This episode reveals many parallels between René and Olivier Assayas, who directed this series. René previously made a film called Irma Vep which he is now remaking as a miniseries. The movie starred a Chinese actress with whom he got romantically involved, until she left him. All of this reflects the life of Assayas, who directed the original Irma Vep movie in 1996, which starred Maggie Cheung, with whom he was married from 1998 to 2001.
Actress Nathalie Richard plays Ondine. She played Zoe in the original movie Irma Vep in 1996.
The music playing in the background of the party is the main theme from "Hang'Em High (1968)"