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: Voyager‘s “Message in a Bottle”

Tread Perilously‘s annual Star Trek month returns to Star Trek: Voyager for an episode called “Message in a Bottle.”

When Seven of Nine discovers a seemingly disused communication system which stretches back into the Alpha Quadrant, she spots an experimental Starfleet vessel. Because a holographic message will not degrade across the vast network, the Doctor is sent along to the U.S.S. Prometheus. Unfortunately for the Doctor, the ship has been commandeered by Romulan agents and his only help is a “Mark II” version of the Emergency Medical Hologram who happens to look an awful lot like 1990s comedian Andy Dick.

Erik and Justin disclaim the presence of Andy Dick. Erik notes stronger Voyager episodes seem to revolve around the Doctor. Justin admits the episode’s premise is stronger than the final product. Erik is convinced the Prometheus bridge is the Enterprise-A bridge redressed within an inch of its life. B’Elanna Torres turns out to be a big Frasier fan. A discussion of the Marvel Cinematic Method breaks out because of course. Erik completely fails in an attempt to plug an upcoming book. Tom Paris’ subplot gets dissected, and Justin determines the secret history of the two Defiant class ships featured late in the story.

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