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Genius

Genius Finale — Bringing Back the Joy

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(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

One January morning in 1998, I walked into a lecture hall at Furman University, not knowing what to expect in the Psychology class I was registered for.  The professor walked in, a rather tall man with bright red hair, and spoke: “Good morning.  My name is Dr. Einstein.”  The class laughed, then he continued: “If you’re wondering, I am actually related to Albert.”  At that point, the class grew silent, then sat back for a fantastic semester of learning with a professor who sincerely loved to teach.  To this day, I still believe Dr. Einstein was the smartest–not to mention most challenging–professor I had.  (If you’re wondering, he’s still teaching at Furman)

In the final two-hour conclusion to National Geographic Channel’s Genius, Albert Einstein (Geoffrey Rush) has moved to the US and is a professor at Princeton University. But the events of the world have seemed to conspire against him. Franz Haber (Richard Topol) dies, as does Mileva, his stepdaughter Ilse, and his current wife, Elsa (Emily Watson). To assuage his feelings, a svelte Russian bombshell named Margarita (Ania Bukstein) enters his life and helps him get through the process of becoming a US citizen.  We soon discover she’s a spy attempting to get access to Einstein’s calculations for an unknown purpose, but she fails in her mission. Later, Albert’s work on general relativity becomes linked to the atomic bomb being worked on by the US and Germany, a thought that makes him sick.  When the bomb is dropped on Japan by the US, Einstein is thrust into the spotlight again—not as a brilliant scientist, but as the harbinger of nuclear death.

(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

As a result of this new moniker, Albert begins to push away from his love of science, becoming more active politically.  It creates another big issue in the form of J Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI (TR Knight).  He thinks Albert is a Communist and is willing to go to any length to prove his assertion true.  It makes life difficult as Einstein is concerned with the witch hunt going on for people like the Rosenbergs and is ready to make his feelings known to the world.  But that’s exactly what Hoover wants.  When Albert writes a letter to the judge of the Rosenberg trial, Hoover intercepts it and proceeds to discredit Einstein all over the pages of America’s papers. All Albert has left are a few friends and his assistant Helene (Emily Laing), who he prefers to see and not hear.  His son Hans has come over from Germany, but the rift from the divorce is still fresh.

Sinking into a funk, an unexpected help arrives in the form of Alice Edwards (Dixie Egerickx), a little girl who asks him to help her with her long division homework.  Suddenly, he remembers the joy of teaching and breaks out of his depression.  In the end, he is able to reconcile himself to Hans (even telling him that he would’ve never achieved anything without Mileva) before finally passing away.

Ken Billings directs the final two part-episode and provides a satisfying conclusion to the series.  He’s even able to inject a little emotion into the end sequences as Albert is reconciled to Hans and tells Helene she’s a blessing to him.  It was nice to see a little glimmer of hope as Einstein’s carefully crafted world began to crash down around him. I’m already looking forward to the second season of Genius, which will feature the life of one Pablo Diego Jose Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Maria de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santisima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso (yes, that’s the painter’s full name).

One of the neatest things to see in the final episode was how Alice Edwards, with her constant questioning and eager desire to learn, helped bring Albert back to a love of teaching.  When life seems to feel unbearable and the only safe space is under the covers of the bed, there is a way to get back to normal. King David mentioned this in Psalm 51, when it seemed like his sins and mistakes were going to overwhelm him.  He went to God and asked for forgiveness, then prayed, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.  Then I will teach transgressors Your ways” (verses 12-13 NASB).  Sometimes all it takes is asking God for the joy to be restored, and it will arrive in a form that will do the trick. Then we will be able to take on life with a renewed confidence and vigor, making a difference in the lives of others.  And isn’t that what we, in the end, want to happen?

Genius Ep. 8 – Doing the Right Thing

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(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

At the end of the first episode of the National Geographic Channel series Genius, Albert and Elsa Einstein sat across the table from Raymond Geist of the US Embassy in Berlin. A simple visit to get their passports validated became a little more when Geist wanted answers to questions before he would stamp them. The scene sat there, frozen in space as the next six episodes covered Albert’s early years, his romance and failed marriage to Mileva Maric, and his relentless pursuit of the theory of relativity.  In the eighth episode, the viewer returns to the interview table to continue the story.

