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: ABC AfterSchool Specials: Schoolboy Father

Tread Perilously’s month of AfterSchool Specials concludes with Schoolboy Father.

When high school junior Charles Elderberry learns his summer camp girlfriend gave birth to a son, he learns it is his and attempts to do everything he can to block an adoption. The frustrated social worker gives him one week to learn the ropes of being a parent while also still being a high school student. Will Charles Elderberry grow up in just seven days or will he accept the wisdom his ex already understood after nine months of bringing a child to term? Also, why is Charles Elderberry’s friend, Jeff, so into Mrs. Elderberry?

Erik, literally, cannot get over the presence of Rob Lowe. A long conversation about the actor follows. Justin calls Schoolboy Father the most “AfterSchool Special” of the specials they watched this month. Erik praises the use of a novel as source material as it creates texture that would be missing from an original teleplay. Justin recalls summer camp movies. Jennifer Connelly and Optimus Prime become the greatest spokespeople for the mini generation after Gen X. Dana Plato is fondly remembered. Geography Corner centers on the San Fernando Valley and 1980s supermarkets. Also, the pair examine the unique way the special’s message is presented.

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