MythBusters: Season 12 (2014)

In Season 12 of MythBusters, the episode begins with Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman introducing the myths they will be testing. The first myth they tackle is the idea that a person can survive a fall from a great height by landing on a pile of leaves. They set up a test using a dummy to simulate a person falling from a height of 30 feet onto a large pile of leaves. The team meticulously constructs the pile, ensuring it is large enough to cushion the fall. They film the drop, and upon impact, the dummy is shown to be unharmed, leading them to conclude that leaves can indeed provide a safe landing.

Next, they shift their focus to the myth that a person can be knocked out by a single punch. To test this, they bring in a professional boxer to deliver a knockout punch to a volunteer. The team sets up a series of cameras to capture the moment. The boxer delivers the punch, and the volunteer is knocked out cold, confirming the myth. The emotional tension in the room is palpable as the team discusses the implications of the results, with some members expressing concern over the safety of the test.

The episode then transitions to a myth about whether a person can be propelled forward by a jet of water from a fire hose. Adam and Jamie set up a controlled environment where they can test this myth safely. They attach a fire hose to a platform and have a volunteer stand on it while the hose is activated. As the water blasts out, the volunteer is indeed pushed backward, demonstrating that the force of the water can create significant movement. The team is excited by the results, and they discuss the physics behind the force of the water.

Following this, the team explores the myth that a person can cook a steak using a car's engine. They decide to test this by wrapping a steak in foil and placing it in the engine compartment of a car. They drive the car around for several hours, and upon returning, they unwrap the steak to find it cooked to a medium-rare state. The team is surprised by the success of this myth, and they share a moment of camaraderie as they taste the steak, celebrating their unexpected culinary achievement.

The final myth of the episode involves testing whether a person can create a fire using a bullet. The team sets up a scenario where they shoot a bullet into a piece of wood to see if the heat generated can ignite the wood. They carefully prepare the setup, ensuring safety protocols are in place. When they fire the bullet, it creates a significant impact, but ultimately, the wood does not catch fire. The team discusses the results, reflecting on the energy transfer and the conditions necessary for ignition.

As the episode concludes, Adam and Jamie recap the myths they tested, highlighting the successes and failures. They express their excitement for future episodes and the myths they will tackle next, leaving viewers with a sense of anticipation for what is to come.

In the final episode of MythBusters Season 12, the team explores the myth of "The Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space." They conduct various tests to determine the visibility of the wall from different altitudes. The episode culminates in a series of experiments that ultimately debunk the myth, concluding that the wall is not visible from space with the naked eye. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt farewell to the audience, as the hosts reflect on their journey and the impact of the show.

As the episode begins, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, the iconic duo of MythBusters, prepare to tackle the myth regarding the Great Wall of China. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and nostalgia, as this episode marks a significant moment in their careers. They gather their team, including Tory Belleci, Kari Byron, and Grant Imahara, who have been integral to the show's success. The camaraderie among the group is palpable, as they reminisce about past experiments and the bonds they've formed over the years.

The first scene unfolds with the team discussing the myth's origins and the common belief that the Great Wall is the only man-made structure visible from space. Adam, with his characteristic enthusiasm, emphasizes the importance of testing this myth thoroughly. They decide to conduct a series of experiments, starting with a simulation using a high-altitude balloon to capture images of the wall from a significant height. The team sets up the equipment, showcasing their meticulous attention to detail and the excitement of scientific exploration.

As the balloon ascends, the tension builds. The team watches anxiously as the camera captures the landscape below. When the images are revealed, the team is disappointed to find that the Great Wall is not easily distinguishable from the surrounding terrain. This moment is filled with a mix of hope and frustration, as they realize the myth may not hold true.

Next, they shift their focus to a more controlled environment, using a model of the Great Wall to test visibility under various conditions. The team experiments with different distances and angles, each test revealing more about the limitations of visibility from great heights. The atmosphere is a blend of determination and camaraderie, as they encourage one another through the challenges of the experiments.

As the episode progresses, the team reflects on their journey throughout the series. They share personal anecdotes and highlight the friendships that have developed over the years. This emotional connection adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the impact of their work not just on the myths they bust, but on their lives as well.

