 SPOILER: The case of the doctor/serial killer in this episode is  quite likely inspired by that of Doctor Harold Shipman, Britains  most prolific known serial killer. Like Shipman, Lindgard is  suspected of committing about 250 murders, he took drugs in his  youth, and was suspected of stealing from his patients. When  Lindgard is arrested at a party, the male guest sitting on his right  looks remarkably like Harold Shipman.