This was originally meant to be the series finale, before it was decided Kevin Williamson would come back and write a true finale (and ultimately make Joey choose who she would end up with).
The title refers to the title of the short story "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King which was made into the movie The Shawshank Redemption (1994).
Kristy Livingston was played by Ali Larter in season 2.