Tread Perilously

Tread Perilously's devilish October continues with a journey into Constantine's reality with "The Devil's Vinyl."

When an acetate recording alleged to contain the First of the Fallen's voice is uncovered after decades of being hidden, John, a musician's wife, and Papa Midnite all vie for the record. But the vinyl itself has a will of its own and listening to the track it contains can be ... killer. Will John figure out a way to hold onto it for future security or will he be forced to destroy it? If he fails, plenty of Chicagoans will fall under its icy, but still infernal spell.

Erik and Justin discuss the pronunciation of "Constantine." Comic book conversations lead far into the weeds. Lanterns talk becomes unavoidable. The filmographies of episode writers Mark Verheiden and David S. Goyer are examined. Erik's Alan Moore impression fails him. Justin shares his Jack the Ripper hypothesis. Erik praises star Matt Ryan for his take on John and his continued appearances as the character in other shows and media. Attempts are made to decipher the Marvel Zodiac logo. The truth about British townhouses is revealed. A question about the "Chicago, Southside" location burn-in leads to the truth about Constantine's production hub. Reactions to Michael Douglas's autobiography emerge and Tom Bomdadil still doesn't fit in your script.

Tread Perilously continues its devilish October with an episode of Reaper called "All Mine."

Sam's latest infernal bounty brings him into contact with a swarm of bugs, a man on the run, and an exterminator. But it also leads him to think he's already depending too much on Ben and Sock. Also, a potential job promotion leaves Sam wondering if he will always work at The Bench while Andi considers going back to college full time. Will Sam figure out a way to maintain the status quo while still serving the Devil?

Erik tries to explain who "Evil Mike Brady" is while Justin revels in the presence of Tyler Labine. Arrow's Wild Dog is remembered thanks to Rick Gonzalez appearing as Ben. Erik tries to turn Sock into Spock for the purposes of a classic paradigm. For seemingly no reason, Tom Atkins is celebrated. Beating up a toaster proves to be wisdom. Some older CGI has aged into being charming. More horror movie recommendations emerge. Satan's pep talk leads to several questions. Sam's good heart proves to be one of the most surprising things about the show. The pair try to determine the nature of Reaper's Hell and a new form of "Deus ex Machina" debuts.

Tread Perilously's 2026 horror month focuses on the Devil. It all begins with an episode of Highway to Heaven called "The Devil and Jonathan Smith."

When a freak accident leaves a child on his deathbed, Mark makes a deal to save his life. And when the broker reveals the deal was for his soul -- and the Devil will come to collect on Halloween night -- it's up to a Burbank area con-man to come up with the greatest swindle of all time. But how do you cheat the Devil and will Jonathan's soul be the real prize?

Justin is pleasantly surprised by the actor playing the Devil. The rest of the guest cast is also a treat with Conrad Janis and Anthony Zerbe turning in great work. Erik can't get over how much the locations feel like Burbank. Justin accidentally pitches a better version of Highway to Heaven. The difference between a Clarence-style Angel and a Biblically Accurate one is outlined. The Wandering Do-Gooder archetype is fondly remembered. Silver Shamrock makes its presence known. Horror movie recommendations begin in earnest. The status of producer Joel Silver is determined. Lanterns talk finally enters the chat and Geography Corner takes the pair to 1980s Hollywood Boulevard.

Tread Perilously concludes its annual Star Trek month with an episode of Star Trek: Picard called "Imposters."

Picard and Riker have returned control of the U.S.S. Titan to Captain Shaw, but are now on the hook for treason. Starfleet dispatches the U.S.S. Intrepid and a special Intelligence operative to bring them back to Command. But when Picard sees the operative is Ro Laren, it brings back some awful memories and a few questions both need answered. Meanwhile, Jack Crusher sees something terrifying in the transport beam. And elsewhere in the galaxy, Raffi and Worf play a deadly game to confuse a Vulcan crime boss.

Justin attempts to explain the premise of Picard. Erik faces Kirk Acevedo once again. The pair also try to make sense of Changeling society -- such as it exists. The phrase "synthetics on Mars" leads down a rabbit hole. Justin tries to decipher the Season 3 story while Erik desperately attempts to remember why Picard and his team are on the Titan. Justin grapples with Dazzler as a possible X-Men film pick. Jeri Ryan as Seven of Nine proves to be the MVP again. Justin makes some sense of Jack Crusher. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds talk continues and Star Wars planet Nar Shaddaa makes a special Geography Corner appearance.

Tread Perilously's annual Star Trek month continues with an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation called "Ensign Ro."

When the Enterprise is ordered to handle a potentially explosive Bajoran crisis near the Cardassian border, Captain Picard's superiors assign Ensign Ro Laren to the mission. One of the few Starfleet officers of Bajoran ancestry, she would be an invaluable asset if not for the fact she let eight people die on her last away mission. Or is there another reason why people don't like having her around? Also, is there more to the operation than Picard understands? Will Ro come to trust him and reveal what she knows?

Erik and Justin sit back for an extra-long discussion as Ro is only the beginning of several ideas that will eventually bear fruit on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Erik tries to map Ro onto the Babylon 5 pitch document while also naming the Star Trek equivalent of the Narn Regime. Justin recalls TNG's premise is rooted in the 1980s. The pair determine when the '90s began as a consequence. Riker's proclivities come into focus. Mr. Mot debuts. The discussion of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues. Favorite TNG episodes are revealed. Starfleet Admiral's Disease is outlined and an important truth about TNG is revealed.

