Episodes
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Tread Perilously's Star Trek Month 2024 continues with the long-delayed episode of Star Trek: Voyager called "Bride of Chaotica!"
Tom Paris and Ensign Harry Kim's afternoon playing chapter 18 of "The Adventures of Captain Proton" is disrupted when Voyager runs aground in a "subspace sandbar." It immediately disrupts quality of life systems on the ship and prevents the Holodeck from shutting down Paris's program. Meanwhile, transdimensional aliens materialize in the simulation and assume its 1940s movie serial nature to be real because they are energy-based life-forms. Will Paris figure out a way to communicate or will it fall on Captain Janeway to save the day by becoming the bride of Chaotica?
Erik is immediately annoyed to be watching a Tom Paris episode of Voyager. Justin can't help but notice its similarity to a certain episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Episode co-writer Bryan Fuller also makes Erik doubtful it will be able to rise out of its Paris deficit. Justin argues for Garrett Wang to be the true lead in the story. Various 1940s movie serial tropes are examined. Kate Mulgrew gets top marks for understanding the assignment. Tuvok turns out to be a font of deadpan gold. Justin is dismayed by the lack of Robert Picardo and circumstances force a discussion of Neelix.
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Tread Perilously's 2024 Star Trek Month continues with an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation called "Justice."
After a tiring mission to establish a new colony, the Enterprise finds an idyllic world full of pretty blonde people who really enjoy sex. But that permissiveness comes with a zero tolerance policy for the slightest infraction of local laws and death as the only punishment. Does it have something to do with the half-visible space station also in orbit around the planet? Will Captain Picard have to justify the Prime Directive -- or break it -- in front of a cadre of TOS style god-aliens? And will Riker get some "quality time" on the planet?
Erik and Justin disagree on the Wesley question in this episode. Brenda Bakke from The Young Riders returns in far less clothing. Erik has a problem with Data emoting in certain scenes. Bob Guccione makes a surprising appearance. Justin finds three worthy Star Trek ideas in the plot, even if they get lost in Gene Roddenberry's horniness and other first season TNG problems. The pair praise Gates McFadden despite being extremely ill-served by the script. Geography Corner centers on the water treatment plant gardens used in this and several other TNG episodes. The discussion leads to Jason Todd discourse and Gerd Shockley's birthday is "celebrated."
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Missing episodes?
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Tread Perilously's 2024 Star Trek month opens with an episode of The Original Series called "The Omega Glory."
Arriving in orbit around Omega IV, the Enterprise discovers the crew of the U.S.S. Exeter have been turned into salt; the result of a highly infectious disease from the planet below. Beaming down, Kirk, Spock, and McCoy find the Exeter's captain, Donald Tracey, alive and well. He's convinced the planet holds the secret to immortality and wants Kirk to join him in making millions once Tracey learns how to bottle it. Will Kirk break the Prime Directive? Will Tracey learn the real secret of Omega IV? And will we ever get past the sensation that Gerd Shockley wrote this episode?
Erik and Justin commemorate the Bell Riots in the best way possible: talking about a true Star Trek low light. The pair differ on guest actor Morgan Woodward's performance as Tracey, but absolutely agree on the shockingly regressive attitudes present in a script by Gene Roddenberry. Emperor Sheev Palpatine's real plan is revealed. Justin's love of the starship-specific logos is tempered by the reason why it was abandoned. The presence of Space Huns leads the discussion in a certain direction and Lt. Galloway gets the memorial he deserves.
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Tread Perilously's summer Patreon request month winds down with a visit to 1990s westerns via an episode of The Young Riders called "The Peacemakers."
When Hickok rides into Glen Creek, he sees an Amish baptism interrupted by a gang of interlopers. Aiming to help, he soon learns the small religious community is a target for persecution by the nearby town. The tension is stoked by the local newspaper publisher, who has more than one reason to want the Amish out of the county. Complicating matters: Hickok has made eyes at one of the Amish girls. Also, a mysterious man puts a washed-up gunfighter on Hickok's trail. Meanwhile, McCloud and the Kid discuss their relationship.
For various reasons, Erik and Justin start with a discussion of HBO shows. Erik praises Don Franklin, despite his absence in this episode. Stephen Baldwin's tendency to coast gets examined. Despite everything, star Josh Brolin turns out to be good here. Guest star James Cromwell leads to a lot of Star Trek and L.A. Confidential talk. Brolin's hairdo comes down for a hard critique. The C-plot with McCloud and the Kid gets revised while the B-plot proves to feature a Justin favorite. The pair try to determine why the show is so coy about the Amish being Amish and Erik finds the exact right movie to remind Justin how he knows guest actor Brenda Bakke.
