This is the last time the opening prologue is used.
Originally intended to be placed before Angel loses his soul. Accordingly, Angel has less screen time in this episode.
Marti Noxon has said in several interviews that this was written to show how athletes who use steroids ruin their bodies.
Regarding Dodd McAlvy's remains on the beach, Xander dramatically intones, "In other words, this was no boating accident." In 'Jaws' 1975 a marine biologist says of the mangled human remains found on the beach, "Well, this is not a boat accident!" The misquote "this was no boating accident" became ridiculously popular.