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: ALF‘s “ALF’s Special Christmas”
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 Christmas Special” 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. Justin realizes the problem with Gordon Shumway answering to “ALF.” Erik’s qualitative objection to Ben Stiller comes to light. Unfunniness gets examined. The pair debate whether or not Edgar Wright should make Don’t, and an actor brings a new spin to the tired Lamaze joke.
Be sure to subscribe to Tread Perilously on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@TreadPerilously)!
