This episode marks the final appearance of Jim Davis as Jock Ewing on the series. He died on April 26, 1981, only sixteen days after this episode aired, at the age of 71.
This episode shares its title with New Beginnings (1982) in which Larry Hagman (J.R. Ewing) and Patrick Duffy (Bobby Ewing) also appeared.
Blink and you'll miss Davis Roberts as the Maitre d' at Madison's. Roberts' storied career includes two appearances on Larry Hagman's earlier series I Dream of Jeannie (1965). Then as now, Roberts shared no scenes with Hagman, and this would be Roberts' sole appearance on Dallas.