Ep 7. John Henry

In the seventh episode of Tall Tales and Legends season 1, titled "John Henry," viewers are transported back to the era of the railroad expansion in the United States. The show begins with the arrival of John Henry, an African American steel driver, and his crew at the construction site of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway.

John Henry quickly earns the respect of the other workers with his immense strength and work ethic. However, his boss, the arrogant and ruthless railroad owner Lord Chesterton, continuously pushes his workers to their limits in the name of progress.

When Chesterton introduces a steam-powered drill to replace the steel drivers, John Henry takes it upon himself to challenge the machine in a race to see who can dig through the mountain faster. With the other workers cheering him on, John Henry beats the drill and becomes the hero of the construction site.

The episode then takes a turn as John Henry falls in love with Polly Ann, a fellow worker who is revealed to be Chesterton's daughter. Despite Chesterton's disapproval of their relationship, John Henry and Polly Ann continue to see each other in secret.

As tensions rise between John Henry and Chesterton, the climax of the episode sees the two men engaged in a heated showdown. With Polly Ann and the other workers watching in horror, John Henry uses his bare hands to drive steel spikes into the mountain, ultimately sacrificing his life in the name of progress and proving that human strength can triumph over machines.

Throughout the episode, the theme of the battle between man and machine is prevalent, with John Henry representing the human spirit and determination to overcome obstacles. The portrayal of John Henry as a hero who fought against the odds and stood up for what he believed in will resonate with viewers of all ages.

Overall, "John Henry" is a powerful episode in the Tall Tales and Legends series. With its historical accuracy and strong performances, the show captures the spirit of the American railroad expansion and pays tribute to an iconic figure in African American folklore.