Black Ink Crew: Chicago Season 1 Episode 1

Ep 1. We Run Chicago

  • TV-14
  • October 26, 2015
  • 42 min

Set in the heart of Chicago, Black Ink Crew: Chicago is a reality television show focused on a group of African-American tattoo artists and their journey in the tattoo industry. The show is a spin-off of the original Black Ink Crew set in New York, but this time, it's all about the Windy City. The first episode of season 1, titled "We Run Chicago," kicks off with the introduction of the cast members and their tattoo shop.

Opening with the amazing skyline view of Chicago, the show features Ryan Henry, the owner of 9MAG tattoo studio, the hottest and most sought-after tattoo shop in town. Ryan is a talented artist who has built a solid reputation for himself in the city. He welcomes us inside his shop and introduces us to his team of tattoo artists, including his best friend and right-hand man, Van Johnson.

As he walks us through the studio, we get to know the other artists who make up the Black Ink Crew: Phor Robinson, a rapper and tattoo artist who is trying to balance his music career with his passion for art; Charmaine Walker, 9MAG's receptionist, who hopes to become a tattoo artist someday; and Don Brumfield, a former NFL player and tattoo artist.

Throughout the episode, we see the crew hustling to get work done for their clients while still managing their personal lives. Ryan is dealing with his own issues, including his on-again, off-again relationship with former girlfriend and shop manager, Rachel Leigh. Meanwhile, Van is struggling to provide for his fiancée and three children, Charmaine is trying to navigate her relationship with her boyfriend, and Phor is juggling between his music and tattoo career.

The main plot point of the episode revolves around a charity event the crew is hosting for a young girl who has been diagnosed with cancer. The 9MAG crew puts together a fundraising event to help her family with medical bills. The event features a tattoo booth where the team offers tattoos for a donation to the family. The crew also plans a fashion show, which features some of their art on the runway.

As the event gets underway, the cast members show off their skills as they ink clients for the fundraiser. From small designs to large, intricate ones, they work hard to make sure each person has a unique and meaningful piece. The fashion show also proves to be a hit as the crew's artistic abilities come to life on the runway.

The show also delves into the relationship between Ryan and his former flame Rachel. Despite their rocky past, it's clear the two still have a deep connection, but they both struggle to find a balance between their personal and business lives. The episode ends with the future of their relationship up in the air.

Overall, "We Run Chicago" is a captivating introduction to the Black Ink Crew: Chicago. The viewers get to know the main cast members and their relationships, while also seeing their impressive tattoo skills on display. The charity event showcases the crew's humanitarian efforts and the love they have for their community. The show does a great job of highlighting the challenges that come with running a successful tattoo shop while balancing personal lives.

Description
Watch Black Ink Crew: Chicago - We Run Chicago (s1 e1) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Black Ink Crew: Chicago, Season 1 Episode 1, is available to watch and stream on VH1. You can also buy, rent Black Ink Crew: Chicago on demand at Apple TV Channels, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    October 26, 2015
  • Content Rating
    TV-14
  • Runtime
    42 min
  • Language
    English