This two-part episode was written after Edward Woodward suffered a mild heart attack while filming the first episodes of the show's third season. Actor Richard Jordan was brought in as Harley Gage, to serve as a helper and occasional substitute for Robert McCall, while Woodward recuperated. Jordan was contracted for 10 episodes, with the idea that he would take over the series as the "New Equalizer" if Woodward was unable to resume his full filming schedule on the show.
A recuperating Edward Woodward filmed his scenes later and did not film with Robert Mitchum.