Universe

I suppose you can't please everyone. There's always going to be people who whinge and complain about things. I was very surprised though to read the reviews of Professor Brian Cox's new BBC series Universe. They were either moaning about the music, or criticising the presentation style. I would like to completely disagree with all the moaners and say I absolutely loved this series. It was stunning to look at, beautifully scored and superbly presented. I understood about 1% of it, but that's ok. It fired my curiosity to hit up Wikipedia and find out more. I take my hat off to all the brave and intrepid scientists and explorers who have boldly gone where I absolutely never will.

Well done again BBC for another fantastic documentary series.

I would agree that this isn't Brian Cox's best show. That would probably be 'The Planets' and 'Wonders of Life', both fantastic works of art and science communcation. However, I disagree with the notion that these sort of shows are dumbing down. Of course there are inaccuracies and oversimplifications (all worthy to note of course). But these shows were never meant to substitute physics textbooks. Rather they're meant to inspire, and boy do they inspire! And the poetic (almost religious) licence used to illustrate the universe is guiding people to learn more in doing so. For some it may even steer them towards a career in astrophysics, as Brian himself was by Carl Sagan. In due course, they may therefore amplify our curiosity and knowledge - smarting us up, as it were.

There's little option but to be awestruck at the reveal of our Milky Way galaxy and the depth of the science that has revealed its workings - all made digestible by Dr Brian Cox and his engaging explanations for how things work.

Some stunning visual material (and soundtrack) and clever visual analogy elevate this show and deliver the poetics the subject matter deserves.

As someone interested in astronomy and philosophy but definitely an amateur, I always enjoy Brian Cox's documentaries for their accessibility, quality and story telling. I found the series extremely informative and engaging. I personally enjoyed the CGI and music - Although it did feel quite indulgent, what could be more worthy of dramatisation than stars, galaxies, black holes and the origins of the universe itself? It feels important to make these concepts tangible and momentous, as they are. The use of Hubble's images through out is totally awe inspiring. Although I'm an environmentalist and I don't necessarily agree with how many locations were used, I thoroughly enjoyed the use of incredible footage from Earth drawing links with the patterns of nature in the cosmos. I would highly recommend for anyone curious about our place in the universe.

I'm on episode 3, and I find Universe is gorgeous to watch and fascinating to listen to. It's been accused of "dumbing down", but I don't agree. There's plenty of science and the BBC continue with their great 10 minute "how we did it" explanatory section at the end of the programme. This allows those who want a more human and detailed perspective to find out more about the new discoveries.

The CGI is awesome, music works perfectly. Brian Cox delivers in his usual absorbing style. There is definitely a more philosophical slant to the content, which I really liked.