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To celebrate Tread Perilously's 477th podcast, Erik and Justin finally watch an episode of M*A*S*H -- "That's Show Biz."
When a performer on a USO tour comes down with appendicitis, she is airlifted to the 4077th and immediately falls for Hawkeye. Once the rest of her colleagues make it to the M*A*S*H unit, they decided to put on an impromptu show. But they soon learn the road to their next stop was bombed and they must spend a few extra days at the camp. Will personalities clash? Will Hawkeye wave off the advances of the young singer? And will Klinger have a future in comedy?
Erik explains why he chose the second lowest rated episode of M*A*S*H on IMDb for its introduction into the rotation. Justin appreciates the presence of guest star Gwen Verdon while Erik finally admits he always had a thing for Gail Edwards. Alan Alda also proves to be swoon-worthy. David Ogden Stiers' proto-Fraser is examined. Harry Morgan might turn out to be the series regular MVP. The obsession with Columbo continues. The Raygun situation makes its way into the discussion. Erik has a spooky moment with cable television. Justin reveals a preference for the accordion and Erik pitches a show for Patrick McGoohan and Peter Falk.
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Tread Perilously's Summer Patreon request month leads to very British superpowers with Misfits Season 2, Episode 2.
Simon's day of annoying the others is interrupted when his half-brother, Jamie, arrives to introduce himself for the first time. The two start to bond down the pub, but when Jamie's car is stolen, he reveals their father was bound and gagged in the boot. Meanwhile, the others get closer to discovering the masked man who has been following them. It all leads to a rave where Simon and Jamie decide which of them gets to pull the bartender they met earlier who happens to have ice powers. Will it lead to tragedy?
Erik and Justin immediately fuss over the presence of Robert Sheehan -- who may have been playing Klaus from The Umbrella Academy for a very long time. Justin figures out where the series is meant to take place. Erik finds all the Britishisms he can recall. He also confuses the X-Man called Skin with another Mutant. The definition of "chav" comes up. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics lead to some advance planning. Erik can't help but call Iwan Rheon "Ramsey Bolton." A special guest star distracts Justin. He is also surprised to see Dexter Fletcher, and Ruth Negga makes an unexpected appearance.
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Tread Perilously's Patreon request month continues with an episode of Murder, She Wrote called "We're Off to Kill the Wizard."
Jessica Fletcher's quick trip to Chicago is disrupted when a local amusement park impresario invites her and her relatives to a preview of a new horror-infused theme park. But his real objective is to convince her to license her work out for a new venture. When he turns up dead, though, plenty of the people around him look good for the crime and Jessica's quick visit turns into a whole investigation as she attempts to figure out how the park owner was murdered in a locked room no one could enter or exit.
Both Erik and Justin are glad to be in the cozy confines of Jessica's world. The pair are also surprised by the nature of a first season Murder, She Wrote. Sprouted potatoes become a new adversary. Justin admits he is mainlining Columbo during the week. A discussion of Blake's 7 breaks out. Justin guesses why this week's Patron chose this particular episode; it might have something to do with a certain child guest star. Erik can't unsee Burbank playing Chicago throughout the episode. Geography Corner leads to Joe Mantenga's pizza place. Guest actor George DiCenzo gets his flowers, as does Kim Darby. Fast food burger rankings are made and a wild Les Nessman appears.
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Tread Perilously starts the summer Total Request Live with the debut episode of the forgotten ABC TV series The Charmings.
Waking up after a 1000-year sleeping curse, Snow White Charming, her husband Eric, and their sons find themselves in 1980s Los Angeles. They attempt to re-establish some sort of life with a home, new neighbors, and a new school for the boys. But when Snow's stepmother, Lillian White, suggests they'll never fit in and a note from the school's psychologist puts the family on blast, will Snow and Eric accept that they must lie to make modern life work?
Erik, of course, watched The Charmings when it aired. Justin wonders, "why is this?" The pair try to determine all the things the pilot is missing. They also try to figure out who would've been the "budget John Mahoney" at the time. A digression about The Birdcage happens immediately. The endless abyss outside Castle Grayskull becomes incredibly important. The problems with the show's premise are explored -- including a solution to its biggest conceptual fault -- a few casting changes are proposed, and Erik shocks Justin by revealing the presence of First Hobie as one of the Charming sons. Also, a nostalgic feeling for the soft-spoken man selling speakers by the highway emerges.
