Ned Leeds makes his first appearance in this episode. In the comics, Ned was a reporter for the Daily Bugle would go on to have a relationship with Daily Bugle secretary Betty Brant (who does not appear in this series). Ned was also thought to be the original Hobgoblin until a mini-series comic released shortly after this episode aired called "The Hobgoblin Lives" revealed Ned was set up by fashion designer Roderick Kingsley, the original Hobgoblin.
This episode is based on "The Spectacular Spider-Man" #150-#151 & #155.
At 8:00 the following names are visible on the prison monitor Richard Allen: Element Man. Matthew Edelman: Producer on Silver Surfer, Spider-Man Unlimited and The Avengers. Joseph "Robbie" Robertson: Reporter at the Daily Bugle. Brooks Stonestreet: production assistant on Spider-Man: The animated series.
This episode features the first appearance of Glory Grant, the Daily Bugle secretary, since Day of the Chameleon (1995).