Ep 9. Episode 9
- TVG
- June 25, 2013
- 28 min
-
(15)
Horrible Histories season 5 episode 9, entitled "Episode 9," is a comedic and entertaining exploration of history, told through sketches, songs, and funny vignettes. This particular episode focuses on several different time periods and topics, including the dawn of cinema, the Roman Empire, the Industrial Revolution, and infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper.
The episode begins with a hilarious skit that takes place in the earliest days of cinema, where we see the Lumiere brothers struggling to come up with ideas for their groundbreaking invention. As the skit progresses, we see how cinema quickly evolves, from silent film to "talkies," and how it becomes a powerful tool for propaganda and mass entertainment.
Next, the episode turns its attention to the Roman Empire, with a focus on the reign of Emperor Nero. Through a series of sketches and songs, viewers learn about the decadence and excesses of the Roman ruling class, as well as the brutal methods they used to maintain power. One particular highlight of this segment is a parody of the popular song "Uptown Funk," reimagined as "Uptown Rome" and featuring clever lyrics about Roman history.
After the Roman Empire, the episode shifts gears to the Industrial Revolution, and how it transformed England and the world. Viewers get a glimpse of life in a factory, as well as the dangers and hardships faced by workers during this time period. One sketch features an amusing "safety inspector" character who is comically inept and completely useless.
The final segment of the episode is dedicated to notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper. Using a combination of sketches, songs, and interviews with "experts," the show explores the mystery surrounding the Ripper's identity, as well as the social conditions that allowed him to operate with impunity. The segment is both entertaining and informative, and strikes just the right balance between humor and respect for the victims of the Ripper's crimes.
Overall, Horrible Histories season 5 episode 9 is a great example of what makes this show so beloved by audiences of all ages. It takes complex and sometimes dry historical topics, and presents them in a way that is both accessible and engaging. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a good laugh, this episode is definitely worth checking out.