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: Thomas Kinkade’s The Christmas Cottage

Tread Merrily 2017 concludes with Thomas Kinkade’s Christmas-themed origin story, Thomas Kinkade’s The Christmas Cottage.

When Tom (Jared Padalecki) and his brother Pat (one of the Ashmore Twins) come home for Christmas 1977, they discover their family cottage is under threat of foreclosure. Looking for quick cash to help with the bills, Tom gets a job painting a town mural on the side of one of the local shops. As he paints, the town’s colorful residents — and their “heartwarming” holiday conflicts — inspire him to add their likenesses to the mural. But will it be enough to save the Kinkade cottage in time for Christmas? And will Tom learn how to be the Painter of Light?

Erik and Justin get lost in the weeds as they discuss the film’s eccentric characters, the merits of other Christmas movies, and whether or not Erik will surprise Justin with another viewing of The Night They Saved Christmas. Justin suggests Kinkade’s work is for elderly racists. Erik defends Die Hard 2 as a worthwhile remake-sequel. He also suggests that Renny Harlin is sometimes the right choice. The Kiss the Girls trailer is declared the best trailer of all time. Justin creates Batman’s holiday vacation home: the Batcottage. Erik theorizes the origin of overwrought Christmas lawn displays, and both are charmed by the performance of Richard Burgi as Tom’s drifter father.

Be sure to subscribe to Tread Perilously on iTunes and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@TreadPerilously)!