Carbon Creek, Pennsylvania is based on Carbon County, Pennsylvania.

This is a rarity in any "Star Trek" series as it does not feature any scenes on the bridge. (Although, it does feature several scenes on the bridge of the Vulcan science vessel). Another example is the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode "Family".

The Tellarites are mentioned for the first time in this episode, though we won't actually see one until "Bounty". We learn they've had interstellar spaceflight since at least the mid-twentieth century.

One of two episodes to be nominated for a 2003 Hugo Award (Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form Category).