Alexander appears older than expected in this episode, given that he was still a young boy when he last appeared on Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987). Producer Ira Steven Behr admits that the show took some liberties with Alexander's age. They felt that if Alexander was too young Worf's treatment of him would seem overly aggressive. Also, by casting an actor over the age of eighteen they avoided the strict labor regulations regarding how many hours minors are allowed to work in a day. Writer Bradley Thompson defended Alexander's sudden growth spurt by pointing out that it has never been established how quickly Klingon children reach maturity.
Loosely based on Rio Grande (1950), a1950 John Ford Western, about a cavalry commander, Col. Yorke (John Wayne), who discovers that one of his new recruits is his son, whom he hasn't seen since he divorced the boy's mother years ago. The son resents the father, but they must learn to work together in the face of deadly attacks by Apache raiders. Several incidents in the plot are directly copied from "Rio Grande", including Worf's first tense first conversation with Alexander (which quotes a similar exchange in "Rio Grande" almost exactly), Alexander's fight with the older Klingon crew member, and Alexander gaining Worf's respect by volunteering for a dangerous task. In "Rio Grande", additional tension is created when Yorke's ex-wife (played by Maureen O'Hara) arrives at the fort to try and bring her son home - an aspect of "Rio Grande" which is mirrored in the continuing tension between Gul Dukat and Kira.
When Worf asks Martok for permission to leave the bridge, he addresses him as "captain" however, it's established that Martok's rank is actually General. In Behind the Lines (1997), a conversation between O'Brien and Nog establishes why this occurs with O'Brien pointing out that due to an old naval tradition whoever is in command of a ship is always addressed as "captain" regardless of existing rank.
This episode marks Alexander's first appearance since Firstborn (1994). Marc Worden reprises the role in You Are Cordially Invited (1997).
Katogh appears to be the son of Ch'Pok, the Klingon advocate who attempted to extradite Worf in Rules of Engagement (1996). Worf does not appear to react the mention of Ch'Pok's name.