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: Tequila and Bonetti‘s “Language of the Heart”

Tread Perilously‘s month of Grab Bag All-Stars continues with another baffling episode of Tequila and Bonetti, “Language of the Heart.”

When gang violence makes its way to South Coast, Visiting Detective Nico Bonetti and Officer Garcia decide to make it a contest to see who understands gangs better. Meanwhile, Lenny, a local with autism and a friend of Garcia’s late husband, makes his way to the squadroom and gets to know Bonetti. Is it possible that his repeated phrases are the key to cracking the case? And can Bonetti become adept at deciphering Lenny’s language before a gang war spreads across the coast?

Justin once again riffs on the character name “Midian Knight.” It leads to a discussion of Clive Barker’s The Great and Secret Show and some of his other unfinished novel series. Erik tries to determine the Los Angeles area equivalent of Staten Island. Justin chooses Norwalk. He also dubs the autistic character “Storm Lad” for reasons that will become obvious. Justin laments how easy TV producers had it pitching shows in the 1980s. The pair criticize the depiction of Southern California gangs, and they try to make sense of an ambiguous, yet clearly racist, guest character.

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