The scene where Trixie trims the calluses on Al's feet with a razor was suggested by Paula Malcomson. She had seen her father do this for her grandfather when she was a child. Her final line, and Al's response, were improvised. Malcolmson had been worried that Trixie might be killed off. But the scene convinced David Milch that there were depths to her relationship with Al that were worth exploring.
Powers Booth makes his first appearance in the series, as Cy Tolliver. He previously worked on the movie Tombstone (1993) with Paula Malcombson (Trixie).
Kim Dickens (Joanie Stubbs) went on later to star in Fear the Walking Dead (2015) as Madison Clark. A few actors from this episode, also had roles on Fear The Walking Dead. Dayton Callie (Charlie Utter) was on at the same time as Kim Dickens for nine episodes as Jeremiah Otto. Ray McKinnon (Reverend H.W. Smith) was in two episodes as Proctor John. Garret Dillahunt (Jack) joined the series in season four as John Dorie, a former police officer and expert gunslinger and was in 41 episodes. Keith Carradine (Wild Bill) joined in season six as John Dorie Sr., like his son he was also a former police officer and expert gunslinger.
Kim Dickens (Joanie Stubbs) first episode.