In the final scenes, the team gathers for one last experiment, a symbolic gesture to honor their time together. They conduct a final test, confirming that the Great Wall is indeed not visible from space. The moment is bittersweet, as they realize they have debunked a long-standing myth, but it also signifies the end of an era for MythBusters.

As the episode concludes, Adam and Jamie deliver heartfelt messages to the audience, expressing gratitude for the support they've received over the years. The screen fades to black, leaving viewers with a sense of closure and nostalgia for the adventures shared. Each character reflects on their growth and the knowledge they've gained, with Adam and Jamie looking forward to new challenges ahead, while Tory, Kari, and Grant express their hopes for future endeavors.

In this final farewell, the team's journey comes full circle, celebrating the spirit of curiosity and the joy of discovery that has defined MythBusters. The episode closes with a montage of memorable moments from the series, encapsulating the essence of their adventures and the bonds formed along the way.

In Season 12 of MythBusters, there is indeed a post-credit scene that adds a humorous touch to the episode. After the main experiments and conclusions have been presented, the scene features Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman engaging in a light-hearted moment. They are seen in the workshop, where Adam is attempting to demonstrate a myth related to the use of a specific tool or technique.

As he enthusiastically explains his approach, Jamie, with his characteristic deadpan demeanor, interjects with a skeptical remark, leading to a playful banter between the two. The scene captures their dynamic, showcasing Adam's excitement and Jamie's more cautious, analytical nature. The playful exchange culminates in a small mishap or unexpected outcome, which leaves both of them laughing, reinforcing the camaraderie and fun that underpins the series. This post-credit moment serves as a reminder of the light-hearted spirit of MythBusters, even amidst the scientific exploration and experimentation.

In Season 12, the MythBusters tested several intriguing myths, including whether a person can survive a fall from a great height into a dumpster filled with foam, if a person can be killed by a falling tree, and whether a person can be electrocuted by a lightning strike while in a swimming pool.

Throughout Season 12, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman's dynamic showcased a blend of camaraderie and tension, particularly as they tackled complex myths that required them to rely on each other's strengths. Their differing approaches to problem-solving often led to humorous exchanges, highlighting their unique personalities while also revealing a deeper respect for each other's expertise.

In the 'Duct Tape Island' myth, the MythBusters explored whether a group of people could survive on a deserted island using only duct tape. They constructed a raft and various survival tools, ultimately demonstrating that while duct tape is incredibly versatile, it alone cannot ensure survival without additional resources and skills.

To test the 'Exploding Toilet' myth, the team set up a series of experiments involving a toilet filled with various materials, including a combination of chemicals that could potentially create an explosive reaction. The results were both surprising and entertaining, as they demonstrated the conditions under which a toilet could indeed explode, leading to a dramatic and comedic conclusion.

In 'The Great Ice Cream Truck Heist' myth, the MythBusters investigated whether it was possible to steal an ice cream truck without being caught. They set up a series of scenarios involving distractions and stealth tactics, showcasing their creativity and teamwork. The experiments highlighted the challenges of evading detection, ultimately leading to a humorous yet insightful conclusion about the feasibility of such a heist.

"MythBusters" Season 12 is generally considered family-friendly, but there are a few aspects that might be potentially objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers.

1. Explosions and Fire: Many experiments involve explosions or fire, which can be intense and may be frightening for younger viewers. The visual effects of these experiments can be dramatic.

2. Dangerous Stunts: The hosts often perform stunts that involve risk, such as high-speed car crashes or dangerous machinery. While safety precautions are taken, the nature of these stunts might be unsettling.

3. Destruction of Property: The show frequently involves the destruction of various objects, which might be upsetting to some viewers who are sensitive to waste or loss.

4. Mild Language: There may be occasional mild language or expressions of frustration from the hosts during experiments, which could be inappropriate for very young children.

5. Scientific Concepts: Some experiments may involve complex scientific concepts that could be confusing or overwhelming for younger audiences.

Overall, while the show is educational and entertaining, parents may want to preview episodes to ensure they align with their family's viewing preferences.