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 “Bride of Chaotica!”

Tread Perilously‘s Star Trek Month 2024 continues with the long-delayed episode of Star Trek: Voyager called “Bride of Chaotica!”

Tom Paris and Ensign Harry Kim’s afternoon playing chapter 18 of “The Adventures of Captain Proton” is disrupted when Voyager runs aground in a “subspace sandbar.” It immediately disrupts quality of life systems on the ship and prevents the Holodeck from shutting down Paris’s program. Meanwhile, transdimensional aliens materialize in the simulation and assume its 1940s movie serial nature to be real, because they are energy-based life-forms. Will Paris figure out a way to communicate or will it fall on Captain Janeway to save the day by becoming the bride of Chaotica?

Erik is immediately annoyed to be watching a Tom Paris episode of Voyager. Justin can’t help but notice its similarity to a certain episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Episode co-writer Bryan Fuller also makes Erik doubtful it will be able to rise out of its Paris deficit. Justin argues for Garrett Wang to be the true lead in the story. Various 1940s movie serial tropes are examined. Kate Mulgrew gets top marks for understanding the assignment. Tuvok turns out to be a font of deadpan gold. Justin is dismayed by the lack of Robert Picardo, and circumstances force a discussion of Neelix.

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