Ep 6. Hollywood

In this episode of Drunk History season 2, titled "Hollywood," viewers are taken on a wild ride through the treacherous terrain of Tinseltown. Like all episodes of the show, this one is narrated by a drunk person, in this case, Australian comedian Ronny Chieng.

The episode begins with a colorful introduction to the early days of Hollywood, when the city was still a dusty outpost on the edge of the American frontier. Through a haze of alcohol, Ronny describes how filmmakers like D.W. Griffith and Cecil B. DeMille flocked to Hollywood in search of the perfect backdrop for their epic Westerns.

But as Ronny and his fellow inebriates slur their way through the story, it becomes clear that Hollywood wasn't just a place for making movies. It was also a place for making money – lots and lots of money.

As the episode progresses, Ronny introduces us to a colorful cast of characters, including legendary Hollywood mogul Louis B. Mayer, who built an empire on the back of MGM Studios; classic film star Clara Bow, who struggled with depression and addiction in the glare of the Hollywood spotlight; and flamboyant director Cecil B. DeMille, who saw himself as a kind of god on earth.

Along the way, we get a glimpse of some of Hollywood's most iconic moments, from the making of the first "talkie" movie to the infamous Hays Code, which cracked down on what could and couldn't be shown on the big screen.

Through it all, Ronny and his fellow tipplers offer their own unique perspectives on Hollywood's past, often bringing a fresh, irreverent take on familiar stories and legends. And while the jokes may not always land, the alcohol-fueled enthusiasm and genuine love for the subject matter is infectious.

In the final act of the episode, Ronny gets serious, reflecting on the darker side of Hollywood that has emerged in recent years – the stories of sexual harassment, abusive behavior, and toxic power dynamics that have come to light in the wake of the #MeToo movement.

At times, the episode feels more like a social commentary than a lighthearted romp through Hollywood's past. But the show never loses its sense of humor, ending on a high note with Ronny stumbling through a hilarious retelling of the infamous moment when Marlon Brando refused to accept his Academy Award.

Overall, "Hollywood" is a fun, entertaining, and occasionally insightful episode of Drunk History. It may not be the most original or groundbreaking installment of the show, but it offers plenty of laughs and a few moments of genuine pathos. Definitely worth a watch for fans of the series or anyone with an interest in Hollywood history!