"Pain Is Inevitable; Suffering Is Optional" is an original quote from writer Haruki Murakami in his book "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running".
A personal assistant, working with Ray Palmer, is named Gerry Conway. This is the name of an American Comic Book writer who wrote stories for Justice League of America for eight years and also is the co-creator of DC Hero Firestorm.
In this story, Thea goes by the name Mia. In the comics, Oliver's sidekick and protégé is Mia Dearden, who goes by the moniker Speedy. In the show, Thea's nickname from Oliver is Speedy and her mother's maiden name is Dearden.
This is one of the few episodes that does not include the usual flashbacks of Ollie's time on the island.