Despite its plot similarities, "Harsh Realm" was created and shot prior to the release of "The Matrix" (1999). It was aired, however, about three months after the release of the movie.
The term "harsh realm" originates from the grunge speak hoax of 1992 when a sales representative from Sub Pop Records told a persistent New York Times reporter that the grunge kids in Seattle had their own terminology (they didn't) and that "harsh realm" was one of their key expressions (it wasn't).
Scott Bairstow didn't even read for the lead role of Hobbes. Chris Carter was already familiar with his work, having used the actor on the 'Miracle Man' episode on the first season of "The X-Files".
James D. Hudnall and Andrew Paquette, the creators of the original "Harsh Realm" comic-book sued Chris Carter and the Fox Network for credit (they got no credit on the show) and won. Many wrongly speculated that this widely-publicized lawsuit brought about the series' sudden cancellation. It was actually a struggle between Carter and Fox that got the series cancelled.
In the final Ep., the date of the 'incident' is October 13. Consequently, Ten Thirteen is the name of the production company that produced "Harsh Realm".