If you’re looking for a factually accurate retelling of the 1804 Alexander Hamilton-Aaron Burr duel, there’s a milk commercial you should check out. But if you’re looking for dudes in wigs, then Drunk History, Vol. 1’s got you covered. After all, sometimes, history is too strange to be taken seriously — or sober.
Narrated by binge-drinking historian Mark Gagliardi, this short features surprisingly good period costumes and barely disguised modern-day locations — creating the effect of a Colonial-era Renaissance Faire. (The cell phones are an especially nice touch.) The running time of 5:35 definitely pushes the web audience attention span, but decent production values and a highly entertaining cast make it easy to keep watching.
2007 was the year that saw the coming of Michael Cera as both an online and offline Comedy Jesus, and as Alexander Hamiliton, his signature blank deadpan has an authoritative air. Meanwhile, Ashley Johnson as Mrs. Hamilton doesn’t make too big an impression, but hey, it’s nice to know that Chrissy from Growing Pains didn’t just fall off the face of the earth.
It’s really Gagliardi’s flailing, slurred, disjointed narration that holds it together, though — completely improvised and believably intoxicated. Created by Bob Odenkirk disciple Derek Waters, Drunk History has nearly everything a classic web series needs: hilarious premise, vaguely famous cast, and top-notch execution. It just needs one thing: more episodes. Screw Gagliardi’s liver. History demands sacrifice.
