In an interview with Open Pike Night, the author said he was inspired to use neutrinos by this NPR story and by this What If? XKCD essay.

It feels like the marshmallows in the cereal of season two (Lower Decks crossover, musical episode) were so well received they decided to go with all marshmallows (gimmicky episodes)for the first half of this season.

“Sam says Caleb is 20 years old, but I assume she’s not being precise, since he was separated from his mother nearly 16 years prior, which would make him nearly 22.” In the voice messages from his mom, she can be heard wishing him a happy 19th birthday and a happy 20th birthday.