Van Zandt shared, “I really, really had to consider, should I go back into the band or not, because I really thought, ‘Okay, this acting thing is going to be my future. I’m completely into it. I want to evolve into writing for TV, directing TV.’” In the end, Chase scheduled Van Zandt’s scenes around the E Street Band’s schedule, though the musician would have liked the chance to write or direct for the show.