Roseanne mentions DJ's wife, Gina, who is serving in the military overseas. Since DJ's daughter is half black, this may allude to Gina being a girl from DJ's childhood. As a youngster, DJ Conner was apprehensive about kissing a girl in his class play, Gina, because she was black (Season 7, episode 9 "White Men Can't Kiss" from the original run).
Darlene's son Mark is named after Becky's late husband Mark Healy. In real life this is a nod to actor Glenn Quinn who portrayed Mark in the original series. Glenn passed away December 3, 2002 of an opioid overdose.
The two newest Conner grandchildren seem to be named after family members who have passed away. Darlene's son Mark seems to be named for his uncle, Mark Healy, who is mentioned to be deceased. In real life, Glenn Quinn, who played Mark in the series original run, passed away in 2002. DJ's daughter is named Mary, presumably after Nana Mary who is likely deceased. In real life, Shelly Winters who played Nana Mary passed away in 2006.
The famous chicken sweatshirt makes an appearance in the opening scene, worn by Roseanne. This shirt has been worn by every main cast member at one time or another in the series original run.
Judy Prescott played Miss Crane (Mark's teacher) in this episode. She also played the same character (as Darlene's teacher) in the first episode of the original run of the series.