Bomb Throwing Anarchist: Invoked, Lampshaded, Discussed and Zigzagged. The initial bombing is suspected of being the work of an anarchist cell that has organized itself in Toronto. However, though some of the cell's members are advocating for dramatic, violent stunts to attract attention, the cell's leader and the rest of the cell refuse the idea, arguing it will hurt their cause more than help it. When one anarchist does bomb a factory, the rest of the cell immediately disavow him and give him over to the Toronto police — plus, as Murdoch observes, he never would have done it if he hadn't been egged on by the American secret agent, Allen Clegg.
Historical Domain Character: Emma Goldman, a real-life anarchist activist of the period, is holding demonstrations in Toronto and her presence is a factor in Meyers' suspicion that anarchists are behind the bombing.
Albert Wallace denounces anarchy as a completely unworkable political theory that appeals to idealistic intellectuals but is completely impossible to execute in practice. Much the same arguments have been levelled against communism, of which he is a devout advocate.
Allen Clegg worked to push the anarchist cell in Toronto to violence so that President McKinley's planned visit would be cancelled, out of concerns for his safety in a foreign country. At the episode's end, a message flashes up onto the screen pointing out that President McKinley, in the real world, was assassinated in Buffalo, New York two years later. His killer is generally believed to have been an anarchist.
, a real-life anarchist activist of the period, is holding demonstrations in Toronto and her presence is a factor in Meyers' suspicion that anarchists are behind the bombing.