Ep 1. Paving Asphalt, Marshmallow Cookies, Loudspeakers, Electronic Door Locks

"How It's Made" season 3 episode 1 is a diverse mix of subjects ranging from marshmallow cookies to electronic door locks. The episode starts with a detailed overview of how paving asphalt is made by combining aggregates, sand, coal tar, and other materials. The process of heating and blending these materials is an intricate one, and the show's expert team takes us through each step, explaining the chemistry and mechanical processes behind the creation of this essential material.

Following that, the episode shifts gears by focusing on the making of marshmallow cookies. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at how these sugary treats are made, from mixing the dough to shaping the cookies and then adding the marshmallow layer. The process is intricate and highly choreographed, with each step carefully timed and executed. One of the exciting aspects of this segment is seeing the vast machines required to mix and form the dough accurately.

The next segment is dedicated to loudspeakers—a technology that everyone is familiar with but may not know precisely how it works. Taking the audience through the different components of the loudspeaker, the episode explains how an electromagnet, motor, and diaphragm work in tandem to produce sound. Through intricate shots and animations, "How It's Made" provides an in-depth understanding from how a magnet is made and charged to how thin sheets of paper are then assembled into the diaphragm.

Finally, when it comes to electronic door locks, the scene is set with a focus on the importance of door locks in our daily lives. The electronic door lock is designed to keep us safe and provide the convenience of keyless entry, but few people know how these devices work. The show pulls apart an electronic door lock to reveal its inner workings, which involve complex circuitry and programming techniques. The episode covers everything from the circuit board, the microswitch, the resettable fuse, to the gears and cogs that complete the mechanism.

Overall, "How It's Made" season 3 episode 1 is a detailed look into four vastly different subjects. The show manages to be informative and insightful while maintaining a level of entertainment through its engaging and educational presentation. Viewers are left with a newfound appreciation for each of the items presented and an excitement in knowing how they were made.