This is the first episode of the series in which Mariska Hargitay (Olivia Benson) is completely absent. Prior to this episode, she had appeared in every episode of the series.
Marlee Matlin returns in this episode as Dr. Amy Solway, a character she played in a previous season called Painless (2004). The episode saw Marlee Matlin nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series.