Ep 9. Prison Escape

In the season 7 episode 9 of Mythbusters named "Prison Escape," the team takes on the challenge of busting myths related to prison breaks. The episode starts with a focus on the classic Hollywood scenario of cutting through bars with a saw. The team aims to find out if a saw blade can really cut through metal prison bars, and if a prisoner can escape using this method.

The team tests the myth in a replica prison cell made with steel bars. Initially, they try cutting the bars with a standard saw blade, but the blade fails to make any significant progress. However, they find that a diamond-studded saw blade is much more effective at cutting through the bars. After using the diamond-studded blade, the team finds that they were able to cut through a single metal bar, but the process was slow and much harder than the movies make it seem.

Next, the team sets their sights on a myth about creating explosives using just chewing gum and soap. They put the myth to the test by creating a small container filled with the chewing gum and soap mixture. When they detonate it, the resulting explosion is not powerful enough to break through a steel door. They realize that this myth is a complete fabrication and no one could use chewing gum and soap to create a powerful explosive.

The final myth of the episode involves escaping a prison using a rope made from bed sheets. The team makes a rope from bed sheets and tests its strength by suspending weight from it. Later, they fasten the rope to their replica prison cell and test if it's possible to escape from a two-story building. They find that the rope is not as strong as they hoped and it starts to fray when there is significant weight attached to it. Although the rope can support a person's weight, it's clear that making an escape from a prison building using a rope made from bed sheets is a risky and unreliable method.

Throughout the show, the Mythbusters team demonstrates their usual scientific methodology by designing controlled experiments and testing complicated scenarios. The episode showcases each team member's skills, including special effects expert Tory Belleci, who demonstrates his expertise in setting up explosives in a safe and controlled manner. Also, they conduct some segments of the show in a real prison, which adds a level of authenticity and credibility to their experiments.

Overall, the season 7 episode 9 of Mythbusters titled "Prison Escape" is an engaging and informative episode, combining Hollywood myths with real-world scenarios. The show demonstrates the value of scientific testing and methodology, and it's sure to leave viewers with a greater appreciation for the challenges of prison life.