Tread Perilously -- Matt Houston: Marlyn

Tread Perilously continues its examination of 1980s TV with an episode of Matt Houston called "Marilyn." When Matt gets a panicked phone call from one of his employees, he soon discovers the man has been shot and hears his dying request: "Save Marilyn." This piques the private investigator/oil man's interest and he seeks out the missing woman. Just one problem: the employee did not have a Marilyn in his life. Nonetheless, the case leads Matt to some seemingly Irish gangsters and a woman made up to look like Marilyn Monroe. Is it all connected? And will "Too Mean" Malone get to cook a steak to his liking? Erik and Justin immediately praise "Too Mean". Their summation of Matt -- and star Lee Horsley -- is a different matter altogether. Erik reveals whether or not he watched Matt Houston as a child. The series' premise is discussed with comparisons to both Iron Man and Moon Knight. The pair finally see a real "angry lieutenant" scene. Geography Corner manages to cross the Southland with stops in Downtown LA and Redondo Beach. It leads to memories of San Diego's Horton Plaza. Hired goons become surprisingly important. Erik struggles not to call a character "Jim Kirk" and Buick becomes the key vehicle manufacturer for the series.