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: Doctor Who‘s “The Aztecs”

Tread Perilously‘s Doctor Who month continues with a First Doctor adventure called “The Aztecs.”

When the TARDIS lands in an Aztec temple circa 1450, Barbara is immediately mistaken for the reincarnation of a priest called Yetaxa. The Doctor, Susan, and Ian become known to the locals as Barbara’s followers. But the high priest of sacrifice, Tlotoxl, sees through the time traveler’s ruse and vows to destroy them. To do this, he pits Ian against Ixta — the chosen warrior to lead their armies — and continually tests Barbara’s seeming divinity. And once Susan speaks out against human sacrifice and refuses to marry “the perfect victim,” he has all the ammo he needs. The Doctor, meanwhile, gets engaged to a local woman named Cameca. No, really!

Erik and Justin put on their anthropology hats to discuss the depiction of the Aztec culture, Cortez being the ultimate spanner in Barbara’s plan, and the right way to do tourism in Mesoamerican ruins. Apocalypto becomes unavoidable. Erik discovers a connection between Cortez and hot sauce. Guest actors Keith Pyott and John Ringham get high marks as Autloc and Tlotoxl, respectively. Ian Cullen’s Ixta also proves to be more layered than one might expect. Justin presents a pronunciation note on Aztec names. The nature of obsidian blades is explored and Justin doubts the existence of The Rose Detective.

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