 This is the first episode for S. Epatha Merkerson (qv) as  Lietunent Anita Van Buran(she had appeared as another character in  the first season episode _ "Law & Order" Mushrooms (1991)_ (qv)) and  for Jill Hennessy (qv). The network had insisted that women  characters be added to the show in order to attract more female  viewers.