Ep 20. Nickel, Locks, Bubble Tea

In season 8 episode 20 of How Do They Do It?, the viewers are taken on a fascinating journey to explore the production and use of three diverse products - nickel, locks, and bubble tea.

The episode begins with the story of how nickel, a material used in everyday objects like coins, mobile phones, and even satellite technology, is mined and processed. The viewers get to witness the immense scale of the mining operation and learn about the intricacies of the refining process. They also discover the applications of nickel in the aerospace and defense industries, where the metal's strength and corrosion resistance make it indispensable.

Next up, the show dives into the complex world of locks and their mechanisms. The viewers get to see how lock companies are constantly innovating and upgrading their products to stay one step ahead of potential burglars and thieves. The show also explores the manufacturing process of padlocks - from the melting of metal to the final inspection and packaging. The episode showcases how the technology used in modern-day locks has evolved, with biometric locks and digital keypads becoming popular for their convenience and security.

The episode then takes the viewers on a sweet and refreshing journey as it delves into the world of bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan and has become a worldwide sensation. The viewers get a glimpse of how the popular beverage is made from brewing the tea to mixing the flavors and adding toppings, like boba pearls or fruit jelly. The show also explores how the bubble tea industry has been able to innovate and create new flavors, providing consumers with a variety of options to suit their taste buds.

In addition to the primary focus on these three products, the episode also features a few glimpses of other interesting topics. These include a segment on a company that produces custom-made prosthetics, showcasing how new technology has revolutionized the industry. The episode also takes the viewers to a vegan cheese factory, where they learn about the unique ingredients and methods used to produce cruelty-free cheese.

Throughout the episode, the viewers get to meet and learn from experts in their respective fields, providing them with an in-depth look into the production and use of everyday items. As with every episode in the series, the cinematography is breathtaking, with sweeping camera shots of sprawling landscapes and intricate machinery.

Overall, episode 20 of How Do They Do It? season 8 is an exciting and insightful journey that will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for these everyday products.