This episode was originally titled “Ascension: Part One”.

Governor Pryce’s datapad euphemistically calls the rack she uses in interrogating Hera Syndulla “information extraction apparatus,” and Pryce keeps hitting the button labeled “engage.”

The device itself is a slight redress and modification of the interrogation rack used by the Empire on Kanan Jarrus in Season One.

Loth-bats have been part of the animal life on Lothal since their first mention three years ago in a Star Wars Rebels book, Battle to the End. They were first seen this season in the episode “Flight of the Defender”, and now play an important role in the rebel infiltration plan.

It is the ecological destruction of Lothal that has forced the Loth-bats to scavenge in the cities now. In this way, the Imperial mismanagement of the planet has opened a door for the rebels.

Tarkin’s mention of Orson Krennic’s “Stardust” program is in reference to the Death Star, which nears development. Tarkin’s skepticism is part of his political mindedness. He only fully claims responsibility for the Death Star once he sees it work in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Otherwise, he carefully keeps his distance.