Allan Rockwell McCann was in charge of the development of a submarine rescue chamber, which bears his name, "The McCann Submarine Rescue Chamber". Additionally he was assigned as Liaison Officer / Engineer when the submarine was converted for use in the under ice attempt to circumnavigate the Arctic Ice cap and voyage to the North Pole. Modifications to the submarine were extensive, and contained innovations of a telescoping conning tower, an ice drill, an incorporated diving bell and an Air Lock, designed by Simon Lake. The submarine was designated "Nautilus" and leased for one dollar to Lake and Danenhower, Inc., of Bridgeport, Connecticut,
Road to the North Pole described the episode as "Christmas comedy gold", praising the 'Christmastime is Killing Us' song and Boreanaz's cameo. The Parents Television Council, a conservative campaigning critic of Seth MacFarlane works, named "Family Guy" its "Worst TV Show of the Week" for "Road to the North Pole" for the week ending on December 17, 2010. It got this rating due to sexual content and excessive violent scenes including the scene in which Stewie beats a man to death with a baseball bat, and the scenes featuring Seth MacFarlane's father, Ron, while also stating, "Forget naughty or nice. This show was simply nauseating."