It was originally intended that Tractator technology should incorporate human remains, but this was deemed too gruesome. This idea was taken up in the 2006 episode The Girl in the Fireplace. The production of Frontios was blighted by two very sorrowful events. After completing much of the preparatory work for Frontios, designer Barrie Dobbins took his own life; his place was taken by David Buckingham. Following this, Peter Arne, who had been cast to play Range, was brutally murdered in his home.