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: I Love Lucy‘s “Lucy and Superman”

Tread Perilously‘s crossover month concludes where superheroes and sitcoms collide — an episode of I Love Lucy called “Lucy and Superman.”

Little Ricky and his best friend, Stevie, will soon celebrate their birthdays, but Lucy and Stevie’s mother enter an arms race to see who can throw the better party. Stevie’s mother hires a clown and magician. Strapped for ideas, Lucy gets Ricky to reach out to Superman, a TV star they met while visiting Los Angeles. But when the Man of Steel initially turns down the offer to appear, Lucy takes it upon herself to become the Last Son of Krypton. Will her hare-brained scheme work or will the Man of Tomorrow come to her rescue?

Erik and Justin accept I Love Lucy‘s premise that Superman is a real celebrity who is both super-powered and a TV star. They also “‘splain” the premise of the original three-camera sitcom. Both Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are praised for their pioneering efforts. Their children, less so. Erik reveals the meaning of I Love Lucy to him, which differs greatly for Justin. Nikita Khrushchev’s plan to create a Soviet Superman is revealed. Justin once again stumps for Hollywoodland. Erik tries to remember all the men who played Superman, and Chris Knight continues to evolve into the devil.

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