Sometimes Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) writers include in-jokes in their scripts. The shooting script contained the following direction: "A couple of soldiers pass. Xander suavely nods to them. They nod back and pass without comment, because they are extras." When Xander and Cordelia make out, the directions were: "They haben der big smoochen."
It is established that Sunnydale has its own army base, which will reappear later.
Asked about his decision to turn Angel evil, Joss Whedon said that he feels it was necessary to keep the story fresh. Although the fan base wanted Buffy and Angel to be together romantically, Whedon said "What people want is not what they need."