Genius

Einstein had an interesting life and the idea of poking holes in his saintly reputation is promising, but no one accused theoretical physics, or this show, of being fun, fizzy, or even understandable. Even producer Ron Howard, admits that he still doesn't "get" relativity. Viewers will find themselves in the same situation, interested every time this drama dips into world news like Hitler's rise or the launch of the Manhattan Project, glazed over when things degenerate into Einstein talking about his ideas to somebody. Which he does -- a lot, in classrooms, at dinner tables, and dark living rooms.

Speaking of darkness, the overall drabness of the visuals adds to the blah totality of Genius. There are a lot of beards, black suits, furniture with doilies on them, and shawls. There are also many scenes in which a roomful of students or colleagues stares at Einstein as he lectures, then, after a moment of stunned silence, bursts into applause. Sigh. Things pick up whenever we're following Einstein's (complicated) romantic and marital life, or looking at historical events from his perspective. But in between those scenes, there are a lot of inexplicable lectures to get through. Parents may want kids to watch to encourage STEM studies -- but it may take a fight to get them to do it.