The episode was written by freelance writer Spike Feresten, and features the fifth appearance of Sideshow Bob. Although Feresten received credit for the episode, the writing staff completely rewrote the episode and very little of Feresten's original script was left in the finished version. It was the first episode of "The Simpsons" to be directed by Dominic Polcino, who described it as being very difficult to direct. R. Lee Ermey, known for his role in "Full Metal Jacket", guest stars as Col. Leslie "Hap" Hapablap while Kelsey Grammer reprises his role as Sideshow Bob.