Ep 31. Shop 'til You Drop

Shop 'til You Drop is the thirty-first episode of the fourth season of the popular science-based TV show MythBusters. In this episode, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, who are known for their entertaining and sometimes dangerous experiments, take on the challenge of investigating several shopping-related myths.

The first myth the duo explores is the belief that men are more efficient shoppers than women. To test this myth, Adam and Jamie divide into two teams: one with Adam and another with Jamie. Each team is given a shopping list, and they must race to complete it as quickly as possible.

The teams face several challenges along the way, including navigating through crowds, finding the right products, and dealing with unexpected interruptions. The experiment is designed to determine whether men are really better at shopping than women, or if it's just a stereotype.

The second myth investigated in this episode is the claim that shopping carts can cause serious injury if they're not handled properly. To test this myth, Adam and Jamie build a makeshift track and use a shopping cart to conduct various stunts, such as jumps, crashes, and spins.

The aim of the experiment is to expose any potential dangers associated with shopping carts and determine whether the fear surrounding them is warranted. The MythBusters also investigate whether it's possible to ride a shopping cart like a skateboard and perform tricks.

In addition to these two myths, Shop 'til You Drop also tackles several other shopping-related myths, including whether clothes made of certain fabrics are more flammable than others, and whether it's possible to beat a lie detector test by chewing gum.

Throughout the episode, Adam and Jamie use their scientific expertise and ingenuity to test each myth thoroughly. They employ various tools and technologies to measure factors such as speed, acceleration, and heat, in order to determine whether the myths are plausible or busted.

One of the highlights of the episode is the MythBusters' investigation into the flammability of different types of fabrics. They create a mannequin and dress it in clothes made of cotton, polyester, and silk, then set each outfit on fire to determine which ignites most easily and burns more quickly.

The results of each experiment are often surprising, and Adam and Jamie are always up for a challenge. They use their quick wit and humor to keep viewers entertained throughout the episode, while also providing valuable insights into the science behind each myth.

Overall, Shop 'til You Drop is a fun and informative episode of MythBusters that will appeal to anyone who has ever gone shopping or wondered about the science behind popular myths. Adam and Jamie's witty banter and daring experiments make for an entertaining and educational viewing experience that is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.