Mary's old boyfriend Howard is played by Richard Schaal, who was the real life husband of Valerie Harper.
Episode depicts the first of Mary's notoriously disastrous parties.
The total solar eclipse Howard mentions (March 7, 1970) was not visible in Minneapolis. The 2099 eclipse he mentions will be visible in Minneapolis (September 14, 2099).
This episode introduces the recurring theme of Rhoda's (Valerie Harper) long suffering issue with self confidence and men.
First episode to mention the address of the Victorian house in which Mary, Rhoda and Phyllis live is 119 North Weatherly.