For the most part, director Ken Biller—the fifth in the series—keeps the action focused at the table as Einstein (Geoffrey Rush) discovers that FBI Director J Edgar Hoover (TR Knight), believes he’s a Communist.  As a result, there will be no entrance to America unless Albert can prove to Geist (Vincent Kartheiser) he’s not. The interview is peppered with various flashbacks, including the notification Einstein won the 1921 Nobel Prize and a talk with Niels Bohr (David Dencik) about Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle (no, not that Heisenberg).  In addition, we get to see a bit of the relationship Albert has with his assistant Betty (Charity Wakefield) and how Elsa (Emily Watson) deals with the situation.  Oddly, she allows him to pursue it as long as when she wants something, he responds to her first. The reason for Mileva’s repeated phone calls in the first episode is also discovered when she shows up to a wedding unannounced and tells Albert that his son Eduard (Eugene Simon) had attempted suicide, but wants a visit.  Albert complies and finally gets his son to smile by playing the violin for him.

(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

The discussion at the table then turns to Albert’s Jewish roots, where the viewer discovers that he is becoming more and more concerned for his people—especially as Hitler begins to rise in power.  As a result, he fears something will happen to him; this prompts his attempt to move to the US. When Geist asks for Elsa to leave the room, the subject matter shifts to Albert’s faith and science.  Einstein shares that he believed God made the universe; he’s trying to understand how he did it. From here, Albert turns the conversation to Geist’s background and doing the right thing.

In the end, Geist approves the visa, but Hoover denies it.  Elsa then springs into action, throwing Hoover’s quizzing methods under the bus—on the front page of the New York Times.  Hoover freaks out, then has Geist visit the Einsteins and stamp the visas under one condition—that Albert sign a paper claiming he’s not a Communist.

The intrigue in this episode involves doing the right thing.  Geist understood Einstein’s Zionist focus and his concern about the Jewish people in Germany, but had to follow the orders of his boss and deny the visa.  Yet the Bible says, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act (Proverbs 3:27). As a result, when Albert refuses to sign the paper, he stamps the visas anyway, saying, “There are other ways to be of service.”  Albert then signs to keep Geist from losing his job.  It’s a powerful piece of drama.  Geist (directly or indirectly because of his talk with Albert) helped 50,000 German Jews get out before things got incredibly worse. That’s even more powerful.

The last chapter of Genius will combine the final two episodes and airs Tuesday, June 20 at 9 PM/8 CT. There are bound to be some surprises, so make sure you tune in!

Genius Ep. 7 – The Damage of Sin, Visualized   

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(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

Albert Einstein wasn’t in the greatest mood at the end of the sixth episode of Genius (Nat Geo; Tuesdays 9 PM/ 8 CT).  After seeing his life’s work on general relativity almost discredited due to an error on his part and his wife moving to Zurich with the kids, it’s easy to see why this might be the case. The question was a simple one: how would Albert react?

If you’ve watched the series thus far, the answer is a simple one: Albert simply plowed himself more and more into his work on the theory. He even went so far as to say, “General relativity is everything to me now . . . once I’ve solved it, the rest of life can rush in.” But he receives a surprise when he discovers a mathematician named David Hilbert (Adrian Edmondson) is trying to complete it first and claim credit for himself. Thus begins a rush to complete the computations . . . and Einstein loses the race.  However, Hilbert makes a mistake, allowing Einstein to correctly finish the theory.  There is even word a Nobel Prize could be in Albert’s future . . .

But director James Hawes reveals there are three other issues Einstein has to deal with.  One involves the other members of the Prussian Academy, who are asked by the German Army to sign a war manifesto committing them to helping the cause (see photo above). Everyone signs it . . . except Einstein. This becomes as issue when Fritz Haber (Richard Topol) creates a method to take out opposing forces using poison gas.  Einstein can’t justify Haber’s change of heart and has a falling out with him.  So does Haber’s wife, who kills herself.  Max Planck (Ralph Brown) lamented signing the manifesto when he discovers his son died on the battlefield.

The second issue involves Mileva.  It’s easy to see that Albert cares more about the kids more than her, but he still wants the divorce so he can finally be with his cousin Elsa. Mileva is incredibly stubborn, but she’s still trying to make ends meet for the kids by teaching piano (even though Albert is paying her monthly). Unfortunately, her health issues have caused Albert to visit—but the war is exacting its toll by closing the borders and denying Albert the visit.  Eduard is expecting his dad, but he never comes.

