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 Girl in the Fireplace”
Tread Perilously begins its annual Doctor Who month with the New Series episode “The Girl in the Fireplace”
When the TARDIS lands on a broken spaceship some time in the 51st Century, The Doctor, Rose, and Mickey soon discover it is opening time breaches to 18th Century France. Soon after, the Doctor learns the portals — which cause years in the 18th Century to go by in moments on the ship — are tied to one person in particular: Madame de Pompadour. Why are the ship’s repair robots interested in her? But, perhaps more importantly, why is The Doctor interested in her? Meanwhile, Mickey harangues Rose about her obvious affection for The Doctor.
Erik mentions a direct interview situation with Steven Moffat led to the episode selection. Justin likens it to a “short story” take on many of the writer’s favorite tropes. He also suggests Erik dislikes David Tennant and the Tenth Doctor. Erik vehemently denies it. The cheapness of the production proves charming as it starts to look more like proper Doctor Who with each passing year. Justin tries out his Paul Darrow impression. Sophia Myles proves to be the episode MVP. Erik offers a surprise review of Assassin’s Creed Unity, Mickey proves forgettable, and the Comte de Saint Germain strikes again.
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