This episode parodies Tuesdays with Morrie (1999), including a cameo by author Mitch Albom. Hank Azaria, who played Albom in the film, is also a series regular. That film's other lead, Jack Lemmon, has also made a guest appearance, and was the inspiration for the character Gil.
The Canadian license plate Marge took a photo of is MABF02 which is the p-code of the episode.