Ep 1. Great Escapes

In season 4, episode 1 of Drunk History, titled Great Escapes, viewers are taken on a wild ride through history as narrators recount incredible tales of daring escapes. As with all episodes of Drunk History, the narrators are quite literally drunk, adding a hilariously slurred twist to already fascinating stories.

The episode opens with Derek Waters introducing the theme of the episode, explaining that all of the stories will center around people escaping from dangerous or impossible situations. The first story is narrated by Paget Brewster, who tells the story of Mary Bryant, a criminal who managed to escape from a British prison and flee to Australia. Bryant's story is full of suspense, as she desperately tries to outwit the guards and make her way to freedom. Brewster's drunken telling of the story adds a hilarious and unexpected element to what is already a thrilling tale.

Next up is a story told by comedian and writer David Wain, who recounts the story of William and Ellen Craft, two slaves who were able to escape from slavery by disguising themselves as a wealthy white couple. Their daring escape involved a train ride, numerous costume changes, and a nerve-wracking encounter with a slave-catcher. Wain's drunk retelling of the story emphasizes the humor and absurdity of the situation, making for a truly memorable segment.

The third story of the episode is narrated by comedian Jen Kirkman, who tells the tale of John Frum, a mysterious figure who became a cult hero on the island of Tanna in the Pacific. Frum was supposedly a messiah figure who would one day return to the island to save his people, and Kirkman's retelling of the story is both hilarious and poignant, as she explores the power of belief and the desire for a savior.

The fourth segment of the episode is told by actor and comedian Eric Edelstein, who recounts the incredible true story of three men who managed to escape from the infamous Alcatraz prison in 1962. Edelstein's slurred narration adds an element of absurdity to the already unbelievable story, and viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they hear about the details of the escape.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a story told by actor and comedian Steve Berg, who delves into the story of Frank Morris, a prisoner who escaped from Alcatraz with the help of the Anglin brothers. Berg's drunk narration adds a humorous element to the tense and thrilling story of Morris's escape, and viewers will be left marveling at the ingenuity and daring of the prisoners involved.

Overall, season 4, episode 1 of Drunk History is a hilarious and engaging exploration of some of history's most incredible escape stories. The combination of drunken narration and fascinating historical detail make for a truly unique viewing experience that is sure to leave viewers thoroughly entertained.