The briefing scene (Phelps entering the industrial shop, turning off the blowtorch and listening to the tape) is re-used footage from #2.10, "Charity". the only changes are the audio content of the tape and the photograph of Prohosh.
In addition to one other guest star role, Alf Kjellin also directed three "Mission: Impossible" shows.
The title refers to a mythical bird with colorful plumage that lives for 500 to 1,000 years. At the end of it's life, the phoenix builds a nest of twigs which ignites consuming both the bird and the nest and a new phoenix arises from the ashes.