'How the Universe Works'

'Discovery UK' has an unusual mix of hard-core militaria (which 'thetvereviewguy' finds an instant turn-off), adventurer shows where the protagonists run amok, nerd-fests and the occasional superb documentary about the natural sciences. 'How the Universe Works' falls into the last category. Beautiful imagery and effects are intermingled with knowledgeable talking-head pieces from various boffins. Little of the subject matter is new but the presentation is never less than lively and exciting. Popularising science is a difficult matter; pitch it too low i.e. at the level of this reviewer, and you risk putting entertainment values over education. Aim too high and you soon lose plenty of people (ahem, same critic) in discussions over string theory and multiple universes. That's why 'How the Universe Works' works. It is a goldilocks of a TV series (see what 'thetvreviewguy' did there?). Anyone who grew up with 'Star Wars' will love the way planets and celestial objects are portrayed. In these Super Nova days it's comforting to look up to the stars and wonder what cosmic glue holds everything together. We can learn to feel bigger by realising we're smaller. Programmes like 'How the Universe' can help us do this. Live long and prosper!