This week’s Kasterborous opens on sad news, as Christian Cawley and James McLean reflect on the passing of Red Dwarf co-creator Rob Grant. 

You probably know that the writing partnership between Grant and Doug Naylor pre-existed Red Dwarf, and while it certainly helped to define Britain’s most enduring sci-fi comedy, obviously there was a split. So we consider the curious parallel timelines created by split novels and later revivals, and explore Grant’s legacy — and what his absence might mean for the future of the franchise. 

Let's not forget, Grant was working on a new Red Dwarf book with co-writer Andrew Marshall, Titan, set for release this July.

Along the way, we recall our own first encounters with Red Dwarf.

From there, the conversation returns to familiar territory with a deep dive into Doctor Who’s famously unfinished story Shada. An interesting archival research and visual-effects analysis on Substack prompted us to examine both the model and SFX work that wasn't completed, and why the Douglas Adams script continues to fascinate fans decades later.

The episode wraps up with a look at creativity and longevity through filmmaker Adrian Munsey’s upcoming Spymasters documentary series for Sky Arts, and William Shatner's upcoming heavy metal album (yes, you read that right).

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The Rob Grant news sort of overshadowed our plans to complete the Robots of Death commentary, but we're planning to have that with you soon...

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