Review: MythBusters – Season 1, Episode 1: Exploding Port-A-Potty

Introduction

The premiere episode of MythBusters, titled Exploding Port-A-Potty, first aired on January 23, 2003, and set the stage for what would become one of the most iconic science-based entertainment shows in television history. Hosted by Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, the series aimed to test urban legends, movie stunts, and various myths through hands-on experiments. This first episode immediately introduced viewers to the show’s signature mix of scientific inquiry, humor, and explosions, making it a memorable start.

評論：《流言終結者》– 第一季第 1 集：《爆炸的流動廁所》

介紹

《流言終結者》（MythBusters）的首播集《爆炸的流動廁所》（Exploding Port-A-Potty）於 2003 年 1 月 23 日首播，為這部日後成為電視史上最具代表性的科學娛樂節目奠定了基礎。該節目由亞當·薩維奇（Adam Savage）和傑米·海納曼（Jamie Hyneman）主持，核心目標是透過實際實驗來驗證都市傳說、電影特技以及各種流言的真實性。在這第一集中，節目立即向觀眾展示了其獨特的風格——科學探究、幽默感，還有令人興奮的爆炸場面，為系列開啟了一個令人難忘的序幕。

Myth 1: Exploding Port-A-Potty

The Myth

The episode’s titular myth suggests that a portable toilet can explode if someone lights a match inside while methane gas has built up. This concept, which has circulated as an urban legend, raises the question: Can a port-a-potty really become a deadly bomb under the right conditions?

The Experiment

To test this myth, Adam and Jamie attempted to simulate the conditions necessary for an explosion. They first determined that human waste alone would not produce enough methane for a significant explosion. To increase the likelihood of combustion, they artificially introduced additional methane into the toilet. After several attempts using different ignition sources, including matches and electric sparks, they found that while methane is flammable, it did not produce a catastrophic explosion inside the enclosed space of the port-a-potty.

The Verdict

The myth was ultimately busted. While methane can ignite and burn, the conditions required for a full-blown explosion inside a portable toilet are highly unlikely in real-world scenarios.

流言 1：爆炸的流動廁所

流言內容

本集中探討的核心流言與標題相呼應，內容為：如果流動廁所內積聚了足夠的甲烷氣體，當有人在裡面點燃火柴時，整個廁所可能會發生劇烈爆炸。這個概念作為都市傳說長期流傳，讓人不禁產生疑問——在適當的條件下，流動廁所真的有可能變成一顆致命的炸彈嗎？

實驗過程

為了驗證這個流言，亞當與傑米嘗試模擬發生爆炸所需的條件。他們首先確認，單憑人類排泄物產生的甲烷，並不足以引發大規模的爆炸。因此，為了增加燃燒和爆炸的可能性，他們額外向廁所內注入了高濃度的甲烷氣體。

接下來，他們使用了多種不同的引燃方式進行測試，包括火柴和電火花等。然而，儘管甲烷確實具有可燃性，並且能夠被點燃，但在流動廁所這樣的封閉空間內，他們並未成功製造出預期的大規模爆炸，廁所也沒有被炸飛或完全摧毀。

實驗結果

最終，這個流言被 破解（Busted）。雖然甲烷確實可以燃燒並引發火焰，但要在現實世界中讓流動廁所內的甲烷累積到足以引發強烈爆炸的程度，幾乎是不可能的。

Myth 2: Biscuit Bullet

The Myth

The second myth investigated in this episode was whether a can of refrigerated biscuits (such as Pillsbury dough) left in a hot car could explode with enough force to injure someone. This urban legend likely comes from real-life incidents where pressurized cans have popped unexpectedly.

The Experiment

To test this, the MythBusters team placed biscuit cans inside a heated environment, simulating the interior of a car on a hot day. They measured the pressure build-up over time and monitored whether the biscuit dough could be ejected forcefully enough to cause injury.

The Verdict

This myth was also busted. While the cans did pop open when exposed to heat, the resulting force was not strong enough to cause any real harm.

