Ep 2. Chicago

In the second episode of Drunk History's first season, viewers are taken into the chaotic and thrilling world of Chicago's early years as a city. In the trademark style of the show, a drunk narrator tells the story of the city's rise to fame, with hilarious consequences.

The episode opens with a brief introduction to the city of Chicago in the mid-1800s, a bustling hub of industrial activity and immigration. The narrator takes a number of swigs from a bottle of whiskey, and it's clear he's already feeling the effects of the alcohol. We then dive into the first story of the episode, which recounts the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

The narrator vividly describes how the fire started in a barn and quickly consumed the entire city, with firefighters helpless to stop it. As he slurs his words, the show presents a reenactment of the fire, complete with impressive special effects that make it feel both frightening and thrilling. At the same time, we see the narrator stumbling around his living room, knocking over furniture and struggling to keep his balance.

After the chaos of the fire, the show shifts to a more lighthearted story about the rise of the Chicago Cubs, one of the city's most beloved sports teams. The narrator explains how the Cubs got their name, their early years playing in various locations around the city, and their eventual move to the iconic Wrigley Field. Along the way, we hear about some of the team's most memorable moments, including the legendary "Bartman incident" and a World Series victory that united the city.

Next up is a story about one of the city's biggest icons: Al Capone. The narrator describes how Capone rose to power as a notorious gangster in the 1920s, with a ruthless reign that included bootlegging, gambling, and murder. The reenactment of Capone's life is both hilarious and chilling, with some truly bizarre moments that make it clear just how drunk the narrator really is. But even as the narrator slurs his words and stumbles around his set, the story of Capone remains fascinating, offering a glimpse into the dark side of Chicago's history.

The final story of the episode takes viewers back to the early days of Chicago, and the infamous railway tycoon George Pullman. The narrator explains how Pullman built a sprawling industrial empire in the city, centered around his luxurious Pullman Palace Car Company. But as the show reveals, Pullman's reign wasn't all sunshine and rainbows-- in fact, his workers were often mistreated and underpaid, leading to a major strike in the late 1800s. As we hear about the strike, the narrator's slurred words become increasingly impassioned, giving the entire segment a sense of drama and urgency.

Throughout the episode, Drunk History's trademark style is on full display. The show's mix of historical accuracy and comedic storytelling is as entertaining as ever, with the drunk narrator adding a unique twist to each story. At the same time, the show never loses sight of the important events and figures that shaped Chicago's history, offering a fascinating glimpse into a city that has always been full of surprises. From the Great Chicago Fire to Al Capone to the rise of the Cubs, this episode of Drunk History is a wild ride that is not to be missed.