Recorded live with guests at the TestBash Brighton Open Space on Saturday 25th March 2017. Expect some occasionally dubious sound quality, and some strong language, as we try our best to unravel the story behind the Star Wars Holiday Special.

We focus on the "requirements" and the various different audiences for the show, wondering whether any of them would have been impressed that the previous summer's breakout sci-fi hit had been watered-down into a variety show format.

There are thoughts about whether George Lucas was paying attention, the role of pornography in the Star Wars universe, and a heated debate around whether Han Solo was again denied credit for a killing (this time denied by clumsy footwork and shoddy craftsmanship).

Huge thanks to our special guests during this episode:

• Paul Holland (@PaulHolland_TWN)
• Mike Talks (@TestSheepNZ)
• Gem Hill (@Gem_Hill)
• Melissa Eaden (@melthetester)
• Mark Tomlinson (@mark_on_task)
• Del Dewar (@deefex)
• Vernon Richards (@TesterFromLeic)

Clips:

At the time of writing, the Star Wars Holiday Special is available on YouTube for those who dare. The clips that we talk about during this episode can be found at the following timestamps:

• 12:10 - Chewie's family calls Luke Skywalker
• 50:30 - Lumpy watches a (quite good) Star Wars cartoon
• 22:16 - Chef Gormaanda brings us STIR WHIP WHIP STIR
• 28:20 - Itchy watches a VR fantasy program
• 1:22:25 - Stormtrooper death: Did he trip, or was he pushed?
• 1:30:58 - Princess Leia sings a song to the tune of the Star Wars theme

Further reading/watching:

• Mental Floss: An Oral History of the Star Wars Holiday Special
• HBO: Bright Lights (Debbie Reynolds & Carrie Fisher documentary)
• Snopes: Van Halen's Concert Contract Required No Brown M&Ms?

We'll be back in the studio next time to talk about EX_MACHINA - see you in a fortnight!

Our Twitters: @ScreenTesting @TheTestDoctor@neilstudd

Intro music: Star Wars Holiday Special main theme Outro music: Supernova - Chewbacca