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MacGyver Season 2 Episode 15 Science Notes: Murdoc + Handcuffs
Non-science note. The more I see David Dastmalchian as he plays Murdoc, the more impressed I am. That dude is awesome. Also, this episode has a great “ Midnight Run” type of feel (great movie, btw).
Now for some science stuff.
Portable Gas Chromatagraph
This part of the script is pretty nice:
Jack: “You brought something too?”
MacGyver: “It is a portable gas chromatograph. So, It takes samples from the air and it scans them for explosive particular matter.”
Jack: “So, it’s a bomb detector? Why didn’t you say that?”
MacGyver: “I thought I did.”
Perfect.
A gas chromatograph is sort of complicated. But yes, it could be used to detect chemicals. Yes, you can make them portable. That’s enough.
DIY Noise Maker
How do you get the attention of a bad guy? House about a noise maker? This is essentially the same as this mouse-trap powered car. https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Mousetrap-Car -but instead of a spinning wheel, it has a built in timer-a leaking bottle of water. Here is the shot from the show.
