Tread Perilously is a podcast in which hosts Erik Amaya and author Justin Robinson watch the “worst” episodes of popular TV shows, attempting to determine if they would continue to watch the series based on the most off-key moments.

This Week: Star Trek: The Animated Series‘ “The Magicks of Megas-Tu”

Tread Perilously’s annual Star Trek month continues with a look at Star Trek: The Animated Series and the episode called “The Magicks of Megas-Tu.”

When the Enterprise‘s latest mission takes them to the center of the galaxy — yes, you read that right — they find Megas-Tu, a world where the usual rules of matter and physics are set aside for something that can only be described as magick. There, the crew meets Lucien, a jovial goatman who regrets ever leaving the Earth. Unfortunately, the arrival of the Enterprise leads to a rather literal witch hunt with Kirk, Spock, and the others on trial and professing their sympathy for the devil.

Justin argues TAS fits into the Original Series ethos. He also adds Night of the Lepus to The Full Peril watch list. Erik tries to remember the stated stardate for once. The imprecise use of the term “quadrant” is discussed. Gene Roddenberry’s proclivities, naturally, come up again. The Filmation method is critiqued. The story’s focus on the Devil leads to a lot of talk about the development of both Judaism and Christianity. Baphomet’s PR team succeeds in restoring his rep. Erik has trouble with the Charm of Making. Various gods are cast with older actors. James Doohan ends up the episode MVP, and even the Ancient Astronaut Theory makes its way into the proceedings.

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