 Media historian Nicholas J. Cull argues that "Big Ben Strikes Again", along with the later episodes "Treble Cross" and "Expo 2068", demonstrates scriptwriter Tony Barwick's partiality to storylines highlighting the dangers of nuclear technology.He views the plot involving a missing piece of nuclear technology as an example of Barwick employing his "favourite device".Footage from "Big Ben Strikes Again" appears as a flashback in the series' clip show final episode, "The Inquisition".