Ep 11. Zombie Special

In Season 14, Episode 11 of MythBusters titled "Zombie Special," the team takes on the ultimate challenge - investigating the reality and plausibility of a zombie apocalypse. Inspired by the ever-growing popularity of zombie-themed movies, TV shows, and books, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman intend to test the survival tactics depicted in these fictional scenarios.

To kick off the episode, Adam and Jamie tackle the fundamental question: can zombies actually exist? Drawing from extensive research on zombie legends and lore, the duo investigates whether a virus or parasite could potentially induce zombification. They consult with experts in epidemiology and neurology to unravel the scientific possibilities behind such an outbreak.

Furthering their exploration into the realm of zombies, Adam and Jamie attempt to recreate the infamous zombies' moaning sound effect heard in many pop culture representations. By examining different vocal mechanisms, they aim to determine if it is physically viable for a human to produce such a unique and horrifying sound.

Next, the MythBusters shift their focus to an aspect frequently seen in zombie films and shows - the destruction of the brain as the only means of killing the undead. Armed with an arsenal of weapons, including a sledgehammer, chainsaw, and shotgun, the team investigates the efficacy of these methods in neutralizing a zombie threat. They set up various experiments, employing ballistic gel heads to determine which method is most efficient in destroying a zombie's brain.

Taking inspiration from movies, where survivors often use fireworks to distract zombies, Adam and Jamie proceed to test the theory that loud explosions and flashing lights can attract or repel zombies. They construct a simulated town infested with zombies and unleash a series of controlled explosions and pyrotechnics to observe the creatures' responses. The goal is to certify whether these tactics would be effective in a hypothetical real-world scenario.

Furthermore, the MythBusters analyze the feasibility of creating an improvised flamethrower, as often seen in post-apocalyptic movies and zombie-themed video games. Using a variety of household items, they aim to recreate the iconic weapon to determine its potential practicality and effectiveness against a horde of zombies.

In their ongoing quest for survival skills, the team explores the premise of obtaining drinking water from the most unlikely and unappealing sources. By evaluating different filtration methods employed by survivalists and adventurers, they try to ascertain if it is possible to purify water contaminated by common elements present in a post-apocalyptic world.

To conclude their "Zombie Special," Adam and Jamie delve into the topic of zombie camouflage. They investigate the effectiveness of using various substances, such as dead animals or zombie blood, to mask their own scent and evade detection from the undead. By conducting a series of tests in a controlled environment, they hope to provide insights into the viability of this survival tactic.

Throughout the episode, viewers can expect the signature blend of scientific methodology and explosive experimentation that has defined the MythBusters series. With a healthy dose of humor and a genuine dedication to debunking myths, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman lead viewers on an exciting journey through the hypothetical world of zombies.