The planets of our solar system are things of wonder and it is fantastic to have a whole big budget series devoted to them. The many graphics sequences are top notch as we are shown space probes orbiting planets or skimming past moons and artists' impressions of each planet's surface or atmosphere. The other delight is Brian Cox, who's quiet enthusiasm is so engaging.
The major downside is the pace of the show. The script seems to have been pared back so we that can instead concentrate on the images, but this results in very little information being presented. I know that the show may be compared to a nature program, but in a wildlife show we are presented with genuine images of the world around us, while this show instead feeds us lots of computer animation. The occasional cut to Brian Cox exploring a part of our world tangentially related to the topic under discussion seems to add little, except to confirm that he appears to be a nice guy. Our solar system is so fascinating and it is frustrating that so little is covered each episode.
Despite my reservations I did keep returning to watch later episodes, but I would recommend keeping a finger near the fast forward button in case the slow pace of the show becomes too much for you.
The major downside is the pace of the show. The script seems to have been pared back so we that can instead concentrate on the images, but this results in very little information being presented. I know that the show may be compared to a nature program, but in a wildlife show we are presented with genuine images of the world around us, while this show instead feeds us lots of computer animation. The occasional cut to Brian Cox exploring a part of our world tangentially related to the topic under discussion seems to add little, except to confirm that he appears to be a nice guy. Our solar system is so fascinating and it is frustrating that so little is covered each episode.
Despite my reservations I did keep returning to watch later episodes, but I would recommend keeping a finger near the fast forward button in case the slow pace of the show becomes too much for you.