(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

A few years later, we see the long-awaited transformation of the characters to their older counterparts—Johnny Flynn gives way to Academy Award-winner Geoffrey Rush (Albert); Gwendolyn Ellis is replaced by Emily Watson (Elsa), and Samantha Colley’s fantastic portrayal of Mileva moves to Sally Dexter.  It gives Genius the feel that the events of the past have aged the main characters significantly (even if it feels jarring to the viewer).

Albert is finally able to get Mileva to agree to the divorce, but as he tells Elsa, “it comes at a high price.”  That price isn’t just in the form of money (including the significant sum earned if Albert was to win the Nobel Prize), but a permanent loss of seeing his kids.

Finally, Einstein’s theory is proven, but he has to deal with his own league of scientists, including Dr. Lennard, who, in the name of nationalism, attempt to discredit his work.  In a hilarious sequence, a major lecturer beats up on Einstein, not knowing Einstein is in the audience.  What the scientists will do next is for the final three episodes, but somehow Hitler will be involved . . .

One of the biggest takeaways of the episode involves the damages sin can cause.  The scientists’ decision to support the war effort resulted in significant loss of life—especially with Haber’s poison gas cloud.  Justifying that it saved lives still doesn’t diminish the fact that people were killed to make it happen. Haber lost his marriage (and his wife) in the process. Einstein also lost his marriage–and a whole lot more than he bargained for–as a result of his escapades. Even his cousin Elsa had to endure the humiliation and stigma of being singled out during the divorce proceedings by the judge. Sin can be hidden only for so long, but it will eventually be exposed (see Joshua 7 regarding Achan).  And the consequences can be significant.  It is best, as James 5:16 notes, to confess our sins to God (and others) so we can be restored.  After all, Jesus came to die and forgive us of all our transgressions to the Lord and others.  It doesn’t mean there won’t be aftereffects to deal with, but at least one’s consciousness can be cleansed for the future.

Genius Ep. 6 – Hitting Rock Bottom

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(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

One of the key points of conflict thus far on Genius, National Geographic Channel’s 10-part series on Albert Einstein (Tuesdays, 9 PM/ 8 CT), involves his marriage.  It’s obvious that Albert married Mileva mainly for her scientific mind and little more. As a result, the relationship has been spiraling downhill for a few episodes; in the meantime, Albert’s scientific career has been on an upward trajectory. When his cousin Elsa enters the picture as more than just a family relation, it’s only a matter of time before the powder keg of emotions explode.

Director James Hooks (the fourth different director of the series thus far) brings a heavily dialogue-driven perspective to the proceedings.  He begins the sixth episode by setting up Einstein’s plan to confirm that light waves bend as a result of gravity.  Albert (Johnny Flynn) has teamed up with an astronomer who will photograph the upcoming eclipse and gather data to further strengthen his theory of relativity. Problem one: the nearest location to see the full eclipse is Crimea, Russia. Now that he’s moved to Berlin and is a part of the Prussian Academy, Albert has to convince a bunch of skeptical scientists to provide funding for the trip—scientists who are ruffled by his brazen attempts to challenge their previous work. Albert gets some of the money, but Elsa (Gwendolyn Ellis) uses her clout to get the rest.

Problem two: After the trip has departed, German declares war on—you guessed it—Russia. With a load of photographic equipment in tow behind enemy lines, things aren’t going to go well for the members of the team on the train (see below).

(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

But there’s another issue—a Serbian scientist has been able to come up with proof that Einstein’s theory doesn’t work as it currently exists. If Einstein publishes the paper with the eclipse data, he’ll likely be discredited.

This is where Einstein’s marriage enters the discussion.  He moved the family to Berlin because he wants to be with Elsa instead—he even tells her, “With you, it’s sunshine.  At home, [it’s always] a cloud of anger.”  But she realizes how scandalous the situation can become unless Mileva (Samantha Colley) is out of the picture.  Mileva finds out, and Albert has to make a decision—one that will have consequences for the rest of his life.

He chooses Elsa, telling Mileva he wants a divorce.  But Mileva refuses to grant it to him.

