The majority of this episode is taken up by the Science Fiction sketch, making it the Pythons' first attempt at crafting one continuous narrative.
Blancmange is a popular gelatin-and-cream dessert made in England, albeit rarely as large as in this episode. The U.K. synth pop group Blancmange took their name from this episode.
There are numerous references to Scotland being the "worst tennis playing nation on earth." Over 40 years later Andy Murray of Scotland became the dominant male tennis player.
The opening and beginning of the Science Fiction skit is an obvious reference to The Twilight Zone (1959)'s opening theme and monologues.
A "blancmange" is a pudding dessert.