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Tread Perilously's summer grab bag continues by finally returning to Cop Rock for its second episode, "Ill-Gotten Gaines."
Following the death of unarmed man, Hollander tries to pin it all on LaRusso. Meanwhile, he also assigns Gains to Rose, who is still grieving the death of his partner in the pilot episode. But making things worse, Gaines thinks it is okay to sing Motown classics at Rose. The mayor and the chief continue their cold war. Ruskin makes a fateful decision after talking with Quinn. Also, Rose sings a eulogy to his fallen comrade.
Erik tries to compare the episode to the second hour of The Shield. Justin isn't so sure. The pair also end up finally talking about The Acolyte. They try to determine when creator Steven Bochco knew about what was happening at Rampart Division. Justin compares Cop Rock to Tequila & Bonetti and various natural disasters. A wild 1980s sax man appears! James Cameron gets celebrated for his asshole tendencies. The show's status as a bad musical is once again confirmed. Erik declares the name "LaRusso" can only be used by one fictional family. Anne Bobby's career is considered and a musical number based around a suspect line-up becomes a crucial point of conversation.
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After a long absence, Tread Perilously returns to the world of Tequila and Bonetti with an episode called "Fetch This, Pal."
When Tequila and Bonetti are called to the scene of a possible bomb scare, they are accosted by the head of the LAPD's K9 unit (guest star James Tolkan) who refuses to give them access to the building. Soon, Bonetti signs Tequila up for a certification test the dog has no intent on passing, even as the stakes get higher. But will any of that matter when bomb scares become real bombings and the prime suspect appears to have history with the K9 unit?
Erik declares the episode to be both inefficient and irritating. The tonal whiplash also works against it with scenes becoming too dramatic and too comical at the same time. Justin is confronted with another television series he can't tell is real. He also imagines other actors as Tequila even as the character earns a new voice. Don Fanucci makes a surprising appearance. George Lucas turns out to be a fan of an obscure Ewan McGregor film. A theory emerges regarding how Tequila's riffs are generated. James Tolkan is praised even as Tequila attempts to make fun of his bald head. The pair try to figure out how the dog became a cop and the piano montage gets another look.
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The Ballad of John D. Cort continues with an episode of Baywatch called "Old Friends."
Mitch, Craig, and Garner take a few days off to hang glide in the Santa Monica mountains. Well, Garner is more interested in reading and dozing. But when Mitch crashes into a tree, gets bit by a snake, and subsequently falls into a quarry, it's up to Craig and Garner to get him out of the wilderness. Meanwhile, Cort is reminded of a friend who died a year earlier. But when he visits the widow, he gets the sense things may not be as it seems. Will it turn out he was a patsy all along?
Erik and Justin realize Baywatch's time has passed. They also call for the return of Geocities and webrings. Colonial Marine Trevor Wierzbowski becomes an unlikely mascot. Mitch's fall down the cliff becomes the lynch pin of the entire outing. The love fest for John Allen Nelson continues. Captain Thorpe makes a very special appearance. David Hasselhoff's ego gets examined. Manwë joins the pantheon. A brief guest turn by Hope Marie Carlton leads well into the weeds. Garner's glamping is praised. Mitch ends up being the worst character and a snake turns out to be the hero.
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Tread Perilously's month of treading safely concludes with a top episode of Night Court: "A Day in the Life."
When Judge Harry Stone's courtroom is called upon to adjudicate 200 cases before midnight, Dan's salacious plans are threatened. Will he, Christine, Harry, Mac, Roz, and Bull survive an onslaught of would-be gods, dueling Moses-es, amateur magicians, irate Nielsen families, and Barry Manilow? Will NBC boss Brandon Tartikoff be called upon as a character witness? And will Dan get to score with his recurring, um, "sex interest" in her van before she drives away to California forever? Also, will slow talking prove to be the most important form of comedy ever devised?
Justin once again reveals his mother let him watch Night Court as a child, which hits differently after this episode. He also explains the show doesn't really coalesce until season 4. Erik defends visiting New York, but can't imagine living there. Justin warns people off watching any season 9 episode of Night Court. John Larroquette once again proved to be the MVP even if his character is kind of a sex pest. Markie Post's unfortunate 1980s style gets critiqued as Erik recalls the "Shoulderpads Arms Race." Justin chooses a new search engine and surprise discussions about Twin Peaks and Sarah Douglas occur.
