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: Automan‘s “Unreasonable Facsimile”

Tread Perilously‘s summer grab bag month continues with an episode of Automan called “Unreasonable Facsimile.”

When Walter is given the chance to develop a video game based on a popular prime time soap opera, Auto mistakenly watches the show instead of his assigned case files. The result: Auto wants to fall in love and experience the sort of passion dramatized on television. Meanwhile, Walter and Auto end up working a case involving a dead aerospace CEO and his beautiful daughter. Will she spark with Auto and will he learn about this thing humans call “love?” And will it prove he can make the intuitive leap necessary for true artificial intelligence?

Is Automan finally finding its footing? Erik considers the possibility while Justin maintains it’s just Automan. Delta Burke makes a rare appearance, leading to another episode of Tread Perilously Loves Delta Burke. Fellow guest star Glenn Corbett looks unreal throughout. The Hutts end up part of the plot for some reason. The pair debate how to pronounce director Winrich Kolbe’s name. Desi Arnaz Jr. finally becomes the sidekick — the right place for his character in the series. Of course, Justin still tries to recast him. Geography Corner centers on the North San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys. Late 1990s computer effects are remembered and Tawny Little enters the chat.

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