Tread Perilously

The Ballad of John D. Cort continues as Tread Perilously watches an episode of Baywatch called "The End?" When a series of tremors leads to a larger shock, the Baywatch team is caught off guard for landslides, liquefaction, and dangerous panes of glass. Cort and Craig, meanwhile, find trouble when the shockwaves hit the spot they were diving. Back on land, Hobie helps Craig's wife, Gina, get to safety while Mitch tries to do his job. Shauni's attention is also split when Eddie fails to call in from his patrol. But, as it turns out, he's busy helping a pregnant woman who went into labor just as she helped him out of a jam. Justin tries to determine how many characters return for season 2 and Baywatch's first year in syndication. Erik remembers Jill and the Aussie guy Cort replaced. Both are surprised to watch an episode of the show that is nearly competent. Craig gets a full appraisal. Sea Hunt enters Justin's knowledge base. Captain Thorpe finally becomes indispensable. The program's primary flaw appears onc

Tread Perilously's winter Patreon request month continues with an episode Mrs. Davis called "Zwei Sie Piel mit Seitung Sie Wirtschaftung." Evading her seemingly German captors, Simone learns from Mrs. Davis that she must seek the Holy Grail. But Wiley and his resistance believe the quest is just to prove Simone will be a good custodian in the algorithm's data center. Which, of course, he wants her to do so they can destroy the source of Mrs. Davis. Meanwhile, Simone confronts more of her past as the machine tries to push her toward the mission. Wait, is Wiley in on it too? Erik gets confused about Justin's hot take on star Betty Gilpin. Justin thanks the Patrons for introducing him to yet another secret show. He also finds a surprising respite from modern life. The pair get lost in Las Vegas despite Mrs. Davis taking place in Reno. A wild (but subdued) David Arquette appears. Erik recalls one funny and surreal thing to emerge from the Los Angeles wildfires. Justin explains why hits to the liver are so intens

As the Patreon request month continues, Tread Perilously ventures into Warehouse 13 for the first time with an episode called "Duped." With Myka still mad at Artie for what happened with MacPherson, she and Pete are ordered to help with the inventory. It leads to a suspicious mirror and a haunted Studio 54 disco ball. But after Myka stares too deeply into the mirror, she is called away to Las Vegas to handle a couple with surprisingly good luck. Will the artifact in their possession prove useful to the entity that escaped the mirror inside Myka? Will Artie accept that Myka is, in fact, stuck in the mirror? Erik and Justin immediately award star Saul Rubinek MVP status. Justin also can't help but compare the series to The Librarians. Erik recalls the Sci-Fi Network as it was when Warehouse 13 was first produced. While in the weeds, they discuss Wolverine, season 12 Simpsons, CCH Pounder's ability to sell absurd dialogue, The Gifted, and Batman rogues Rubinek could play. Constant re-casting suggestions occur f

Tread Perilously starts the new year with the Winter Patreon request month. First up: an episode of the cop drama Adam 12 called "Log 72: El Presidente." As the morning shift starts, Reed wonders if he can afford to buy a house. Malloy cannot contemplate why he would stop being a renter. Their first call of the day takes them to an apartment building with a unique living situation for three of its tenants. They also aid a cabbie who has been robbed and a busload of Mexicans looking to honor "El Presidente." But when a disgruntled homeowner starts firing at kids, the pair get the riot gun ready. Justin discovers, to his dismay, that he watched the right episode of Adam-12. A look at episode writer Robert H. Forward's IMDb page leads to a discussion of John Landis, fraternities, and a commitment to watch a certain show in 2025. Griffin Dunne gets some praise. Justin makes a determination about Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. They also discuss the later 2D Disney movies, a properly cast version of The Black Dahlia, a

