Previous Episode: Ep 7: Hackers

Neil and Dan get their teeth into the latest movie in the Star Wars franchise, Rogue One, a prequel to Episode IV which is steadfastly doing its own thing, complete with retconned Death Star powers, penis-tentacled monsters and sarcastic droids.

In a midichlorian-free episode, we discuss whether the Imperials should have discovered the Death Star's fatal flaw, how workplace politics can hinder us from achieving our goals, the nature of Chirrut Imwe's Force-like abilities, and the merits of re-casting versus CGI.

Along the way, Dan proposes a potential spin-off podcast to explore his inner dictator, Neil ponders whether Jon Bon Jovi is in canon, we compare our tenuous connections to Star Wars cast members, and rhetorically wonder why nerds are never satisfied.

In an extended news section at the end, we say goodbye to some of our childhood heroes who we've lost in recent weeks: Roger Moore (Bond), Adam West (Batman) and Andy Cunningham (Bodger).

References:

YouTube: Skyfall's cold open Amazon: Star Wars: Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel Skellig Islands - as seen in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi YouTube: Mon Mothma's deleted scene in Revenge Of The Sith YouTube: Tarkin's cameo in Revenge Of The Sith Wikipedia: Uncanny valley Wikipedia: Ken Adam (Bond set designer - Dan apologises for calling him Guy!) YouTube: Doctor Who: "No, not the mind probe!" StarWars.com: Chirrut Imwe TV Tropes: Retcon (Retroactive Continuity) Wikipedia: Confirmation bias Chris Kenst: "I find your lack of tests disturbing" (Vader meme) Twitter: @swear_trek YouTube: Star Wars: Rogue Squadron on Nintendo 64 YouTube: Canary Wharf tube station (Scarif location) YouTube: Blake's 7 ending (spoilers of course!) Empire: Interview where Gareth Edwards explains the TIE Fighter's absence YouTube: Scenes from the Rogue One trailer which didn't make the final cut YouTube: Star Wars Kid YouTube: Clerks: Independent contractors on the Death Star YouTube: Annihilation Earth trailer Radio Times: Interview with Ingvild Deila, Leia's body-double

Closing tributes from YouTube:

A Bond tribute to Roger Moore Lookwell - Adam West TV pilot Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders trailer Family Guy - Best of Mayor Adam West Bodger & Badger - Wash Day

Join us in two weeks' time when we'll be delving into the world of Doctor Who, discussing the Tom Baker story THE DEADLY ASSASSIN, with special guest Andrew Morton!

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Intro music: Michael Giacchino - A Long Ride Ahead
Outro music: Max Rebo Band - Lapti Nek

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