Ep 1. Heroines

In the first episode of Drunk History's fifth season, titled "Heroines," the show pays homage to the unsung heroines who made significant contributions to history. As always, the episode features a series of inebriated narrators retelling amazing stories of female figures who are often overlooked or underestimated.

The first segment narrated by Alison Rich features Sybil Ludington, a sixteen-year-old girl who rode forty miles to warn American soldiers of an impending attack by the British. Despite her heroic act, Ludington is not as well-known as Paul Revere, who had a comparable ride. Rich's drunken account of the event is filled with hilarious tangents and mishaps, as is typical of the show.

The next segment features Katie Nolan narrating the story of Jackie Mitchell, a teenage girl who, in 1931, struck out both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in an exhibition game. Nolan's rendition of the events is full of hilarious anecdotes and flubs, proving that even when drunk, the narrators remain entertaining.

The third segment, narrated by Rachel Bloom, tells the story of civil rights activist Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus nine months before Rosa Parks did. Bloom's narrative is both hilarious and poignant, capturing the bravery and resilience of Colvin.

The fourth segment, narrated by Tiffany Haddish, tells the story of the women of the Combahee River Collective, a Black feminist lesbian organization that played a significant role in shaping the feminist movement in the 1970s. Haddish's account is lively and humorous, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of Black women to social justice movements.

The final segment is narrated by Amber Ruffin and tells the story of Ada Blackjack, an Inuit woman who ventured to a remote island in the Arctic to look after four men. When they all perished in a storm, Blackjack used her survival skills to live on the island for two years until she was rescued. Ruffin's comedic spin on the story brings attention to the strength and resourcefulness of this incredible and often-ignored woman.

As always, the drunk narrators stumble over their lines, forget important details, and go off on tangents, but that's all part of the charm of this show. Through their inebriated retellings, the narrators bring attention to important historical figures who are too often overlooked. "Heroines" is another great addition to the popular and hilarious series, and a perfect tribute to the remarkable women who deserve more recognition in history.