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 Next Generation‘s “Ensign Ro”

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.

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