Tread Perilously -- "CHiPs": Force Seven

Beginning a month of backdoor pilots, Tread Perilously finally watches an episode of "CHiPs" -- but it's really a pilot for another show called "Force Seven". When John and Ponch pull over a seemingly drunk scientist, his confidential papers suggest he may be involved with a recently stolen missile system. Enter Force Seven: a tactical unit pilot program within the LAPD to create a squad of ninjas. Yes, really. Their leader inducts a new member just as the Chief of Police puts them on the missile case. Will the new recruit's bad boy ways prove to be an asset or will his fighting technique prove to be poor? Erik is delighted to see Hunter's Fred Dryer leading a potential series. Nevertheless, the ninja aspect proves troublesome. Justin is thrilled to see "the genre of the '80s" on display. The pair also dive into the problems of Force Seven's "comic relief" puppet and its place on the hate crime spectrum. References to Samurai Cop, Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, and Gymkata abound. The full seven forces are outlined. Erik warns older actors to stay away from social media. John Rhys-Davies joins a very strange special ops team. Arnold Schwarzenegger's '80s persona is examined and memories of Sizzler Steakhouse emerge. Also: get ready for the best-named stunt coordinator ever.