At this point, Albert becomes even more of a jerk than one can possibly imagine, giving Mileva a written list of demands in order to keep the marriage intact.  They amount to a completely platonic, non-physical relationship—cook, clean, take care of the two kids, and leave him completely alone with his studies.  Surprisingly, she agrees to this.  When she learns of the Serbian’s negation of Einstein’s proof, she tries to tell him, but he cites the written list he wrote her and dismisses her out of hand.

Eventually, the strain is too much, and after she has a one-night stand with the Serbian scientist, Mileva agrees to separate (not divorce—this may play a role in future episodes).  Albert is elated—now he can return to Elsa.  But when he returns home, he finds it empty.  Mileva takes the children to Zurich, leaving Albert—for the first time in the series—completely broken.

Nobody wants to ever hit rock bottom in life.  But there comes a period for most people where just that occurs. What once was is not any more.  Friends have abandoned in a time when they’re needed the most. There’s really nothing left to do but surrender to God and strive to make life changes that last.  It doesn’t mean there won’t be scars, but the end will be better than the alternative.  Jesus talked about this situation in a story about a young guy who took his inheritance, blew it all on the frivolities of life, then found himself in a place where he had to resort to eating pig slop to survive.  Only then did he come to his senses and point his life in the right direction (see Luke 15:11-31).

We’ll have to see if anything arises from the final scene of the episode—Albert Einstein crying, alone, at a train station. Is this really rock bottom, or will things get even worse?

Genius Ep. 5 – A Tangled Web

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(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

“Of all the mysteries for me, people are the hardest to fathom.”

If there’s been one major revelation from the Genius series thus far (NatGeo, Tuesdays 9 PM/8 CT), it’s that Albert Einstein (Johnny Flynn) has a brilliant mind yet struggles with understanding others.  There are strained relationships all over the place—teachers, colleagues, even his own wife.  In the fifth episode, Einstein’s circle widens to include a new cast of characters who provide additional depth and complexity to the story.  But the same issues from his past continue to plague him.

The episode is broken into three interwoven sections. One continues to follow Einstein’s quest of becoming famous through his research and teaching.  Einstein’s not a great lecturer, but when he skips the formalities of academia, he flourishes.  His general relativity theory has become well-known and he jumps from university to university across Europe, spending time with other important scientists and researchers.  His role of a patent clerk is now but a distant memory. He’s warned by Max Planck (Ralph Brown) to not ruffle feathers in the scientific community, but Einstein doesn’t seem to care.  Pride goes before destruction, and that may or may not be the case here (see Proverbs 16:18).

A second section chronicles his marital relationship with Mileva (Samantha Colley).  Not acknowledging her role in his scientific research seems to have triggered a poisonous atmosphere at home (not that it was great to start with). Mileva is genuinely unhappy in the relationship, as her dreams of fame have been reduced to cooking, cleaning, and taking care of their two kids. When she has a conversation with Marie Curie (Klara Issova) about science, a real sense of joy exudes from her.  But there is a palpable distance between her and Albert, causing her to become almost paranoid about what he’s doing and the mail he receives.  Albert knows there’s a problem as well and discusses it with his mother and cousin Elsa (Gwendolyn Ellis).  This leads to Albert and Elsa taking a stroll in the woods, then sharing a romantic kiss.  By running away from his problems at home, he’s only creating more in the long run.  Asking for forgiveness is a difficult thing to do, but is incredibly important for healing (see James 5:16).

(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

The final portion of the episode revolves around Eduard, Einstein’s second son (Caspar Griffiths). He’s in a mental hospital as a young adult, having jumped out of a window.  Carl Jung (Rod Hallet) talks to him while there and gets Eduard to reveal that he hates Albert.  Perhaps there will be an attempt at forgiveness and reconciliation between the two in a future episode.  Basically, Einstein needs to stop being so egocentric and become humble for a good while.  But will he actually do it?

Albert must make a decision that will affect his career and family in a multitude of ways as the credits roll.  A solitary rose will provide the answer.

Genius Ep. 4 – Priorities, Priorities

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(National Geographic/DusanMartincek)

Albert Einstein was one of the most brilliant individuals the world has ever seen.  But as the first three episodes of Genius (Nat Geo, Tuesdays 9 PM/8 CT) have shown, he had many character faults evident to most of the people who knew him.  To cite a few, Einstein was impetuous, irrational, self-absorbed, and had the most difficult time relating to members of the opposite sex. At the end of the third episode, it seems a change may be taking place in his life, as he lets go of his pride and begins work as a patent clerk.