Tread Perilously's Star Trek month continues with an episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds called "A Quality of Mercy."

When Captain Christopher Pike considers altering the fate he has been dreading since his year in command of the U.S.S. Discovery, a future version of himself makes him leap into the events of "Balance of Terror" -- only he's still in command of the Enterprise. Will he make the same choices as James T. Kirk? Or will his wish to save everyone lead the Federation into another prolonged war. Also, whose fate among the Enterprise crew is crucial to future events?

Erik and Justin consider the Kurtzman Era of Star Trek via a legacy sequel (or is it a requel?) to one of The Original Series' best episodes. Continuity and Enterprise also come into question. Erik marvels at how much Akiva Goldsman gets Trek. Justin reconsiders Joel Schumacher. The pair debate a recent Strange New Worlds episode inspired by soap operas. Erik removes Kirk from William Shatner. Sarek's abilities as a father are doubted. The pair also consider Trek's tendency to equate promotion to admiral with death. Justin's attempt to use Middle-earth mythology gets an immediate correction and Babylon 5 cannot help but make another return.

Tread Perilously begins its 10th annual Star Trek month with the classic Original Series episode "Balance of Terror."

When the U.S.S. Enterprise is called to the Federation Neutral Zone along the border with the Romulan Star Empire, they discover outposts have been destroyed. When the ship reaches a base under attack, they learn the truth: the Romulans have crossed the zone with a new ship capable of cloak and a devastating energy blast. Will Captain Kirk and the crew manage to prevent the Bird of Prey from returning to Romulan space while stopping the incident from becoming a full scale war?

Justin argues Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is also a sequel to "Balance of Terror." Erik recalls the correct stardate for once. Kirk's tendency toward crappy Internet Atheism is examined. Navigator Stiles brings Dr. McCoy's racism into stark relief. Next Generation barber Mr. Mott proves to be an eternal being. The pair try to figure out what Patrick Stewart or Avery Brooks would say upon returning from space. Leonard Nimoy once again earns MVP status for a superb exposition dump. Justin determines the origin of DeForest Kelly's accent. Erik admits to being behind on Strange New Worlds. Collision acting is reviewed and Babylon 5 cannot help but enter the chat.

Tread Perilously concludes its summer Patreon request month with an episode of The Highwayman called "Warzone."

When Jetto seemingly goes rogue and abducts military and city officials, the Highwayman springs into action to figure out the how and why. But a clearly corrupt general has his own reasons to silence Jetto. What really happened six years earlier? Why can't Jetto remember? And is Wayne Newton among his captives? These and other questions might be answered by the time the episode concludes.

In a rare role-reversal, Justin turns out to be the person with Highwayman history as Erik did not watch it in his misspent youth. Nevertheless, Justin finds the worldbuilding to be very poor. Erik marvels at a show containing so much of what he thought was cool as a child, but proves to be a slog. He also determines Jetto fought in a second Vietnam War. The pair profile the brief success of Jetto actor Jacko (yes, that's his stage name) and rank the worst Halloween movies. Justin recalls a particularly "Hollywood" moment from his elementary school days. Phony Australian accents falter. A sedate Jane Badler appears. Justin tries to explain the program's special convertible trucks; it leads to a discussion of M.A.S.K. The pair appreciate Terry Kiser's contribution to the episode and the definition of a "highwayman" comes into question.

Tread Perilously's summer Patreon request month continues with an episode of Sledge Hammer! called "The Spa Who Loved Me."

Hammer includes himself in the case of a missing nuclear warhead. The trail leads to a downtown fitness center run by the queen of workout tapes, Jill Taylor. His tour of the spa only leads to him getting his first workout in years, but Doreau decides to take a look herself. Meanwhile, a Hooded Figure releases a tape indicating they will detonate the device unless the State of California delivers $1 billion to them. But is the threat coming from the spa? And will Hammer know what he's doing before the cliffhanger ending?

Erik and Justin finally revel in an episode of Sledge Hammer! Mary Woronov turns out to be a featured guest star, leading to a continuing conversation from last week's episode. The writing and directing credits also provide a few surprises. Justin compares the show's humor to the Abrams/Zucker tone of Police Squad. Erik credits star David Rasche with making the underlying joke work. Co-star Anne-Marie Martin's surprising credit is revealed. The pair remember questionable celebrity Robin Leach. Geography Corner centers on Southern California pastrami chain The Hat and a recommendation about Barbarella is issued.

Tread Perilously's summer Patreon request month continues with the Matlock episode known as "The Network."

When television producer Paul J. Bartel is accused of murdering the head of a Big Three TV network, Matlock agrees to represent him. Flying to Los Angeles, the Georgia lawyer quickly learns about the lingo, the motives, and the media attention to be found in Tinsel Town. But are Paul Bartel's protestations of innocence valid? Will Hollywood Today follow Matlock's every move? And will the older barrister inadvertently create the "zoom and enhance" phenomenon? Also, is Alf really in this episode, too?

Erik and Justin embrace getting older as they finally sit down for an hour of Matlock. Justin outlines the career of the real Paul Bartel. Special cameos lead to plenty of weeds. Betty White is once again celebrated. The legend of The Hogan Family is told. Geography Corner centers on Lawry's Prime Rib. Another car chase scene finds Erik lamenting the loss of the art. The pair eventually remember to talk about Matlock star Andy Griffith. Erik detects some other inside-baseball aspects to the episode's script, including the secret basis for the murder victim. A famous Hollywood alibi becomes important to the proceedings and Larry David enters the story for the strangest reason.