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: Law & Order: SVU‘s “Ballerina

As it is the last episode of the year, Tread Perilously convenes the entire Special Review Unit for a very special episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit called “Ballerina.”

Manhattan SVU detectives find their way to the case of former professional dancer Birdie Sulloway (Carol Burnett) and a couple who died in one of her husband’s properties. When the husband falls from their penthouse apartment to the streets below, Birdie and her “nephew” Chet (Matthew Lillard) become the prime suspects. As it turns out, all of Birdie’s husbands have died in mysterious ways. Have she and Chet been on a twisted death spree all along? And what does this all have to do with obnoxious crime scene unit tech Stucky (Noel Fisher)?

Charlie Wright and Louis Allred join Erik and Justin to discuss one of the greatest episodes in SVU history. Justin learns about hostess bars and recalls the noirish hotel near his childhood home. Matthew Lillard is determined to be the episode’s MVP. Charlie compares his performance to his recent turn on Twin Peaks. Most of the Special Review Unit admit their ignorance of Bob’s Burgers. Justin gets distracted by the presence of Sopranos actor Vincent Curatola. Louis and Justin amuse themselves by saying “gabagool.” A connection between SVU and Josie & The Pussycats is discovered and the whole group realizes that Carol Burnett is the Punisher.

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