Christian Brian Cox is the new face of science along with Neil deGrasse Tyson who's Carl Sagan Cosmos update is out of this world. Cox's Wonders of… Trilogy made us wonder about life (5 episodes). the universe (4 episodes).and the solar system (5 episodes). Here Cox makes us think and is a bit more pragmatic and culturally sensitive to present the human perspective of the universe. The series starts strong with a link to our adaptive ancestors all the way to our impressive space achievements. Cox awaits a Soyuz reentry and rendezvous in Kazakhstan to greet cosmonauts. We have permanent presence in space (ISS) and here are humans coming back from this home…The second episode asks the tough philosophical question and proposes some answers, while the third episode asks about the likelihood of aliens, interviewing famous Dr. Frank Drake who's equation has been the base of scientific speculation since the 1960s. The episode however talks about some of its variables and implications, yet the conclusion reached at the end of the narrative is hasty and ill-explained. If that was the direction intended then the episode could have been longer, better researched or better edited. After this still interesting chapter, the two last episodes are simply brilliant. The last one is the crown achievement of the series and perhaps also is the conclusion for the Wonders of… Trilogy as well as it is extremely well-written and delivered by Brian Cox. From the initial cave in Spain to the penultimate revelation of potential Neanderthal culture & intelligence that were extinct as alternate theory, thinking and warning, the script is science and philosophy at its best. The final shot in the Space Station window is priceless and says it all. Bravo!Americans spend 10 times more on their pet grooming than in fusion energy research which could change humanity's future… We haven't put another human on the moon since 1972, 45 years ago… We can do better! Thanks Brian and BBC teamEducation (and entertainment) is keyEpisodes 1 "Apeman - Spaceman" 10/10 2 . "Why Are We Here?" 9/10 3 . "Are We Alone?" 8/10 4 . "A Place in Space and Time" 10/10 5 . "What is Our Future?" 10/10

Michael Flynn A must watch. The very truth of our existence. It answers questions man has asked since our intellectual fruition from the animals. So have other documentaries/books but it is presented so elegantly and concise and truthfully. At a good level for the majority.Now a word to the majority. Yes the people on the planet who believe in the grown up santa's of whatever creed/colour - however generally the same colour as them. To not watch and understand this is a crime to your intellect and your obligation to cherish your once in a lifetime opportunity to basque in the sun of consciousness and self awareness fully aware of the where, how and what we are. To not wonder why's stars twinkle. Not thinking in a possibly infinite Universe some illiterate iron age prophet 2000 years ago was spoken to by god in a cave in a universe 13.7 billion years old. Doesn't really compute. There were no good old days. Stop wasting your life.Don't live your life in ignorance denying science - to deny facts but not even have the decency to attempt prove/justify what you profess to know and how facts you are unable to grasp or are too lazy to even attempt to grasp are false. Let's move from the dark ages to a bright future free of religious hatred, superstition and down right stupidity and ignorance by the vast majority of the earth's worshippers.Long live science, reason, logic, compassion, intelligence, and human understanding. This documentary is a testament to science and of human achievement. Well done to Brian - I'm sure this series will free large numbers of blinkered worshippers. They are not the ones we have to worry about though because they must ultimately be reasonable.What could be better than being the only known intelligent life with a mission to explore this universe which you should be in awe of. Not worrying about some fables in a book, praying for heaven and virgins. Jesus!Denying moon landings and other such nonsense.Anyway whatever your fancy. Watch this amazing documentary. Saint, sinner or prophet. This documentary delivers.Mike.............x

mentifis So, overall it's artistically done and contains a modicum of information about the subjects, but combined with the imagery and music it does convey what it intended, except... well, with regards to the title... how is it a human universe? First we attribute the universe to 'god' and now to 'humans'? I mean, this isn't just reserved for the title, of course...It's appropriately named that as the focus is on humanity, and particularly its achievements in science, but how could a species be so purely aspirational? The ironic thing is that if an alien species did end up watching Human Universe... well, they'd think every human must have surely been a scientist... Brian does actually mention some political problems in the world, but only very fleetingly. That, of course, is irrelevant in documentaries about science (except when it comes to lack of NASA funding etc... which is one disheartening thing he seemed to conveniently not discuss), but the thing is that his focus was very much about the potential of humanity... and with half of the world currently in conflict, thousands of daily murders, most governments essentially corrupt... I don't suppose if those were discussed for five hours humanity would seem so inspiring anymore.This, of course, is ultimately due to his optimism... and while science in isolation is a source of almost infinite inspiration, I really don't think most people are scientists, or the world would focus on at least funding it (one would assume)...Also, one thing I personally didn't like is a scene with a rodeo in it... while it was to illustrate precision and differences in variables etc. I really don't think that what is plainly animal abuse is at all inspirational in people. Then again, there could have been many other examples that could have been used that might have been slightly more relevant too... not that I don't think that most of his other scientific examples were great... the depressurized chamber was spectacular as it allowed the feathers and ball go at the same speed, without even slightly moving...Ultimately, though, why focus so much on how absolutely unique humans are? Science itself is inspirational, and focusing on it (not on pride) could actually reduce nationalism, which is arguably (along with religion), the cause of all conflicts.The only conflict should be of protons in a collider... if only.

rafacond It comes as no surprise that Brian Cox, once again, delivers an astonishing documentary, this time, about the human journey from ape-man to spaceman. The 5 episode series explores the vast collection of human knowledge of roughly 200 thousand year passed on through generations. Humble, inquisitive and charming as you would expect a true renowned scientist to be, Brian manages to makes us yearn for re-connection with our human roots and gaze upon the vast collective global human curiosity spread around many cultures. The respectful way on which Brian Cox manages to encompass all of us as a global species is once again what drove me some times to get emotional and marvel upon the sheer scale and velocity on which humanity has evolved. Although, I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy about what is still being done wrong and mostly because of greed and the materialistic nature of men. Needless to say I recommend this for people all around the world of all ages and faiths. A true MASTERPIECE that unfortunately goes unnoticed and under appreciated. A delightful experience that will help you never stop questioning.