Or has he?

It seems Einstein’s head is occupied with other things while at the office.  He (Johnny Flynn) and Mileva (Samantha Colley) have a healthy baby and they live in a decent place. But Einstein cannot get the science out of his head and constantly thinks of how to get his name out in the academic world. His roommate from Zurich, Michele Besso (Seth Gabel), helps formulate ideas, while Mileva helps him write a series of papers that seemingly generate no interest. But people are looking, including Pierre Lennard (Michael McElhatton) and Max Planck (Ralph Brown).

All is not wine and roses for Einstein, however.  He is so focused on science that he practically ignores his son—and Mileva, to a certain extent. He invites his mom (Helen Monks) to help out at the house, where she promptly tries to convert Mileva into a housewife.  Mileva will have none of that, infuriating mom, who calls her “[Albert’s] librarian and clock.”  Einstein has to step in to that situation and kicks his mother  out. He also has to deal with his former girlfriend Marie Winteler (Shannon Tarbet) when her family experiences a horrible tragedy.

Interspersed within the episode by new director Kevin Hooks are scenes involving Pierre and Marie Curie (Corrado Invernizzi and Klára Issová) as they discover radium. The juxtaposition of the relationships the husbands have with their wives are shocking. When Pierre wins the 1903 Nobel Prize, he says he won’t accept it unless Marie gets it as well. On the other hand, when Einstein discovers the theory of relativity, he thanks Marcel in the paper but not his own wife.  Could this be a foreshadowing to future issues?

(National Geographic/DusanMartincek)

Hooks’ directorial style is a little different than Minkie Spiro’s as he paints a broader picture and isn’t as focused on the intimate portrayals of characters. It’s a bit jarring—and one reason I was concerned when I discovered multiple directors would be part of the production of Genius.  It’s not terrible, however, and as long as there are no more hands in the directorial cookie jar, the series should be okay.

Albert still struggles with priorities—family is a mere existence to him, alluded to by at least one character.  Mileva stays home and helps him while taking care of their son. Only after Marie Winteler’s dad talks to him about focusing on the childhood of his son does Albert begin to spend time with him.  But even then, his scientific mind is spinning wildly.  The book of Ecclesiastes mentions that there is a time for everything under heaven:

“A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace (Eccl 3:2-8 NASB).”

We have to learn to prioritize our lives based on our current situations, striking a balance our families can work within.  Too much focus on work can lead to alienation from friends and family. Too much play (or even laziness) can lead to a loss of finances and added stress on those we love.  Being well-rounded makes everyone around us better.

We’ll just have to see if Albert learns this lesson next week . . .

Genius Ep. 3 – Character Counts

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(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

When we last left Genius (Tuesdays, 9 PM/8 CT, NatGeo), the individual having the worst of times was Mileva Maric, Albert Einstein’s romantic interest. Mileva (Samantha Colley) had left school in Zurich due to him, gotten back together with him, and suddenly found herself back in her home country of Serbia because of him.  To make things worse, she was also pregnant.  The third episode picks up the obvious tension and carries it in both predictable and unpredictable directions.

The episode begins with a scene involving Philipp Lenard (Michael McElhatton), the professor in the first episode who made an impassioned speech about German unity to his students (seen above).  At the beginning of the century, Lenard discovers the basis for the x-ray, then watches as Wilhelm Röntgen steals the discovery for his own, forcing Lenard to attempt to validate himself in the eyes of the scientific world when the first Nobel Prize is offered.  Needless to say, it doesn’t go well.  This may play a role in subsequent episodes . . .

Mileva struggles with knowing what to do, asking her father to give Albert a chance.  Einstein (Johnny Flynn) isn’t around but is trying to make a name for himself in Zurich.  But he can’t get a job and is unwilling to simply take what’s out there (even a job at a patent office) to get some funds.  Desperate for money, he begs from his mom, but there’s nothing left.  He worries that Mileva and the soon-to-be-born child will be an albatross that weighs his professional life down; she feels similarly about him.

