Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman

Divided into eight parts—with titles such as “Is There a Creator?” “Is Time Travel Possible?” “What Happened Before the Beginning?” “How Did We Get Here?” and “Are We Alone?”—this Science Channel series hosted, narrated, and produced by Morgan Freeman covers big issues that have puzzled, provoked, and intrigued people for centuries. Prefacing each segment with an anecdote (sometimes illustrated with a re-enactment) about pondering such questions in his younger days, Freeman adds a welcome human element to weighty topics, alternating high concepts with everyday examples using objects such as balloons, tennis balls, and food coloring. Assorted scientists, including some self-described “renegade physicists,” offer mind-bending theories from related but disparate fields such as astrophysics, astrobiology, quantum mechanics, and string theory (one interview subject questions whether we are real at all—or simply part of a grand computer simulation programmed by some cosmic creator). Computer-generated visuals, on-location shooting, and stock and archival footage provide welcome context and additional explanation. Densely packed with information and controversial theories—including the notion that life might have been “seeded” with matter from comets crashing into Earth—this series will appeal to science buffs. DVD extras include deleted scenes. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)