‘Nova’ goes beyond formulaic Einstein
With the possible exception of the “secret” formula for Coca-Cola, no scientific breakthrough or mathematical equation has had the impact of Einstein’s formulation E=Mc2. We’ve all seen it. It even floated by in the opening credits sequence of the great old “Twilight Zone” series.
But what does it mean?
“Nova” (7 p.m., KSPS) presents “Einstein’s Big Idea,” a two-hour dramatization of Einstein’s life, both personal and intellectual.
An ambitious and rewarding documentary, “Big Idea” uses dramatic re-creations to reacquaint us with Einstein. While many of us have come to think of him as a wise, old man with long, grey hair, “Big Idea” puts great emphasis on his youth and vitality back in 1905, when he came upon his most celebrated theory.
The film also dramatizes the lives of Einstein’s scientific predecessors and greatest influences, including Michael Faraday, Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, Emilie du Chatelet and Lise Meitner. It takes great pains to show that these giants of physics were not remote figures confined to a laboratory, but flesh-and-blood human beings very much affected by the political currents of their time.
We learn how Faraday’s patron and later rival succumbed to his addiction to ether and how Lavoisier met his fate during the bloody anarchy of the French Revolution.
Inspired by the book “E=mc2: A Biography of the World’s Most Famous Equation” by David Bodanis, this documentary does a good job of explaining the breakthroughs and big ideas that helped change the way we perceive matter, energy and the workings of the universe.
“Independent Lens” (10 p.m., KSPS) enters a new season with a new host, Edie Falco.
Its first documentary offering, “Parliament Funkadelic: One Nation Under a Groove,” profiles George Clinton and his influential musical troupe. The film uses interviews, concert footage and original animation to trace the long, strange evolution from a Newark, N.J., doo-wop band to Woodstock-era acid rock experimenters, to the bizarre, spaced-out comic-book fantasies, theatrical role-playing and elaborate stage shows that characterized Parliament Funkadelic during the 1970s, the era of its greatest success and influence.
As one backup singer recalls, their shows could last from three to five hours. They were not so much concerts as “funk operas” complete with multiple characters and science-fiction themed lessons about life, love and losing one’s inhibitions.
The film also presents interviews with rap artists of the past 20 years who have “borrowed” or “sampled” (none use the words “stolen” or “plagiarized”) Parliament licks and who honor the band for its great music and liberating audacity.
Robert Osborne interviews Sidney Lumet on “Private Screenings” (5 p.m., Turner Classic Movies) about his work on both television and in motion pictures, including “Network,” “The Pawnbroker” and “12 Angry Men” (6 p.m., Turner Classic Movie).
Must-see show
Earl reveals that he once faked his own death to get out of a bad relationship on “My Name is Earl” (9 p.m., NBC).
Other highlights
A very old grave on “NCIS” (8 p.m., CBS).
Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, Los Angeles-New York winner at Chicago (5 p.m., Fox).
The conversation is anything but reserved at Rory’s posh party on “Gilmore Girls” (8 p.m., WB).
After the death of nine drug agents, the president confronts a corrupt Latin American leader on “Commander in Chief” (9 p.m., ABC).
A suspect attacks Finn on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (10 p.m., NBC).
Gone fishing on “Boston Legal” (10 p.m., ABC).
Cult choice
Elizabeth Taylor and Warren Beatty co-star in the 1970 drama “The Only Game in Town” (5 p.m., Fox Movie Channel). A curious film set in Las Vegas but shot in Paris, it was the last movie from George Stevens, who had directed Taylor in “A Place in the Sun.”
Series notes
Caroline Rhea hosts “The Biggest Loser” (8 p.m., NBC) … A deceptive lesson on “According to Jim” (8 p.m., ABC) … Tyra Banks hosts “America’s Next Top Model” (8 p.m., UPN) … From here to maternity on “Rodney” (8:30 p.m., ABC).
Globe-trotting on “The Amazing Race: Family Edition” (9 p.m., CBS) … A change of scenery on “Sex, Love & Secrets” (9 p.m., UPN) … Broken mirrors, broken minds on “Supernatural” (9 p.m., WB) … A fire forces a revealing retreat on “The Office” (9:30 p.m., NBC) … A difficult choice on “Close to Home” (10 p.m., CBS).