Was I the only one who thought that the statue in Dr. Buff's studio was a clear reference to Phobos/Huitzil from Dalkstalkers? I mean, they are both Capcom franchises, and according to Sarge it intends to destroy all humans and comes from space. It's not exactly the same in appearance as the character in Darkstalkers, but I'm not sure to believe the reference to Doctor Who according to this wiki entry http://aceattorney.wikia.com/wiki/Turnabout_Revolution.

Once you talk to Sarge,you can investigate it and they'll tell definitely reference Dr.Who.

The design itself is simply based on a dogu. Which makes sense since we're in an archaeologist's lab. Apollo literally says its a dogu in the Japanese text (and then gets surprised by the fact it's got all that machinery inside).

First, I kinda got lost on what happened at the end of case 3. Like the rebels stormed in, and then what? It's like everyone forgot what happened after that. I.e. Phoenix had no problem coming back as if nothing has happened. Rebels weren't raided/executed for such an act. Prosecutor Nahahahaha just came back to US to prosecute some useless case...

Which brings me to the next question - wtf is with 4th case? It felt like DLC/filler. It wasn't that bad (though I'm not a big fan of Athena's parts, but other characters were OK) but what was it's point? Just to show that Athena is not completely useless and can do something on her own as well? It didn't fell connected to other cases in the sightliest. Like it could've been taken out and nobody would notice.

It's hard to say, it seems that Phoenix's trip came to an end and he headed back to Japanifornia... I think the rebels stormed into the courtroom to free Beh'leeb at the end of the trial, but that's not said explicitly, so I can't say for sure. This game is weird because we know defense attorneys were imprisoned and even executed... but then we see a "dangerous" rebel Datz Are'bal slip away multiple times like Khura'in isn't taking things seriously. E. g. in case 3 Nahyuta knows Datz is a rebel on the witness stand as Phoenix is about to discover his identity... and they let him escape. (though in retrospect I guess there is a reason for why Nahyuta ignores him?)

Yup, case 4 is just filler. I didn't think Athena was going to get a trial, and Blackquill just kind of shows up... it does have a DLC feel to it. Nahyuta being there while his country is in turmoil is very odd, but I guess High Prosecutor Edgeworth wanted him there for some reason that's never explained. I really would have liked to see a different prosector in case 4 for a change of pace (Klavier would have been cool, they have this 3D model from Dual Destinies!!).