SNAFU with Ed Helms: BONUS Episode Summary

Episode: BONUS: Recreating the 1920s with Terence Winter
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Host: Ed Helms
Guest: Terence Winter, Creator of HBO's Boardwalk Empire
Season: 3, Formula 6
Focus: How Prohibition's war on alcohol derailed, leading the government to poison its own citizens.

Introduction

In this bonus episode of SNAFU (Season 3: Formula 6), hosted by Ed Helms, the spotlight shines on the intricate and tumultuous era of Prohibition. Ed welcomes Terence Winter, the acclaimed creator of HBO's Boardwalk Empire, for an in-depth conversation that delves into the historical intricacies of Prohibition, the creation of his renowned TV series, and uncovering lesser-known facets such as Formula 6—the government’s alarming practice of adding deadly additives to industrial alcohol.

Guest Background and Career Journeys

00:36 - 07:52 | Personal Histories and Career Transitions

Ed Helms and Terence Winter open by sharing their personal journeys. Ed recounts his upbringing in Marine Park, Brooklyn, his initial pursuits in law, and eventual pivot to writing and Hollywood. Terence echoes similar sentiments, highlighting his roots in Georgia and his passion for storytelling despite external pressures.

Notable Quote:

Ed Helms (07:52): "I hated it. I didn't. I just couldn't give a shit about any of it."

From Stand-Up to Screenwriting

09:28 - 13:36 | Testing the Waters through Stand-Up Comedy

Both Ed and Terence discuss their forays into stand-up comedy as a means to test their comedic instincts. Ed highlights his experiences in early '90s comedy clubs, observing future stars like Sarah Silverman and Chris Rock, and the challenges of making audiences laugh.

Notable Quote:

Ed Helms (10:16): "It's like getting punched in the face. Oh, yeah, it is."

Breaking into Hollywood

13:36 - 18:00 | The Hustle and Grit of Entering the Entertainment Industry

Ed shares his unconventional strategy to secure a writing agent by creating a fake talent agency, the "Doug Viviani Agency," and successfully landing his first staff job. Terence remarks on the shared grit and perseverance required to navigate the competitive landscape of Hollywood.

Notable Quote:

Ed Helms (15:53): "We had the A plus team of every department... Just crazy details."

Fascination with the Prohibition Era

20:19 - 26:23 | Inspiration Behind Boardwalk Empire

Terence Winter discusses his inspiration drawn from HBO's historical account of Atlantic City, focusing on Nucky Johnson, a real-life corrupt treasurer whose life became the foundation for Steve Buscemi's character, Nucky Thompson. The conversation touches on the allure of the Roaring Twenties—modernity, stylish dialogue, and the complexity of the era.

Notable Quote:

Ed Helms (21:36): "Even though it's 100 years ago, it still felt modern... You could wear some of those clothes today."

Character Development and Historical Accuracy

26:33 - 35:34 | Crafting Authentic Characters

Ed and Terence delve into the meticulous research behind Boardwalk Empire. They discuss the casting of Steve Buscemi, the creation of nuanced female characters like Margaret Thompson and Gillian Darmody, and the integration of real historical figures such as George Cassidy and Gaston Means.

Notable Quote:

Ed Helms (27:19): "Steve Buscemi totally sold it and pulled it off. Obviously, he's Steve Buscemi."

Exploring Formula 6 and Prohibition's Darker Side

41:04 - 47:39 | Government Poisoning of Alcohol

The episode shifts to the grim reality of Formula 6, a government-implemented method to make industrial alcohol deadly to discourage consumption during Prohibition. Ed and Terence explore how additives like formaldehyde and other poisons were used, leading to widespread poisoning and death.

Notable Quote:

Ed Helms (43:03): "It's obvious it came out off a boat in the ocean. But criminals, 24 hours a day, people thinking about how to do this shit—it's pretty incredible."

Consequences of Prohibition

47:33 - 51:37 | Unintended Fallout and Organized Crime

The hosts discuss how Prohibition unintentionally fueled organized crime, leading to the infiltration of legitimate businesses by mobsters. The conversation highlights the extensive corruption, including bootleggers influencing lawmakers and the evolution of organized crime into various sectors like real estate and transportation.

Notable Quote:

Terrence Winter (47:33): "The fallout of Prohibition is commensurate with the stupidity of it."

Conclusion and Wrap-Up

49:07 - 51:37 | Final Thoughts and Future Insights

As the episode concludes, Ed and Terence reflect on the enduring impact of Prohibition and the lessons learned from this historical misstep. They hint at the intricate details that will be explored further in Season 3 of SNAFU, promising listeners a deeper understanding of the era's complexities.

Notable Quote:

Ed Helms (49:12): "There's so many details you wrote up that I hadn't heard of. And again, it's just endlessly fascinating."

Key Takeaways

• Historical Depth: The episode provides a rich exploration of Prohibition, emphasizing lesser-known aspects like Formula 6 and its lethal implications.
• Creative Collaboration: Insight into the collaborative process behind Boardwalk Empire reveals the dedication to historical accuracy and character development.
• Unintended Consequences: Prohibition's failure is underscored by its role in empowering organized crime and corrupting legitimate institutions.
• Research and Authenticity: Terence Winter's commitment to authentic period details, from wardrobe to dialogue, significantly contributed to the show's realism.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Ed Helms (07:52):

   "I hated it. I didn't. I just couldn't give a shit about any of it."

2. Ed Helms (10:16):

   "It's like getting punched in the face. Oh, yeah, it is."

3. Ed Helms (15:53):

   "We had the A plus team of every department... Just crazy details."

4. Ed Helms (21:36):

   "Even though it's 100 years ago, it still felt modern... You could wear some of those clothes today."

5. Ed Helms (27:19):

   "Steve Buscemi totally sold it and pulled it off. Obviously, he's Steve Buscemi."

6. Ed Helms (43:03):

   "It's obvious it came out off a boat in the ocean. But criminals, 24 hours a day, people thinking about how to do this shit—it's pretty incredible."

7. Terrence Winter (47:33):

   "The fallout of Prohibition is commensurate with the stupidity of it."

8. Ed Helms (49:12):

   "There's so many details you wrote up that I hadn't heard of. And again, it's just endlessly fascinating."

Final Thoughts

This bonus episode serves as a compelling extension of SNAFU's Season 3, offering listeners a blend of historical analysis and behind-the-scenes insights from one of television's master storytellers. Terence Winter's contributions enrich the narrative, bridging the gap between factual history and its dramatic portrayal, while shedding light on the absurdities and tragedies that Prohibition entailed.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections were excluded from this summary to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Ed Helms and Terence Winter.