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: Torchwood‘s “Cyberwoman”

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 a discussion of The Tick, the Noldor, and more. Justin tries to make sense of Torchwood as a concept.  He also notes Erik’s “angry” British accent. A surprise Burn Gorman appears! White Water Summer is used to prove a point. The viscosity of Ianto becomes important, and Justin suggests Torchwood isn’t sexy enough.

Be sure to subscribe to Tread Perilously on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@TreadPerilously)!