Trying to watch this TV show was like trying to watch a bad Christian rock video. There were tons of lingering shots of Brian Cox staring off into the distance looking at some "majestic" scenery, a lot of silhouettes of him posing as the sun or stars rise above him, multiple shots of him contemplating the universe or absorbing in some "fantastic" sight--all of this accompanied by horrible, drowning music. Half the time I was left wondering if it was actually a science show or not because of how little information was actually given. If you can stomach watching what I have just described, or know very little about the solar system or basic physics, then this show is for you; otherwise, stay clear or prepare to be both bewildered and angered by the fact that the BBC has produced such a mind-boggling awful show.

This extraordinary subject is made unpalatable by the grinning presenter Brian Cox. Brian Cox is annoying, unengaging and lacks the authority this subject needs.The production itself seems very excessive with Cox being flown to remote locations probably at very high expense to expound upon time and the universe. Every second shot seems to be a close-up or long-shot of the presenter. It is almost unbelievable that such a wondrous subject could be made so boring because of inept presentation, writing, editing and clichéd post-production sound design.

What's with everyone bashing Dr.Cox? I think he's fascinating. He explains complex subjects in simple ways, and is obviously passionate about what he's doing. He speaks clearly, and I feel like he pauses just long enough for you to absorb the information before he moves on. I have to say though, sometimes it's difficult to absorb the information because I'm distracted by how darn handsome he is! That man makes science sexy. ;-)The places he visits are amazing. It's very interesting to get to see (and learn about) these different places while also learning about the solar system. I loved the part about Aurora Borealis. But my favorite parts are when he makes models (of different things like Saturn's rings and moons) with ordinary items like rocks and sand, and then explains it so well that it seems that those rocks and sand are the absolute perfect tools for explaining whatever complex thing he's talking about.

I had high hopes for this series as it's been quite a while since I've seen a series with astronomy as its focus. Unfortunately I'm finding it tough going. I'm sure Brian Cox is a highly qualified scientist with a bunch of letters after his name, but he is definitely no David Attenborough. He does, however seem to think he is.Every second shot is of Cox in a new location, which probably cost the BBC a small fortune. All this in aid of presenting a documentary about .... the solar system.I found this distracting, excessive and indulgent. It makes Cox seem to be on a world tour financed by BBC. His style of speaking and delivery jar with the subject matter being presented.Ultimately I wish that the BBC had spent more on some nice CGI and the services of someone like Patrick Stewart, or any other actor with a good voice for narration to present this off camera rather than visiting deserts, waterfalls and the arctic circle.Having said that, the CGI used is very pretty. The science, while fairly basic, is explained well, though would have taken half the time had we not been looking at location shots instead of diagrams.