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: The Americans‘ “Do Mail Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?”

Tread Perilously begins its annual “Tread Safely” month with an episode of The Americans called “Do Mail Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?”

When the bug Martha put in Gaad’s office is discovered, Elizabeth and Philip must infiltrate a repair shop and plant a new device in the mail robot. The mission leads Elizabeth to discover the shop owner’s mother in an office and listens to her life’s story even as she forces her to overdose on some prescription medication. But Elizabeth is haunted by the experience as it relates to her work with Hans and her life with Philip. Meanwhile, Hans tries to prove his worth to the cause, and Stan learns the truth about the defector.

Erik quickly learns to enjoy “An Evening with Lois Smith.” Justin defends the show, as it is one of his favorites. Russian proverbs make a surprise reappearance. Erik sings the praises of actor Frank Langella. Both he and Justin note the surprising number of talented people to come from the 1990s Mickey Mouse Club. The regularly scheduled Star Wars discussion happens, er, on schedule, and Toby Emmerich’s presence gets examined. But will Erik like The Americans enough to one day tread it perilously?

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