Drunk History season 6 episode 5 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

The intertwining tales of love's defiance against societal barriers unfold through the daring escape of Joachim Neumann and Christa Gruhle from East Berlin, John Wojtowicz's audacious bank robbery to fund his wife's surgery, and Edie Windsor's monumental legal battle against DOMA. From the construction of the "Tunnel of Love" beneath the Berlin Wall to the tense standoff of "Dog Day Afternoon" and the victorious overturn of DOMA, these stories highlight the extraordinary lengths to which people will go for love, culminating in transformative moments that reshape lives and societies.

Full Episode S06E05 Recap

### Introduction - The narrative unfolds with Anais Fairweather recounting the story of Joachim Neumann and Christa Gruhle, a couple in love in East Berlin, 1961, facing the challenge of the Berlin Wall. ### The Escape Plan - Joachim and Christa attempt to escape East Berlin using fake passports, but Christa is caught by the Stasi, prompting Joachim to vow to find a way back to her. ### Engineering the Tunnel of Love - Enrolled in university, Joachim teams up with fellow students to construct a tunnel from West to East Berlin, dubbed the "Tunnel of Love," to reunite with Christa and help others escape. ### First Tunnel Compromised - After the first tunnel's completion, Christa is captured again by the Stasi, leading to the decision to build another tunnel. ### Second Tunnel and Escape - Despite Christa's imprisonment, the second tunnel enables many East Berliners to escape to the West, including a dramatic final escape for Joachim and Christa, culminating in their marriage and the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing their love's triumph. ### Dog Day Afternoon: The Real Story - Drew Droege narrates the tale of John Wojtowicz, who, motivated by love for his trans wife Elizabeth, embarks on a bank robbery to fund her surgery, leading to a hostage situation and later inspiring the film "Dog Day Afternoon." ### The Fight for Love and Equality - Alison Rich tells the story of Edie Windsor, whose legal battle over her marriage to Thea Spyer led to the Supreme Court ruling DOMA unconstitutional, marking a significant victory for gay marriage rights in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were Joachim Neumann and Christa Gruhle?

A couple from East Berlin who attempted to escape to the West in 1961.

What was the "Tunnel of Love"?

A tunnel built from West to East Berlin to help East Berliners escape, initiated by Joachim Neumann.

How many East Berliners escaped through Tunnel 57?

57 East Berliners were brought to freedom through this tunnel.

What inspired John Wojtowicz to rob a bank?

The need to fund his wife Elizabeth's sexual reassignment surgery.

What was the outcome of John Wojtowicz's bank robbery?

It led to a 14-hour hostage standoff and inspired the film "Dog Day Afternoon."

Who was Edie Windsor?

A woman whose legal battle against DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) played a pivotal role in its being declared unconstitutional, advancing gay marriage rights.

What was the Supreme Court's ruling on DOMA?

DOMA was declared unconstitutional on June 26, 2013, in a 5 to 4 decision.

How did Edie Windsor's case impact gay marriage rights?

It was a significant victory that paved the way for the legalization of gay marriage in the United States.

Drunk History season 6 episode 5

Love