The end-of-year tradition continues as Tread Perilously watches the debut episode of Fallout. 219 years after the end, Vault 33 denizen Lucy MacLean gets more than she expected when she volunteers to wed someone from Vault 32. The resulting attack by raiders, and the abduction of her father, leads her to the surface where she faces an uncertain future. Meanwhile, Brotherhood of Steel member Maximus begins his long slog of a story and a Ghoul with memories of the world before the end gets a new lease on freedom. Will all their stories converge before Lucy becomes encumbered? Special Review Unit Captain Charlie Wright joins Erik and Justin for her annual exposure to new science fiction. Walton Goggins easily proves to be the show's MVP while Maximus ends up the least interesting character. Justin proves to be the only Fallout video game fan among the three. Erik explains why the games lose him after a couple of hours. Charlie explains "Hot-lanta" and it leads to a new stomach remedy. The trio attempts to figure

Tread Merrily 2024 concludes with an episode of Knight Rider called "Silent Knight." While trying to evade the F.L.A.G. Christmas banquet. Michael encounters a young lad who happened to see a bunch of bank robbers transferring their ill-gotten gains from a circus van to an unmarked K-car. He also managed to lift the gold watch one of the robbers stole from the bank manager. Soon, Michael and KITT are the only protection the boy has from the thieves and, oddly enough, himself and his dreams of caravan life. Meanwhile, Devon and April phone in to remind Michael about his obligation to the holiday cheer. Erik and Justin discuss the actual premise of Knight Rider versus what the announcer claims it to be in the intro. They also decide to use the term "Latverian" in lieu of a certain word that was still in use in the 1980s. Sound-a-likes for a trio of popular 1983 songs become an important part of the deliberations. Erik makes mention of an obscure Jon Voight film and partially reviews Kraven the Hunter. Justin bl

Tread Merrily 2024 continues with an episode of ALF known as "ALF's Special Christmas" — although it will be referred to as “ALF’S Christmas Special”. When the Tanners take the opportunity to spend Christmas at a cabin in the woods, ALF grumbles about the lack of indoor plumbing and electricity. His antagonism gets so bad, Willie sends him outside for a few hours. ALF ends up driving into town with the cabin's owner, who also volunteers as Santa at the local hospital. There, ALF learns the "true" meaning of Christmas as guest stars Cleavon Little and Carl Franklin class up the joint. Will the Tanners find ALF before he's mistaken for a toy? Also: a wild Molly Hagan appears! Erik and Justin end up watching almost two hours of ALF thanks to a typo. "ALF's Special Christmas" proves to be Seasonal Affective Disorder in TV form and it inspires a lot of dark comedy. Justin is convinced TV in the late 1980s was all in soft focus. The ALF impressions are abundant, but there's nary a Max Wright impression to be heard

Tread Merrily begins with the Doctor Who Christmas special "The Return of Doctor Mysterio." While investigating a potential alien invasion, The Doctor discovers a boy he met years earlier is using his accidental superpowers to become a real-life superhero. But "The Ghost" leads a complicated civilian life that is now intruding on his costumed one as the invasion, The Doctor, and the woman he secretly loves all join him for Christmas Eve Day. Will The Doctor foil the aliens? Will "The Ghost" unmask himself in front of the smart reporter he fancies? Will we remember the events of this episode in a year? Erik forgets to check his mic, leading to crackly audio throughout. Both he and Justin struggle to remember the plot and stay on task as the special is, to quote another Doctor Who showrunner, "standard." Erik vaguely recalls it ended a particular year without Doctor Who, but forgot Nardole is the companion. Justin notes the two emotional arcs of the story do not intersect. He also learns the 2025 Gallifrey One

Tread Perilously's Cornucopia of Sci-Fi concludes with a Caprica episode called "False Labor." After each of the main characters has troubled dreams, Joseph Adama awakes to another day of work while his brother, Sam, plots to send guns to Tauron. Daniel Greystone continues to develop Resurrection technology and perfect a simulacrum of his wife, Amanda. She, meanwhile, works to embed herself among the monotheists, even if one one of their number doubts her intentions. Trouble continues to brew behind the scenes at Greystone's business. The mob gets ever closer, and a prototype Cylon Centurion makes a startling contribution to the day's events. Erik and Justin can't help but examine Caprica through the eyes of jaded former Battlestar Galactica fans. Ronald D. Moore ends up in the hot seat even though he had little to do with Caprica. The duo split on star Paula Malcomson's performance. Esai Morales easily wins their hearts, though. Erik sees why Eric Stoltz was fired from Back to the Future. Despite not appeari

