Ep 12. Grenades and Guts

In the fifth season of Mythbusters, episode 12 titled "Grenades and Guts," Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman are back with an exciting set of experiments. The episode promises to be explosive, quite literally, as the Mythbusters investigate the myths surrounding grenades and their lethal impact.

In this particular episode, the Mythbusters team has set out to test three myths that revolve around the use of grenades. The first myth that they seek to explore is whether a hand grenade could be put out by an individual relieving themselves on it. As bizarre as this might sound, the claim is that the ammonia content of urine would act as a fire retardant and snuff the flames out. The team sets up a grenade with a lit fuse and then proceeds to douse it with urine to see if the myth holds up.

The second myth on the list is whether a soldier could catch a grenade mid-air and throw it back before it explodes, thereby saving the lives of his comrades. The team sets up a scenario where they test if the average person has the reflexes or skills necessary to catch and return a live grenade, with the help of a high-speed camera.

The third and final myth that the team sets out to bust is whether jumping on a grenade would save the lives of the others around. This myth has been prevalent for a long time and is often seen in movies depicting acts of bravery by a soldier. The team sets up a test scenario where they simulate the impact of a grenade, and to what extent the blast radius would be affected by someone jumping on it.

The Mythbusters team takes on these myths with their usual enthusiasm and inquisitiveness, utilizing their skills and knowledge to create a safe testing environment. Using a controlled space, sophisticated equipment, and practical devices, they set out to bust or confirm the three myths.

As the 'Grenades and Guts' episode progresses, the team delves into a series of experiments that involve earth-shattering explosives, expert testing, and some fun hijinks. The grenade myth-busting experiments are a great example of their signature approach, where they combine science, engineering, and a sense of fun to examine popular beliefs.

The episode is both educational and entertaining, presenting a mix of common sense and practical challenges that require critical thinking and a scientific mindset. As always, Adam and Jamie share their thoughts on each experiment, while the show's producers use animation and other digital effects to explain the science behind the episodes.

In conclusion, the Mythbusters season 5 episode 12, "Grenades and Guts," is an engaging and informative episode that showcases the team's skeptical approach to myths and legends. The episode combines some explosive tests, high-speed photography, and fun elements that make for an enjoyable viewing experience. Whether you're a fan of science or just like watching things blow up, this is an episode you don't want to miss.