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: Kolchak: The Night Stalker‘s “The Werewolf”

Tread Perilously‘s 2023 horror month focuses on werewolves, starting with an episode of Kolchak: The Night Stalker called, appropriately enough, “The Werewolf.”

When his editor’s plan to cover a singles’ cruise gets interrupted by a surprise audit, Kolchak ends up going in his place and meeting some groovy cats looking to party. But the ship has one decidedly un-groovy person aboard: a werewolf. Will the captain keep the unruly guest away from all the swingers or will the werewolf yeet most of the crew and passengers off the lido deck? Also, will Kolchak get definitive proof of the incident?

Erik and Justin finally watch an episode of Kolchak. Star Darren McGavin instantly becomes an MVP. Guest star Nita Talbot also proves indispensable and the lived-in faces of the cast are instantly appealing. Erik double-checks to make sure David Chase co-wrote the episode. The X-Files gets gently roasted. Kolchak’s roommate for the cruise proves to be an interesting character. Justin’s belief that The Ice Storm was a documentary gets more validation. Various Supertrain crossover occur. Erik determines what movie Justin will recognize character actor Henry Jones from. The pair envision a ‘Dracula and Wolfman on a cruise’ film. A wild Eric Braeden appears, and the contours of maritime law are explored.

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