he wants the office of the District Attorney to be "Cleaner than Caesar's wife". This is a paraphrased version of the adage, "Caesar's wife must be above suspicion", which states that if you're attached to someone famous, you cannot be suspected of wrongdoing or caught behaving poorly.
The District Attorney's office on the show is often the subject of severe press scrutiny and Schiff wants to ensure they do things by the book and don't even give a hint of wrongdoing or favoritism.
The District Attorney's office on the show is often the subject of severe press scrutiny and Schiff wants to ensure they do things by the book and don't even give a hint of wrongdoing or favoritism.
This episode appears to be based on several different cases/incidents:
- The 1991 Brooklyn Crown Heights riot and killings.
- The 1991 Latasha Harlins case and its relation to the Los Angeles riots.
- The 1992 Reginald Denny beating case.
- A supporting character is inspired by civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton.
- A supporting character is inspired by rioter Damian Williams.
Sean Nelson has played three different roles over the course of the series:
- Episode 4.19 Sanctuary (1994) - Damon Fox.
- Episode 15.13 Ain't No Love (2005) - Steven 'Four Strike' Foreman.
- Episode 20.3 Great Satan (2009) - Van Buren's Son.
- Episode 20.7 Boy Gone Astray (2009) - Van Buren's Son.