Ep 12. Operation Valkyrie

In MythBusters season 9 episode 12, titled Operation Valkyrie, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman explore the possibility of the assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler, which was famously known as Operation Valkyrie.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the operation, which involved a group of German officers who conspired to kill Hitler and overthrow the Nazi government in 1944. The team then delves into the first myth of the episode, which is whether or not it was possible for a bomb to be concealed within a briefcase and brought into Hitler's bunker undetected.

To test this myth, Adam and Jamie build a replica of Hitler's bunker and try to sneak a briefcase containing a bomb past guards and security checkpoints. They encounter several unexpected challenges, which leads them to question the feasibility of the myth and contemplate alternative methods that could have been used to carry out the assassination attempt.

The next myth the team explores involves the use of plastic explosives, which were reportedly used in the actual assassination attempt. The team tests whether it was possible for the explosives to be hidden within a lead-lined box and transported safely on a plane.

Adam and Jamie devise a series of experiments to test the plausibility of the myth, which include measuring the radiation levels emitted by the lead-lined box and detonating the explosives from a remote distance. The results of the tests offer interesting insights into the science behind explosives and help shed light on the methods that could have been used in Operation Valkyrie.

The final myth the team tackles involves the enigma machine, which was used by the Germans to encode their messages during World War II. The myth suggests that the enigma code was never truly broken, and that the Allies only intercepted German communications because of luck and good fortune.

To test this myth, Adam and Jamie build a replica of the enigma machine and set up a simulated communication network to see if they could crack the code. They also consult with experts to gain a deeper understanding of the technology behind the machine and its encryption methods.

Overall, MythBusters season 9 episode 12 is an engaging and informative exploration of Operation Valkyrie and the myths surrounding the assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler. Through a series of experiments and tests, Adam and Jamie provide valuable insights into the science behind explosives, security protocols, and cryptology, demonstrating the importance of scientific inquiry in understanding historical events.