James May's 20th Century (2007)

Episode Overview

James embarks on a quest to explore the limits of his physical abilities while uncovering some of the most impressive medical advancements from the past century. He starts by experiencing a centrifuge, a device known to challenge fighter pilots and astronauts, to see how his body reacts to intense forces. At 4.4 g, he loses consciousness, realizing he has hit his threshold: “The blood was forced from my head to my feet and I passed out.” Afterward, he dons anti-g trousers and manages to withstand 5.4 g without fainting. In New York, he encounters a group of incredible athletes who have overcome the loss of a leg, now running swiftly with advanced prosthetics. These competitors are even outpacing able-bodied runners, raising discussions about whether their artificial limbs give them an edge. Back in the UK, James observes open heart surgery, witnessing a heart momentarily stop during the procedure. His most unexpected moment arrives when he delves into the groundbreaking discovery of DNA.