Tread Perilously's Cornucopia of Sci-Fi continues with an episode of Upload called "Strawberry." Nathan and Nora are still on the road returning consciousnesses of the departed to their families. Their latest stop brings them to a farm where pork and cheese are produced. Note the wording. While the parents of the departed prove folksy and nice, their world is anything but. Back in the "Afterlife," Ingrid realizes the Nathan she's seeing is not the genuine person ... even if it gives her another advantage on Tinsley. Choak also realizes there are two Nathans, but will he be able to put all the pieces together? Justin is alerted to another secret show. He also rallies against the modern meaning of "content." Star Robbie Amell proves to be unmemorable. Erik refuses to accept another member of the cast as anything other than his most memorable role. His criticism of The Disaster Artist adaptation also comes up. Justin champions Andor again. A different league of guest actors are suggested for the farmers. Erik fo

Tread Perilously's Cornucopia of Sci-Fi continues with an episode of Resident Alien called 'Girls' Night.' While Harry continues to work on the interstellar radio, Asta, D'Arcy, Kate, and Liv get a "GN59" text from Kayla and immediately plan a girls' night at the bar. Kate brings her cousin, Carlyn, while the mayor frets about Kate and D'Arcy becoming better friends. As the evening wears on, Liv reveals she hasn't had a raise in 17 years, prompting the other women to learn the town budget and, perhaps, fight for some equality. Will it go well for them? And will Carlyn end up part of Harry's plan for the radio? Justin and Erik learn more about Kate and the mayor's sex life than they expected. Justin faces Resident Alien for the first time while Erik remembers why he likes the show. Guest star Alex Borstein proves a good addition to a strong core ensemble. Erik points out the program's "great Syfy show" quality. Australia gets blamed for wrecking the "hotness quotient." Justin brings Rena Sofer into the convers

Tread Perilously begins a cornucopia of sci-fi with the most infamous episode of Torchwood: "Cyberwoman." When Ianto Jones invites a specialist in Cyber tech to Torchwood 3, all hell breaks loose. It turns out he's been keeping his partially Cyber-ized girlfriend on life support since the Battle of Canary Wharf. He's using a Cyber-conversion machine to do it. And none of the others know about it. Of course, Cybermen are going to Cyberman, but will a "Cyberwoman" also seek to make all organic life like her? Also: what will Captain Jack Harkness do when he learns Ianto has been keeping a woman prisoner in their basement? Justin faces his first -- and possibly last -- episode of Torchwood. He learns almost immediately why Erik has been putting this one off for so long. Episode writer Chris Chibnall is, once again, in the hot seat. Erik is accused of being a David Tennant fan. The weeds lead to some darker places, but also to discussion of The Tick, the Noldor, and more. Justin tries to make sense of Torchwood as

Tread Perilously rounds out a witchy October with the annual visit to Supernatural. This year: an episode called "Shut Up, Dr. Phil." To keep his mind off murdering Amy Pond (no, really!), Dean convinces Sam to investigate a spate of murders in Prosperity, Indiana. The victims so far have some ties to real estate in the area. But when a contractor also dies, the signs lead to a witch. Is it the local developer magnate or his wife? Or could it be ... both? Meanwhile, one of the Leviathan's slowly makes his way to Prosperity in the hopes of eliminating Sam and Dean for good. Erik determines, almost immediately, that guest stars Charisma Carpenter and James Marsters are the main reasons Justin chose this witch-focused episode of Supernatural. But the actors both easily earn most valued status as they elevate what might be a more humdrum episode. Despite not appearing on screen, Jim Beaver also turns out to be a MVP. Justin realizes he's starting to forget parts of the show. Erik tries to figure out the season-l

