This ambitiously produced three-episode title narrated by radio journalist Kelly McEvers spans the globe to examine water, 'the most important substance on the planet.' All three episodes are divided into chapters and the first title Pulse begins with the chapter 'Origins' to explain that water first appeared 4.3 billion years ago on the surface of rocks. Viewers are also taken to Greenland where fossils are located and to South Africa where time-lapse photography documents the power of water in blooming desert plants. The second episode, Civilizations, takes a wide-ranging look at how water shaped and continues to shape modern civilizations, traveling to Africa, China, India, Germany, and the U.S. In Phoenix, Arizona, a conservation scientist explains how large scale farming operations are pulling water out of the ground in an efficient and fast manner that sadly may not be sustainable. The third episode, Crisis, once again travels the world examining water-related calamities, including droughts, floods, hurricanes, heatwaves, and other events that continue to challenge the water supplies. All episodes showcase experts, including plant scientists, ecologists, conservationists, hydrologists, and even storm chasers examining, explaining, discussing, and viewing water-related topics. Footage of various terrains, including underwater and space shots, are beautifully rendered and background music adds to the cinematography. Offering plenty of topics on which to ruminate, this seems best suited for watching in short bursts and is suggested for both educational and personal viewing as it surely makes viewers think about the global importance of water and the connection to humankind. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S Beauregard)