Mar 12, 2020
Tread Perilously's Failed Pilots month continues with a look at the ABC television pilot for Tagteam.
Pro wrestlers Rowdy Roddy Pipper and Jesse "The Body" Ventura star as thinly fictionalized versions of themselves ousted from the wrestling circuit and train as cops in the LAPD. Their training officer becomes their captain, their "bully" a black partner of sorts, and their first case may prove you sometimes need cops who can bodyslam crooks. But will their skills help them prevent special guest star Jennifer Runyon from getting killed before she can testify to a mob hit? Also, will the show attempt to make her a love interest for Roddy?
Erik and Justin decline to attempt Jesse Ventura impressions, so Erik compensates by trotting out his Gene Simmons, Tommy Wiseau, Steven Segal and Ace Frehly. Justin admits to not being a big wrestling fan even as he extols the virtues of Roddy's on-screen charisma. Robin Curtis becomes the pair's favorite Savvik and Jennifer Runyon receives "show favorite" status. Erik tries to determine San Diego's prime cultural artifact and his wrestling persona. Paddy's Pub from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia makes a special cameo and Justin stumbles into a version of Cagney & Lacey starring Robin Curtis and Shannon Tweed.