 First announced at the 2012 San Diego Comic @-@ Con International , the episode was written by Steve Callaghan and directed by Greg Colton . The episode received generally positive reviews from critics upon release . According to Nielsen ratings , it was viewed in 5 @.@ 28 million homes in its original airing . The episode featured guest performances from Alexandra Breckenridge , Ralph Garman , Gary Janetti , Joe Lomonaco , Patrick Meighan , Emily Osment , Danny Smith , Alec Sulkin , and John Viener . 