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Tread Perilously continues its month of treading safely with one of the best Columbo episodes ever filmed: "A Stitch In Crime."
When Dr. Barry Mayfield's (special guest star Leonard Nimoy) ambitions to become renowned for a new anti-rejection drug are threatened by the head of the project, he plots to murder him in the slowest way possible. When his plan goes into motion, Mayfield kills the nurse (special guest star Anne Francis) who suspects him of sabotaging their boss's heart operation. Columbo soon arrives on the scene and makes life a living hell for Mayfield. But will the smart doctor fall for Columbo's ruse or is he an adversary unlike anything the lieutenant has faced before?
Erik and Justin are right to invoke logic when discussing Nimoy, who proves to be a superb antagonist for star Peter Falk. They also fall in love, again, with Nita Talbot, who guests in the episode as Anne Francis's roommate. Justin declares the story "shockingly modern" thanks to several recent shows indebted to Columbo. Erik numerates the episodes he passed over for Nimoy's guest turn. Geography Corners abound. A discussion of classic horror movies breaks out, as does a chat about Kevin McCarthy. Justin's Columbo impression improves while Erik's disintegrates when he also attempts to do his Dr. McCoy. And, of course, everything comes back to the Turnbull ACs.
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Tread Perilously engages in a normal human podcast by watching an episode of What We Do In The Shadows called "On The Run."
When a mysterious vampire tracks down Laszlo over the matter of an ancient debt, he abandons his life on Staten Island to become "Jackie Daytona" -- a beloved local fixture and bar owner in Pennsylvania. Much to his surprise, Jackie becomes invested in the success of a nearby high school varsity volleyball team. But when the vampire who forced Laszlo to flee rolls into town, will Jackie walk away just when the volleyball team needs him most? Meanwhile, Colin Robinson makes an awkward proposition.
Erik tells the tale of his conversion to a What We Do In the Shadows fan. The pair debate how to say Mark Proksch's last name. Justin enjoys Harvey Guillén's weariness as Guillermo while Erik ends up really taking to the styles of Proksch, Natasia Demetriou, and Matt Berry. Mark Hamill also proves to be a great guest star. The actual placement of the episode in the show's history becomes something of a mystery. Justin tries very hard to remember George Lopez's name. Tom Baker is invoked, Tom Bombadil news is discussed, and the episode's would-be Bella ends up a highlight ... even as it leads to a chat about Mark Brendanawicz.
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Tread Perilously flips the paradigm for June with a month of Tread Safely. And to start: the curious episode of Psych called "Dual Spires."
Shawn and Gus receive an invitation to enjoy the Dual Spire Cinnamon Festival, but a day in the woods somewhere north of Santa Barbara feasting on hot cider and cinnamon pie turns into a mystery when young Paula Merral is found dead. Wrapped in plastic. Soon, it becomes clear all is not as it appears as town secrets are exposed, Shawn keeps his relationship with Juliet quiet, and everything in Dual Spires feels strangely familiar.
Erik and Justin delight in all the Twin Peaks references. Justin reveals his history with the show. For Erik, it's only his second episode. The pair once again wonder why Dana Ashbrook never got another high profile series. See also: guest star Sheryl Lee. The monkey bread conspiracy is exposed. The riff on the theme song is examined, as is Gus's reaction to the citizens of Dual Spires. The presence of Robin Lively is welcome, even if Justin wishes another Twin Peaks was on screen. Justin reveals the time he ran for school office on the "Sex Dwarf" ticket and that he's still mad at Shawn for one Psych plot point.
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Tread Perilously's Failed Prestige month takes an unscheduled trip on Pan Am for the episode called "We'll Always Have Paris."
Kate's first trip to Paris is filled with excitement and terror as her mother decides to book a seat on the flight. Also, her CIA handler wants her to deliver a package to a courier in the city. Meanwhile, Laura has reasons of her own to avoid her mother, Dean continues his search for Bridget while maybe starting something with Colette, and Maggie's choice to defend herself leads to Ted trying -- and failing -- to be her white knight.
Erik uses the wrong microphone and discovers the scheduled show for the week, Vinyl, is currently unavailable. Justin finds the spy plot to be the most laughable and declares that Pan Am fails in a very special way. The pair try to find a better role for star Kelli Garner. Christina Ricci remains a Tread Perilously favorite, though. Margot Robbie also proves a welcome presence even if she fails the "zoo" vocal test. The male cast, however, prompts many notes and replacement suggestions. "Can you sell Pan Am to China?" becomes the new philosophical question of the age and the cynical edge of the show becomes a key point of discussion.
