on orders from Johnny Sack, presumably by Billy Leotardo or Joey Peeps. Title reference The episode's title is taken from the famous opening sentence of Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina: "All happy families are alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." It refers to the breakup of the Soprano household. Production The episode's script was written by Toni Kalem, who also plays Angie Bonpensiero, and serves as story editor on several episodes of season five. The character of Ira Fried was recast in this episode with actor John Pleshette. The role was initially played by Lewis J. Stadlen. This is the first time that singer Frankie Valli portrays Lupertazzi capo Rusty Millio. Valli himself was mentioned before—in the season four episode "Christopher"—and had his songs played in some episodes. Bernie Brillstein, who plays himself at the card game, is the business partner of Sopranos executive producer Brad Grey. Also appearing in the card game is former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor (whom Tony refers to, in reverence, as “Sir Lawrence of the Meadowlands”) and, in a separate card game, Van Halen vocalist David Lee Roth. Leon Wieseltier, longtime literary editor of The New Republic, plays car-theft victim Stewart Silverman. References to other people, characters, and popular culture As Christopher and Benny pay a visit to Feech, he called them "Olsen and Johnson." This was in reference to the popular vaudeville duo in the first half of the 20th century. Tony's greeting to white-bearded, portly, Brillstein, upon entering the card game, likens Brillstein to Santa Claus. Meadow and Finn are watching the film Frida on TV. Tony, Artie, Tony B., and A.J. watch "The $99,000 Answer" episode of The Honeymooners on TV. While trying to connect with A.J., Carmela references the "drum solo" from The Beatles' song "Birthday", which she mistakenly calls "Happy Birthday." Music Edison Lighthouse's "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" is played in the background, probably on a radio, while Lorraine is murdered. The Starlight Orchestra performs "Siman Tov! Mazel Tov!" during the Horah at the wedding reception. As Tony and Carmela see Mr. Wegler about A.J., Tony asks what A.J. did: "Did he call the teacher 'Daddy-O'?" This was based on a line from The Coasters song, "Charlie Brown." One scene in the Bada Bing features The Cars' "Moving in Stereo". In the scene where Tony is arguing with Feech, Jimi Hendrix's "Who Knows"