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: The Next Generation‘s “Masks”

Tread Perilously returns to the 24th Century for “Masks,” a late-series episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

When the Enterprise encounters an 85 million-year-old comet, Data begins having visions of an ancient, vaguely meso-American culture. Soon, the data center inside the comet begins sending its payload into the memory banks of the ship and Data. As more and more artifacts replicate aboard the Enterprise, Data’s personality is overtaken by a number of warring personalities. In order to save the ship, Picard battles with a long-dead culture’s sun god.

Justin returns from family leave as he and Erik attempt to make sense of the episode’s ancient ceremonial culture. They also ponder on the staff Counselor Troi must have to deal with the emotional needs of the 1000+ people aboard the ship. Will Riker’s insatiable sexual appetite is discussed once again. Justin proposes a Cylon test for all machines to prevent their uprising. Erik believes mandatory drama courses are part of the core curriculum at Starfleet Academy. The pair also take a long look at the disappearance of 20th Century media in the Star Trek universe.

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