Ep 5. San Francisco

In the fifth episode of season one of Drunk History, entitled San Francisco, viewers are taken on a wild ride through the city's colorful past. The show, which features famous comedians and actors getting drunk and recounting historical events, is known for its irreverent take on history, and this episode is no exception.

The first story features one of the most famous figures in San Francisco history: Harvey Milk. Played by Derek Waters, Milk is remembered as the first openly gay politician in the United States. His story, as related by drunk storyteller Jen Kirkman, is a mix of tragedy and triumph. Kirkman's slurred speech and hazy recollection only add to the charm of her narration, as she describes Milk's rise to power and eventual assassination by fellow politician Dan White.

The second story takes a more lighthearted approach, as drunk storyteller Allan McLeod regales us with the story of Emperor Norton, the self-proclaimed ruler of San Francisco in the mid-1800s. Played by Jack Black, Norton was a beloved figure in the city, known for his eccentric behavior and grand proclamations. McLeod, clearly enjoying his drinks, takes us through Norton's various decrees, which included everything from abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties to insisting on the construction of a bridge between San Francisco and Oakland.

The final story of the episode is perhaps the most shocking, as it recounts the story of the Zodiac Killer. Drunk storyteller Duncan Trussell weaves a tale of terror and suspense, describing the Zodiac's reign of terror in the late 1960s and early 1970s. As played by Chris Romano, the Zodiac Killer is a haunting figure, and the tension in the story builds steadily to its unsettling conclusion.

Despite the often absurd nature of the show, what makes Drunk History so compelling is the way it humanizes history, reminding us that the people and events of the past were not all that different from our own lives today. By allowing its storytellers to get drunk and loosen up, the show is able to tap into something deeply personal and relatable about the human experience. In this episode, as in all the others, the result is a deeply entertaining and surprisingly poignant look at San Francisco's history.