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: Deep Space Nine‘s “Profit and Lace”

Tread Perilously winds down Star Trek month with the most regretful of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes, “Profit and Lace.”

When Zek and Ishka arrive on DS9, they tell Quark some terrible news: Zek’s attempts to allow Ferengi women to wear clothes and acquire profit have led to him being deposed. In his place, Brunt has been elected acting Grand Nagus. With only three days before Brunt’s confirmation, Zek has one last-ditch plan to restore his position — have Ishka talk to one of the commissioners about untapped female markets. But after she suffers a heart attack, it’s up to Quark to literally take her place.

Erik and Justin, two diehard DS9 fans, brace themselves for one of the show’s worst hours. The disconnect between the script and director Alexander Siddig’s choices becomes a key issue. Erik theorizes the DS9 all-male writing staff had to watch the “sexual harassment awareness” tape just prior to breaking the story. Justin constantly suggests better episodes of the show. He also points out the Deep Space Nine polycule. Erik points out the strange gay panic nature of the jokes surrounding Rom. The pair try to find ways to make the episode more screwball, and the suggestion of a proper B-plot leads to some interesting ideas. Also, Erik tries to re-develop the recipe for Romulan Ale.

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