Originally, the Romulans were to appear as Bajor's aggressors/occupiers. Rick Berman felt the Romulans were being overused and, inspired by their recent introduction in The Wounded (1991), suggested the Cardassians instead.
The first appearance of the Bajorans, prominent race in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993). Their planet Bajora was called Bajor in later shows. Also the first appearance of Ro Laren, set to become a semi-regular for the remainder of TNG. The producers added her character to create some conflict among the friendly atmosphere of the Enterprise crew. "A Starfleet officer with a troubled past. An edge."
Scenes of the Bajoran encampment were shot at Bronson Canyon, near the area used in the previous episode Darmok (1991).
Michelle Forbes appeared in the previous season's Half a Life (1991). She was offered the role of Ro Laren because the producers were impressed by her performance in that episode.
The appearance of the Bajorans in this episode is slightly different; over each eye, there is a subtle ridge. These were dropped later and Ro Laren no longer has them in her final appearance in Preemptive Strike (1994).
