This is the first episode where Picard actually drinks Earl Grey tea. He had previously ordered a cup of Earl Grey from the replicator in Contagion (1989), but because of a computer malfunction he instead received a small potted plant.
When Wesley goes to Ten Forward to seek advice from Riker (at around 19 mins), as he sits down, he performs what became referred to as "The Riker Maneuver" by lifting his leg over the back of the chair as he sits down, in the same idiosyncratic manner as Riker, as happens just moments later when Riker himself takes a seat.
This episode marks a notable shift in Pulaski's attitude toward Data. Previously, she has regarded him as a complex machine that merely simulates human feelings. Now, she is among Data's staunchest defenders during the conference in Picard's quarters, arguing the validity of Data's concerns when Worf dismisses them.
Patrick Stewart was not entirely comfortable with horse riding at the time of shooting. Later, when filming Star Trek: Generations (1994). he shared horseback scenes with William Shatner, who was a horse-owner and riding enthusiast (and who amply displayed his mastery of control during their horseback dialogue). Shatner coached Stewart and provided a great deal of help, as well as various tips. One such tip was that one could prevent one's pants from riding up by wearing pantyhose underneath.
Picard's holodeck sequence was filmed at a ranch near the LA suburb of Thousand Oaks.