流言 2：餅乾罐頭像子彈一樣爆開

流言內容

本集探討的第二個流言是，若將一罐冷藏餅乾麵糰（如 Pillsbury 品牌的冷凍麵糰）遺留在炎熱的車內，它是否會因內部壓力過大而爆炸，並且產生足夠的衝擊力來傷害人。這個都市傳說可能源自真實事件，因為許多人曾經在高溫環境下見過密封罐突然爆開的情況，從而引發了這種擔憂。

實驗過程

為了驗證這個流言，流言終結者 團隊將餅乾罐放入高溫環境中，模擬汽車內部在炎熱天氣下的條件。他們持續測量罐內壓力的變化，並觀察餅乾麵糰是否會在爆開時被強烈地噴射出來，足以對人造成潛在傷害。

實驗結果

這個流言最終被 破解（Busted）。雖然餅乾罐在高溫下確實會因壓力增大而突然彈開，但釋放的力量並不足以造成任何實質性的傷害，更談不上像子彈一樣具有致命威脅。

Strengths of the Episode

As the very first episode of MythBusters, Exploding Port-A-Potty did an excellent job of establishing the show’s format and tone. Adam Savage’s enthusiastic approach complemented Jamie Hyneman’s more reserved, methodical style, creating a compelling dynamic between the hosts. The episode balanced entertainment with education, showing viewers how myths could be tested using controlled experiments.

Additionally, the practical demonstrations—especially the attempt to create a large-scale explosion—were engaging and set the precedent for future episodes that would feature increasingly elaborate tests. The use of slow-motion footage and safety precautions also underscored the show’s commitment to both science and responsible experimentation.

本集優點

作為 流言終結者 的首播集，《爆炸的流動廁所》成功地確立了節目的基本格式與風格。亞當·薩維奇充滿熱情、富有表現力的實驗態度，與傑米·海納曼冷靜而嚴謹的方法形成鮮明對比，這種截然不同的個性碰撞，讓兩位主持人之間的互動變得極具吸引力。本集巧妙地在娛樂與教育之間取得平衡，向觀眾展示了如何透過精心設計的實驗來測試流言的真偽。

此外，本集的實驗過程，尤其是嘗試引發大型爆炸的測試，極具視覺衝擊力，為節目未來更加精細、規模更大的試驗奠定了基礎。慢動作攝影的運用讓觀眾能夠更清楚地觀察爆炸與燃燒的細節，而在實驗中貫徹的安全措施，也顯示了節目對於科學嚴謹性與負責任實驗態度的重視。

Weaknesses of the Episode

As a first episode, Exploding Port-A-Potty had some rough edges. The show was still developing its signature style, and the pacing felt slower compared to later seasons. There was less build-up and spectacle compared to the large-scale myths that would become staples of MythBusters in later years.

Furthermore, this episode featured only two myths, whereas future episodes would typically test three or more, making this premiere feel a bit light on content. The production quality was also lower compared to later seasons, though this is understandable given that it was the series' debut.

本集缺點

作為節目的首播集，《爆炸的流動廁所》仍然存在一些尚未打磨完善的地方。當時節目尚處於發展階段，尚未完全確立其標誌性的風格，導致本集的節奏相較於後續幾季來說顯得較為緩慢。與後來成為 流言終結者 代表性的那些大規模測試相比，本集在情節鋪陳和視覺衝擊方面相對較為單調，缺乏後期節目中常見的戲劇性效果與震撼場面。

此外，本集中僅測試了兩個流言，而後期的節目通常會驗證三個或更多，使得這集在內容豐富度上顯得稍顯不足，觀眾可能會覺得略顯單薄。再者，本集的製作水準相較於後續幾季明顯較低，無論是攝影技術、剪輯風格，還是實驗規模，都較為樸素。不過，考慮到這是節目的首播集，這樣的情況也在情理之中。

Final Thoughts

Despite its minor flaws, Exploding Port-A-Potty remains a significant episode as it marked the beginning of MythBusters, a show that would go on to become a cultural phenomenon. The episode successfully introduced the key elements that made the series so beloved: scientific testing, humor, and dramatic experiments.

For fans of MythBusters, this episode is a must-watch—not necessarily for its most spectacular experiments, but because it represents the humble beginnings of a legendary series. While the format would be refined in later episodes, Exploding Port-A-Potty laid the foundation for what would become one of the most entertaining and educational science shows on television.

Final Rating: 7.5/10

最終評價

儘管存在一些小缺點，《爆炸的流動廁所》依然是一集具有重要意義的節目，因為它標誌著 流言終結者 的開始，這部節目最終成為了文化現象。該集成功地介紹了這個系列最具吸引力的核心元素：科學實驗、幽默感和戲劇性的測試。

對於 流言終結者 的粉絲來說，這集是必看之作——雖然它的實驗未必是最具震撼力的，但它代表了這部傳奇系列的謙遜起點。儘管格式在後續的集數中得到了精細的打磨，《爆炸的流動廁所》為這部節目奠定了基礎，並成為電視上最具娛樂性和教育性的科學節目之一。

最終評分：7.5/10