(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

The two carry on an academic-based relationship, but Mileva wants Albert to care about her as a person instead of just a brain. He struggles with this—and the struggle is exacerbated when he meets a young gentleman with an interest in philosophy and science.  The guy (and his brother) are rich, and the three form a sort of triumvirate called the Olympia Academy.  It is at this point that Einstein is torn three ways—one for the Academy in Zurich, one for his estranged father who is dying in Milan, and one for Mileva who has just had their child in Serbia.  What direction will he choose?  What will be the ramifications of his decision? You’ll have to watch to find out.

Director Minkie Spiro continues to do a great job setting up the characters and weaving their lives into the overall fabric of the story.  The viewer knows where the story will eventually go, but the side stories subtly add tension and background.  Einstein, for all of his smarts, comes off as an academic jerk who cares only for himself.  His mind is in the clouds, wanting only a teaching job—to the detriment and befuddlement of those around him.  Mileva is obviously the sympathetic character, and by the end of the episode, you want to stand beside her, wrap her in a hug, and cry with her.

Einstein is faced with his character issues early on when he asks for a reference from the headmaster at Zurich, Heinrich Weber (Alistair Petrie).  Weber alerts him that his academics are superb, but he couldn’t provide him a favorable recommendation due to issues with his character—namely insolence.  Instead of accepting it and attempting to get better, Einstein fights Weber and attempts to get him to change his mind.  You can guess how that turned out.  God wants people who follow Jesus to be people of character that exude the “fragrance of Christ” to everyone they meet (see 2 Corinthians 2:15).  It’s difficult to do that when one’s lifestyle includes such things as lying, cheating, stealing, or a host of other offenses. However, God’s goal is to help people become more like him in their thoughts, feelings, and actions.  He will use numerous ways to get our attention—perhaps even in a direct manner such as the one Einstein faced.  It’s up to us to listen, respond, and make the changes he asks.  The end result is an individual who knows what to do for God in all situations and makes a positive difference for others they come across.

Genius Ep. 2 – Taking Responsiblity

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(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

My years in college and graduate school were ones I will always remember.  There were the times where I was thrown into the campus lake for my birthday—without fail.  There were times where I would just sit outside and enjoy nature, not having a care in the world. Of course, there were also times where I found myself stressed out to the breaking point with reading assignments, exams, or relationships. Those years weren’t always the best of times, but the moments of joy and satisfaction far outweighed the moments of despair.  As a result, I began to truly become an adult.

In the second episode of Genius (National Geographic, Tuesdays 9 PM /8 CT), young Albert Einstein (Johnny Flynn) finds himself at Zurich Polytechnic, where he’s attempting to make something of his life. He has an incredible mind, but it can be swayed by the only girl in the class, Mileva Maric (Samantha Colley).  Not only does she have her gender working against her, she also walks with a noticeable limp—one that caused noticeable mockery in her early schooling. But she’s quite smart and her brain intrigues Albert.  Not only that, she has zero interest in guys.  Albert is still in a relationship with Marie Winteler (Shannon Tarbet), but has stopped talking to her completely, noting that she’s too simple-minded to have discussions about math and science with him.

(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

The viewer gets to see a different side of Albert when it comes to schooling. He’s not studious and tends to fly by the seat of his pants, showing little regard for authority or academic structure. His professors are incensed, but he keeps passing classes with flying colors.  Mileva doesn’t help matters, as his interest in her seems to cloud his mind.  She pushes away from him, even auditing classes at a school in Germany, but runs into the same issue with being a female—nobody wants her. She returns to Zurich, where Albert admits to her, “I’m head over heels in love with your mind.”  But what is he to do with Marie?  In the end, somebody is going to get hurt—the question is who and how much.

Ron Howard’s opening episode of Genius took a broad paintbrush approach to the cultural and global events of Einstein’s time. The second part is directed by Minkie Spiro and is significantly less loud and bombastic in nature, focusing on more intimate portrayals of the characters.  I think it works quite effectively—even moreso than the first episode—since the focus is mainly on young Albert’s schooling in Zurich.  Spiro does offer a few glimpses into Mileva’s early childhood, providing much-needed perspective about her personality.  She’s never had it easy—and it doesn’t seem Albert’s going to make it any easier.  I do wish more attention had been placed on Marie, however.
Taking responsibility for one’s actions is an important attribute for a person to have.  Over time, God wants us to slowly begin to put the childish portions of our life aside, replacing them with the maturity that comes from being an adult (see 1 Corinthians 13:11).  At this point in Genius, however, Albert hasn’t completely learned this lesson. Having a brilliant mind is a blessing, but only as it is coupled with appropriate actions. One letter Albert writes near the end of the episode demonstrates this in perfect clarity. It’s simply not our place to go around hurting others; instead, we should care about other people more than ourselves, looking out for them in the same manner (see Philippians 2:3-4).  In this way, we can become both responsible and respected at the same time.

