Mars — The National Geographic Mini-Series

One Word — Engaging

No Worries — No Spoilers

The first episode of National Geographic’s new mini-series Mars aired on Monday night. If you are looking for a critique of the writing or acting, this article may disappoint. What I found most compelling in this first installment was how naturally a fictional story line played along side a compelling (if a little science-lite) documentary. In one word — it was Engaging.

If you are a scientist, analyst, or teacher — you need to experience at least one episode of this show. If you are futurist, a space junkie, or a sci-fi fan — I think you will enjoy it.

More On Engagement

As promised, I won’t be giving away the plot in this article. But a real theme emerged in this first hour of content — struggle. Both the fictional and documentary sections detailed numerous examples of human struggle in reaching Mars. For its part — the documentary delivered facts and examples of recent failures. The fictional story line delivered drama and cliff hangers to keep you in your seat.

Adding to the engagement was suitable CGI, special effects, and strong visuals. There were your expected panoramas of Mars, but also cameos by computer displays and futuristic schematics. The documentary also featured appearances by Elon Musk and Neil Degrasse Tyson.

But Was It Educational?

At the most basic levels — yes. I will also caveat that this was part one of a six part series. It could go different directions from here. Episode one did not deliver great depth into the science of space travel. I think it could have…

The first episode inspired. It informed. It developed elements of the struggle quite well. It even talked about financing! I was left wondering if the shows financing will bias the cameos and opinions we are exposed to? We will need to wait and see.

Perhaps the creators didn’t realize how successful they would be at drawing their audience in? Perhaps they feared that a little too much actual science might turn some viewers off. I think it was a failed opportunity to deliver a bit more education, but I will give the series a few more episodes to deliver.

Coming back to Engaging

There are five more episodes to go. This series shows tremendous promise. Watch the first episode. It is inspirational, informative, and engaging. Watch it for enjoyment. Watch it for a little education. But watch it more to witness how skillfully they draw you in!

Nat Geo’s Mars is an incredible example of how human experience and compelling storylines can connect with the viewer. See how easily you forget that you are also watching a documentary. Mars is a lesson in engagement on multiple levels. I hope the series continues to exceed expectations.