Ep 1. Montgomery, AL

In the season 2 premiere of Drunk History, the episode takes a look at the history of Montgomery, Alabama. What makes Drunk History so unique is that it features an inebriated narrator attempting to tell a historical story. In this episode, comedian Joe Wengert takes on the role of the narrator, attempting to recount the events that occurred in Montgomery, Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement.

The episode is split into three separate segments, each one focusing on a different historical figure and their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. The first segment revolves around Rosa Parks, the African American woman who famously refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Wengert enthusiastically describes the scene in which Parks, tired from a long day of work, simply wants to sit down on the bus and is told to move to the back of the bus due to her race. Wengert, slurring his words and frequently bursting into laughter, goes on to explain how Parks' refusal to move sparked a massive boycott of the Montgomery city buses, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The second segment of the episode focuses on King himself, and how his leadership during the bus boycott helped to shape the Civil Rights Movement. Wengert stumbles through a retelling of King's rise to prominence, from his early days as a local preacher to his powerful speeches and charismatic leadership style.

Throughout the segment, Wengert's drunken antics become more pronounced, with frequent bouts of giggling and slurring. Despite this, he manages to convey the incredible impact that King had on the Civil Rights Movement, painting a vivid picture of a man who was both deeply flawed and truly inspirational.

The final segment of the episode takes a look at the Selma to Montgomery march, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement that helped to secure voting rights for African Americans. Wengert recounts the brutal violence that occurred during the march, as law enforcement officers attacked peaceful protesters with nightsticks and tear gas.

In his drunken state, Wengert injects a surprising amount of humor into the retelling of this brutal event, joking about the absurdity of using tear gas on peaceful protesters and describing the scene in a lively and engaging way. Despite the occasional misstep, he manages to convey the gravity of the moment and the incredible bravery of those who participated in the march.

Overall, Drunk History season 2 episode 1 is a raucous, entertaining look at an important moment in American history, told through the lens of an inebriated narrator. While the show's format may seem gimmicky at first glance, it offers a unique and often hilarious perspective on the past, making it an enjoyable and informative watch for history buffs and casual viewers alike.