This episode features a new arrangement of the opening and closing theme music, new glossier opening credits and the closing theme (No Mean City) features a new vocal by Maggie Bell.
First episode of Taggart to be broadcast in "full screen" format.
Malkie mentions "a poke ae chips" which is Scottish slang for a portion/bag of chips from a takeaway (ie fish and chip shop/chippie/kebab shop etc).
The sci-fi items in Bob's house include a 12 inch toy Dalek from Doctor Who, Star Trek and Star Wars memorabilia and promotional posters for Return of The Jedi and X Files: Fight The Future.
The new opening credits feature the Clyde Auditorium (aka the Armadillo) which didn't officially open until January 1st 2000, 3 months after this episode aired.