This is actually the series' pilot. It was produced in 1988 for CBS, which passed on the show. After NBC picked it up, the network decided to air the pilot after the premiere episode. In this episode, the detectives meet A.D.A. Paul Robinette for the first time (even though they have already dealt with him in Episodes 1.1 through 1.5), and Roy Thinnes appears as the D.A. even though Steven Hill had appeared as D.A. Adam Schiff in the earlier episodes.
As this episode was originally shot for CBS in 1988, several of the main actors look noticeably different from the rest of the Season 1 episodes, which began filming in 1990. Both Chris Noth (Detective Mike Logan) and George Dzundza (Sergeant Max Greevy) look younger and thinner, while Dann Florek has more hair that is less gray.
Steven Zirnkilton, who speaks the introductory lines of the series' opening credit sequences for its entire 20-year run, appeared on-screen only once--in this pilot. He plays a detective and has two lines of dialogue: "Look at that. Do you believe these guys?"
This episode appears to be based on several cases/incidents:
- The 1986 New York Parking Violations Bureau corruption scandal. It was alleged that Queens borough president, Donald Manes (who had served from 1971 until 1986), had used political appointments and favors as the source of large kickback schemes. These schemes involved personal bureaucratic fiefdoms such as the NYC Parking Violations Bureau, Zoning franchises, and cable TV franchises. These schemes were investigated, and some of Manes' appointees and associates were indicted or forced to resign. Manes committed suicide inside his residence, days away from being indicted, when his crimes came to light. Stanley Friedman, Michael Lazar and Lester Shafran received convictions for racketeering.
- Operation Abscam and the related involvement of career criminal and informant Mel Weinberg. Abscam, sometimes written ABSCAM, was an FBI sting operation in the late 1970s and early 1980s that led to the convictions of seven members of the United States Congress and others for bribery and corruption.
- A supporting character appears to be based on the journalist Jimmy Breslin.
Actor Trey Wilson, who played Eddie Cosmatos, died in January 1989, nearly two years before this episode aired.