Ep 9. New Orleans D.I.Y.

Abandoned Season 1 Episode 9, titled "New Orleans D.I.Y.," follows host and skateboarding legend Rick McCrank as he explores the city of New Orleans and its burgeoning DIY skateboarding scene. The episode showcases the city's unique skate spots, which have been repurposed from abandoned and neglected spaces, and the passionate community of DIY skaters who have created these spots.

McCrank starts his journey by visiting the Drifter Hotel, a hub for the city's skate scene that also houses a music venue and art installations. Here, he meets some of the local skaters who have created DIY spots all around the city, and they take him to some of their favorite spots to show him what they've built.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a tour of some of the most impressive DIY spots in New Orleans, from skateable sculptures to abandoned swimming pools and drainage ditches. McCrank meets with skaters who have dedicated countless hours to constructing these spots and witnesses firsthand the passion and creativity that goes into building a DIY skatepark.

In addition to exploring the city's skate spots, "New Orleans D.I.Y." also highlights the unique cultural and social context that has allowed for the development of the city's DIY scene. Skaters in New Orleans take inspiration from the city's rich history and unique architecture, as well as its longstanding tradition of resistance to authority. McCrank interviews skaters who discuss the ways in which DIY skateboarding has allowed them to reclaim public spaces and create their own community outside of mainstream society.

Throughout the episode, McCrank also gives viewers a glimpse into the broader urban landscape of New Orleans, including its architectural beauty and the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the city. The episode is as much a love letter to the city of New Orleans and its people as it is a celebration of DIY skateboarding.

Overall, Abandoned Season 1 Episode 9 is a fascinating exploration of the DIY skate scene in New Orleans, and the spirit of creativity and community that drives it. McCrank's enthusiasm for skateboarding and his love for the city of New Orleans are infectious, and viewers will be left impressed and inspired by the passion and dedication of the DIY skaters he meets.