An adult version of Jonny Quest (1964) appears in this episode. This is the only episode in which he is identified as "Jonny Quest". all future episodes will refer to him as "Action Jonny".
Professor Impossible cites "Of Mice and Men" as a reason for not wanting the mentally challenged Ned to babysit Rocket. This was a classic novel about a mentally challenged man who does not realize his own strength, often injuring or killing objects of his affection.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is actually the name of a band.
The concept of an alien race showing up as your dead father is from the movie Contact 1997 starring Jodie Foster
The immense statue of Dr. Jonas Venture and Rusty, which was decapitated in the last episode, shows no sign of damage.