Ep 9. Bolshy Boudica

Bolshy Boudica is the ninth episode of season 6 of the award-winning British children's comedy series Horrible Histories. The show takes a comedic approach to depicting historical events and figures, with a focus on the more gruesome and bizarre aspects of history. Each episode features a variety of sketches, songs, and regular segments such as "Stupid Deaths" and "Historical Masterchef."

The main focus of Bolshy Boudica is the legendary Celtic warrior queen Boudica, who famously led an uprising against the occupying Roman forces in 60/61 AD. The episode begins with a sketch introducing viewers to Boudica and her tribe, the Iceni, as they confront the Roman governor of Britain, Suetonius Paulinus. The sketch highlights Boudica's fiery spirit and determination, as well as her hatred of the Romans and her desire for revenge.

The next segment of the episode is a parody of the popular TV show Dragon's Den called "Roman's Den," in which a group of Roman entrepreneurs pitch their latest inventions to an impressed Emperor Nero. The inventions include a Roman-style selfie stick and a "Roman-Bot" servant, but things quickly go awry when the Roman-Bot goes rogue and starts attacking the other contestants.

Back in ancient Britain, Boudica and her tribe are shown gathering allies and planning their rebellion against the Romans. In a musical sketch set to the tune of "Dancing Queen" (reworked as "Celtic Queen"), Boudica rallies her troops and sets out to take on the might of the Roman Empire.

The episode also features a sketch that deals with the harsh realities of life for Roman soldiers stationed in Britain. The soldiers are shown dealing with boring, repetitive tasks and terrible living conditions, while their superior officers indulge in decadent luxuries and spend their time drinking and partying. This segment provides a stark contrast to Boudica's struggles, emphasizing the inequality and injustice that helped fuel her rebellion.

Throughout the episode, the regular segments of the show provide comic relief and further historical insights. In "Stupid Deaths," a medieval knight meets his end after forgetting to lower his visor during a jousting competition. In "Historical Masterchef," ancient Roman chef and cookbook author Apicius competes against Boudica to see who can cook the most delicious meal.

The final segment of the episode is a dramatic retelling of the Battle of Watling Street, the climactic showdown between Boudica's army and the Roman forces led by Suetonius Paulinus. The sketch features impressive battle scenes and a nail-biting climax that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

In conclusion, Bolshy Boudica is an entertaining and informative episode of Horrible Histories that brings the story of Boudica to life in a fun and engaging way. Through a mix of comedy and drama, the episode captures the spirit of this legendary warrior queen and the struggle of her people against the oppressive might of the Roman Empire.