Genius Ep. 1 – Knowing Your Place

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(National Geographic/Robert Viglasky)

One of the most lauded advertisements of Super Bowl LI aired immediately after the halftime performance.  In it, a gentleman looks out the window of his study while playing Lady Gaga’s song “Bad Romance.”  It turns out to be Albert Einstein, who sticks out his tongue at the camera once he’s finished playing.  The screen then cuts to black, revealing an upcoming series called Genius airing on the National Geographic Channel.

Genius is a 10-part, fully scripted series chronicling the life of Dr. Einstein as never seen before (the first part airs tonight at 9 PM/8 CT).  I was at the world premiere in Los Angeles last night and had the opportunity to hear from executive directors Brian Grazer and Ron Howard before viewing the first episode.  Grazer noted that Einstein was the earliest modern example of disrupting the status quo and was thus the perfect subject to portray.

Ron Howard speaking before the premiere (ScreenFish/J Alan Sharrer)

The series is based on the work Einstein: His Life and Universe, written by Walter Isaacson.  In the opening episode, broad strokes are painted as Howard intersperses the younger and elder versions of Einstein (played by Johnny Flynn and Academy Award-winner Geoffrey Rush, respectively).  The younger Einstein is a daydreaming free thinker who has an extremely difficult time with school in Munich due to the rote memorization of facts.  His disregard for the systems of the day put him at odds with his teachers and his father. After his parents move to Italy, Einstein stays with the Winteler family in Switzerland for a year before continuing his studies in Zurich (he failed his entrance exam the first time he took it, so there’s hope for the rest of us).

(National Geographic/Dusan Martincek)

The older version of Einstein is wiser, yet extremely stubborn.  While at the University of Heidelberg, the SS begin to make their presence felt in German life.  For those of Jewish heritage, these days are difficult as people are beaten up, assaulted, and in some cases, assassinated. When Einstein is told his name is on a list to be killed, he steadfastly refuses to leave, much to the chagrin of his wife Elsa (Emily Watson).  It takes a series of events involving copies of Mein Kampf and a child’s request for an autograph to change his mind.  But it’s not easy leaving Germany, as the US Embassy wants to know more about his political leanings and refuses him asylum until he talks.

Einstein once said, “Falling in love is not at all the most stupid thing that people do—but gravitation cannot be held responsible for it.” To this end, he is shown to be incredibly smart, a bit reckless, and very attracted to women.  By the end of the first episode, Einstein has been involved with three—Marie Winteler (Shannon Tarbet), Elsa, and his secretary.  Upon his entrance to Zurich, he meets a fourth lady named Mileva Maric (Samantha Colley), who in later years will change Einstein’s life for the better—or worse.

(National Geographic/Robert Viglasky)

As for the first episode, I thought it was quite good.  The camerawork was exquisite, as can be expected with something coming from Ron Howard. The interspersed scenes were a bit jarring and didn’t quite work for me, but that may change since there are still nine episodes left.  I was impressed, however, at the level of detail given to the scenes—it helped to draw me into the story more. There is some CGI used for a few daydream sequences, but they’re used to good effect in explaining some rather difficult mathematical and scientific concepts. The episode is designed for mature audiences due to the romantic interludes and some graphic killings.

It was interesting to watch the struggle the elder Einstein had about leaving Heidelberg due to Hitler’s ascension in power.  After hearing news that his friend was assassinated for his common ancestry, he stayed put.  Even when informed that he was on an extermination list, he stayed.  Could he make a bigger difference for the world where he was? This reminds me of Esther in the Old Testament.  In an oft-quoted verse of Scripture, she was reminded and challenged by Mordecai, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NIV) As a result, she used her position of authority to save her people from extinction via the hands of Haman.  It’s always better to know your place and make a difference there than run away from the tasks God has planned for you to accomplish.