It is revealed in this episode that Gates was a member of the crew of Henry Avery. Avery was notorious for successfully attacking an Indian treasure fleet, winning immense riches for him and his fleet. Avery vanished from all historical records in 1696, and his fate is unknown.
The tool that the pirates drop into the hold where the slaves are kept is a marling spike (also spelled marlinspike), a tool used in nautical ropework, such as for unlaying rope for splicing or untying knots. It can also be used as an improvised weapon, as seen in this episode.
There are 6 character deaths and 34 unnamed character deaths in this episode making the season count 117.
Jannes Eiselen is uncredited despite appearing in this episode and having lines.