This is the first time that the Cutie Mark Crusaders have played a role in a season finale.
In contrast to other two-part episodes, where one person writes all two parts of the episode, part 1 was written by Nicole Dubuc, while part 2 was written by Josh Haber. This marks the first time a two-parter is written by two different people.
Mark Acheson reprises his role as Lord Tirek, his only other appearance being in the season 4 finale.