The episode was written by Steve Franks, who reused much material from the original pitch to USA Network. The pitch focused on a man who would call in crime-solving tips to the Santa Barbara Police Department through his photographic memory and uncanny ability to notice details. It followed him as he was arrested by the police, talked his way out of jail, and solved a crime for the police department. The plot of the show was later changed to Shawn's fake psychic ability by the producers. The show's introductory flashback to young Shawn was adapted from the pitch, in which it was located in the middle of the installment. The use of an introductory flashback has been used in almost all following episodes. Among other scenes added to the episode was a confrontation between Shawn and Henry at a barbecue restaurant, which was added by Corbin Bernsen, and the episode's conclusion, again a confrontation between Shawn and Henry. In addition, much time was spent revising the scene of the arrest of Mr. McCallum.