Ep 5. Charleston

In season 2 episode 5 of Drunk History, entitled Charleston, viewers are treated to a raucous retelling of some of the city's most significant historical events. As with previous episodes of the show, comedians and actors imbibe copious amounts of alcohol before attempting to recount these incidents in their own unique and often hilarious fashion. However, despite the inebriated antics on display, the episode manages to deliver an insightful and engaging exploration of Charleston's past.

The episode is split into three segments, each focusing on a distinct historical event or figure. The first segment tells the story of Robert Smalls, a former slave who became a Union hero during the Civil War. Comedian Rich Fulcher takes on the role of Smalls, downing shots of whiskey as he narrates the story of how Smalls stole a Confederate ship and successfully navigated it past enemy lines to deliver it to Union forces. Fulcher's comedic timing is on point throughout the segment, as he manages to balance the absurdity of the situation with the gravity of the historical moment.

The second segment focuses on the life and work of John C. Calhoun, a prominent politician and slave owner from South Carolina. Actress Paget Brewster takes on the role of Calhoun, guzzling glasses of red wine as she provides a nuanced and thoughtful portrayal of this controversial figure. Through Brewster's narration, viewers are given a glimpse into Calhoun's complex relationship with slavery and his role in shaping America's antebellum political landscape. Despite the heavy subject matter, Brewster's performance injects a welcome dose of levity into the proceedings.

The final segment examines the life of Denmark Vesey, a former slave who led a failed rebellion against white plantation owners in Charleston in 1822. Comedian Derek Waters takes on the role of Vesey, slurring his words as he outlines the intricacies of the rebellion. Despite the drunken delivery, Waters manages to convey the seriousness of the events that unfolded, highlighting the bravery and determination of the rebels while condemning the horrific racial violence that followed their defeat.

Throughout the episode, the historical events are depicted in a frenetic and visually arresting style. Actors lip-sync to the narrators' drunken ramblings, with hilarious and often absurd results. The visual depiction of these moments serves to reinforce the show's central conceit - that history is often stranger than fiction.

Overall, Charleston is an engaging and entertaining episode that manages to provide a fresh perspective on Charleston's past. The combination of alcohol-fueled narration and visually inventive storytelling results in a viewing experience unlike any other. While the laughs come thick and fast, the episode never loses sight of the weighty historical events it is depicting. Fans of the show will no doubt find much to enjoy in this episode, while newcomers will be immediately hooked by the irreverent and informative approach to history on display.