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Tread Perilously's month of failed prestige TV continues with the pilot episode of Manhattan: "You Always Hurt The Ones You Love."
When Charlie accepts a blind offer to work at a government facility in New Mexico, he is shocked to discover he will be helping to design an atomic bomb. His wife, Abby, adjusts to the strange way of life out on the plains as no one can grow crops in the local soil and all the wives build a society of their own. Meanwhile, renegade scientist Frank Winter must prove his theory to Oppenheimer to save his group from being shut down.
Erik and Justin end up having a spirited discussion about history, historical inaccuracies, and the Super Soldier Program. Erik gets distracted by star Rachel Brosnahan in 1940s outfits while Justin can't completely wash away co-star Ashely Zuckerman's resemblance to The Office's B.J. Novak. John Benjamin Hickey's strengths as Frank are also called into question. The filmography of episode director Thomas Schlamme leads into the weeds. A wild Katja Herbers appears. Harry Lloyd britians things up as well. Justin tries to offer an opinion based on watching the whole series and Walter White becomes strangely important.
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Tread Perilously's Failed Prestige month continues with the second episode of Hap and Leonard, "The Bottoms."
Hap is still trying to find the bridge from his childhood that will lead to the river that, in turn, will lead to the money Howard hired him to find. Leonard is less sure as Howard's goons are both dumb and dangerous. He also gets a phone call that will force him to leave town. Later, Hap finds himself in a show of bravado with Howard and facing renewed affections from his ex-wife, Trudy. Will it turn out she's been withholding the real location of the river?
Erik is thrilled to see James Purefoy in a series, but is unsure about the episode as a discrete segment of story. The rest of the cast, which includes Michael Kenneth Williams as Leonard, Christina Hendricks as Trudy, and an almost unrecognizable Neil Sandilands as one of Howard's goons are also welcome even as the plot flounders. Howard's actor, however, ends up being the one Erik and Justin want to recast. Justin tries to recall if he finished Hap and Leonard's first season. Erik's opinion of Ahsoka slides a little bit. A wild Jimmi Simpson appears and the pair debate whether or not connective tissue episodes work.
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Tread Perilously's Failed Prestige month continues with the Terriers episode called "Dog and Pony."
When Hank's $30,000 check becomes evidence in the case against his client, he tries to drum up business to cover the deposit he still owes on the house. He soon finds a $5,000 bounty on a man wanted in connection with a liquor store heist. He and Britt encounter him only to find he's taller and stronger than the bounty notice let on. Their next step: scare his half-brother into doing something. But when that uncovers a further crime, will Hank and Britt turn it to their advantage?
Erik and Justin once again get lost in the Geography Corner of a show set (again) in San Diego County. The presence of The Shield's Shawn Ryan in the creative team proves to be a positive. Star Donal Logue's corrupt cop aura also lends itself well to Hank -- so much so, Erik refuses to call him anything but "Donal Logue." Magneto goes to law school. Hulk start to worry about heart health. The pair try to determine a better name for the show than Terriers as it proves to be a huge barrier to entry. Rockmond Dunbar ends up the supporting MVP and Studio 54 becomes a surprisingly important location to the discussion.
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Tread Perilously begins a month of would-be prestige TV series that failed to connect with the debut episode of John from Cincinnati -- "His Visit: Day One."
Retired surfer Mitch Yost is spotted on the water by an ambitious promoter and a mysterious man who repeats what he hears called John. Back in town, Mitch's son, Butchie -- also a retired pro surfer -- is anxious to score, but discovers his heroin has been cut so much, it might as well be nothing. Meanwhile, Butchie's son, Shaun, is looking to participate in his first surfing competition and maybe get a sponsorship from the promoter hounding Mitch. Do any of these things matter? And why does Mitch spontaneously hover two feet in the air?
Erik and Justin confront one of the most infamous examples of failed prestige: John From Cincinnati. They laud a deep cast which includes Rebecca De Mornay and Bruce Greenwood, but are unsure about some of the less-seasoned actors, including the person who plays John. Geography Corner gets into detail about the Interstate 5 freeway between the Mexico border and Huntington Beach. The pair also theorize why Butchie is banned from that particular part of the coast. The show's credit sequence gets analyzed and the cadence of Deadwood dialogue trips up Justin. Also, an attempt is made to recast the title character and Erik introduces his appropriate nemesis.
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