Ep 23. Perilous Plague

In season 1 episode 23 of Horrible Histories, entitled "Perilous Plague," viewers are transported back in time to the devastating outbreak of the bubonic plague or Black Death that swept through Europe during the mid-14th century. The episode is primarily hosted by a fictional character named Rat, a plague-carrying rodent who offers a humorous and sometimes gruesome spin on the events that unfolded during this horrific time in history.

The episode begins with a lively sing-along tune that introduces viewers to some of the basic facts about the plague, such as the high mortality rate and the gruesome symptoms of the disease, which include chills, fever, and painful buboes or swellings. Rat leads this segment, and through his miserable screeching, viewers receive an overview of how the disease spreads and just how deadly it is.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to various historical figures who played a role in combating the spread of the plague, such as physicians and other medical professionals who attempted to treat the disease using a variety of bizarre, often dangerous, methods. These methods included everything from bleeding patients to cutting off the buboes, and many of these treatments resulted in the patient's death.

One notable figure viewers meet during the episode is the French physician and philosopher Michel de Montaigne. The segment featuring Montaigne is particularly interesting, as it deals with the psychological impact of the plague on society. Montaigne is portrayed as a thoughtful and compassionate individual who reflects on the ways in which the plague had a profound effect on people's emotions and behavior.

Another segment features a group of medieval nuns who are trying to contain the outbreak within their convent. In this segment, viewers learn about the social and cultural factors that contributed to the spread of the disease, such as an overcrowded population and a lack of hygiene. The nuns struggle to keep the disease under control, and the segment ends with a poignant, powerful musical number that underscores the emotional toll the plague had on the people who lived through it.

Despite the grim subject matter, the episode manages to maintain a light-hearted and playful tone throughout, thanks in large part to the silly antics of Rat. The episode is designed to be edu-tainment, and as such, it does an excellent job of balancing humor with historical accuracy and authenticity.

One of the strengths of Horrible Histories is its use of modern pop culture references and humor to make the past more accessible to contemporary audiences. In "Perilous Plague," for example, viewers are treated to a parody of Simon Cowell and his reality TV show "Britain's Got Talent." Instead of singers and dancers, however, the judges are auditioning medieval medicine practitioners, who are attempting to cure the plague with increasingly ridiculous and bizarre methods.

Overall, season 1 episode 23 of Horrible Histories, "Perilous Plague," is an excellent example of the show's unique blend of humor, history, and education. The episode is informative and engaging, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into one of the darkest periods in human history. Whether you're a fan of history or just looking for an entertaining way to pass the time, "Perilous Plague" is well worth a watch.