First of three consecutive episodes directed by Jamie Babbit. This reunites her with Natasha Lyonne, who starred in her first movie "But I'm a Cheerleader" 20 years earlier.
Much of Russian Doll has to do with the idea of reflection - with mirrors, therapy or otherwise - and that's highlighted in this episode when Alan breaks Mike's mirror and Mike is unable to see himself.
From this episode on, Charlie Barnett becomes part of the main cast instead of being credited as a guest star.