This story was rewritten and used as the pilot for the re-launch of the series in 1988.
In addition to a a new cast member, this episode introduced a new pattern for the opening. Instead of starting with the theme then showing the "tape scene" and the team selection like previous seasons, it starts with a teaser scene showcasing the villains, followed by the Jim listening to the tape, then the theme. No more choosing the team members from magazine covers.
Three years after first working together here, Leonard Nimoy would make his directorial debut with Death on a Barge (a segment of Night Gallery) starring Robert Pratt, Brooke Bundy, who had previously guest starred on MI. and leading lady Lesley Ann Warren.
The production team had planned on bringing back the character of Eddie Lorca, who had supposedly died at the end, for a show in season eight. But for unknown reasons, Paramount decided to cancel the series after season seven.