Tread Perilously continues a witchy October with The Paul Lynde Halloween Special. When neighborhood kids harass Paul Lynde about his plans to celebrate Halloween, he flees to the home of his housekeeper's sister. But he soon learns both are witches with remarkable resemblances to Witchiepoo and The Wicked Witch of the West. As it turns out, they want him to be a spokesman for witches. In return, he'll get three wishes granted and a private concert from KISS. The latter aspect is not negotiable. What wishes will Paul get granted? Will KISS let Peter sing "Beth"? And will guest stars Billy Barty, Florence Henderson, and Betty White make a mark on the proceedings? Erik and Justin try to deal with a variety special making a stab at an ongoing narrative. They also conjure the Osmonds back into existence. The previous on-screen persona of Betty White is explored. Bruce Vilanch returns as Erik reads out a very long list of writers. The Pinky Tuscadero phenomenon gets explained ... including the unlikely connection

Tread Perilously's witchy October continues with the 1978 TV special Witch's Night Out. While the adults in town begin to plan a thoroughly grown-up Halloween party, all youngsters Small and Tender want to do is scare them with their Halloween masks. But when everyone recognizes them during trick-or-treating, they run home dejected. Their cries to become real monsters are heard by the local witch, who happens to live in the abandoned mansion the adults are using as the site of their gathering. Will the town learn the true meaning of Halloween when Small, Tender, and their babysitter, Bazooey, are transformed by the witch's magicks? The drug comparisons are constant with both Erik and Justin deciding Bazooey knows where to get the good stuff. Erik points out the special's origins in Canada. The quality of 1970s animation is also discussed. Small and Tender join the ranks of the Little Shits while Justin finds their names unacceptable. The pair once again threaten to do a Voula episode of Degrassi Junior High.

Tread Perilously's month of witches continues with the Smallville episode "Spell." When Lana successfully bids on an old book off eBay, she is quickly possessed by Isabella, her witch-inclined ancestor. Like Lex, she also seeks the Stones of Power and will stop at nothing -- not even death -- to get them. Isabella soon houses the spirits of her coven in the bodies of Chloe and Lois, but will plans for Chloe's 18th birthday interfere with the witches' goals? Or will it turn out to be the perfect cover for their search? Meanwhile, Clark is anticipating a visit from the Princeton recruiter and a wild Jensen Ackles appears. Justin and Erik admit Tom Welling is a good-looking man, but aren't willing to give him much else. The Stones of Power give Erik all the excuse he needs to talk about Middle-earth. The oughty-ness of the proceedings lead the pair into the weeds with discussion of Homer's vision quest on The Simpsons, Michael Mann, and, of course, Rome. Justin is convinced Smallville's big problem is its attem

Halloween season 2024 on Tread Perilously is a celebration of witches, and the magical mischief begins with an episode of Bewitched called "To Trick-or-Treat or Not to Trick-or-Treat." When Endora discovers Sam is participating in a Trick-of-Treat For Unicef event that props up stereotypes about witches, the resulting fight with Darren leads her to transform him into the very tropes she despises. Will he be able to pitch a new presentation to an important client while looking more like Tommy Wiseau? Will Larry Tate finally learn the truth about Sam? And will Tabitha ever notice the family discord around her while getting ready to go trick-or-treating as a princess? Erik's appreciation of Endora finds a new dimension. A definitive answer to the Dick York/Dick Sargent debate is reached. An underlying theme of Bewitched is explored, even if the show cannot really dive into it. Justin deploys the best ad men at Sterling Cooper Price. He also has some notes for Tabitha actor Erin Murphy. Erik guesses Trick-or-Trea

Tread Perilously's Star Trek month 2024 concludes with an episode Star Trek: Enterprise called "Shuttlepod One." While on assignment aboard Shuttlepod One, Trip and Malcolm find evidence that Enterprise was destroyed while surveying an asteroid field. The pair make plans to direct their impulse-capable shuttle toward the nearest human colony, but it will take years to arrive and they only have nine days of air. Will they have a heart-to-heart about their personality differences? Will Enterprise, on its own mission of mercy, realize Trip and Malcolm are adrift in space? And will T'Pol ever get respect from Archer or the show's producers? Erik and Justin sit down for the longest conversation about Enterprise yet. The fact the episode was written by Rick Berman and Brannon Braga may have something to do with it. Justin's Berman impression becomes canon. Discussions in the weeds include The Batman and the first two episodes of Agatha All Along. The prequel-itis of Enterprise gets in the way, as it often does. Co

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 t

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 seaso