Francesca Eastwood played the younger version of Vivian in the flashbacks while the present Vivian was played by her real-life mother Frances Fisher who was in a relationship with her father Clint Eastwood from 1989 to 1995.
The box with the switch in the motel is called a "useless machine," having no direct purpose other than to turn itself off again. This particular version was inspired by a design from the 1950s by Marvin Minsky, who also lent his name to the android in the story-within-a-story.
The motel used in this episode was also used in Twin Peaks (2017). This episode also has Ray Wise in the cast who is best known for playing Leland Palmer in that same show.
During the last scene, it can be seen that Gloria Burgle (Carrie Coon)'s patrol car is #18. This is the same number as Lou Solverson's patrol car in season 2.
When Gloria Burgle (Carrie Coon) reflects at the beach (sitting on the sand and looking out of the Pacific Ocean) she recreates the pose from the painting in the final shot the Coen Brother's (Joel Coen & Ethan Coen) movie Barton Fink (1991).