Cosmos: Possible Worlds Season 1 Episode 12 The World Set Free

In the twelfth episode of Cosmos: Possible Worlds season 1, named The World Set Free, the audience is taken on a journey to understand the power and potential of the atom. The episode opens with a quote from philosopher Bertrand Russell, "Man's desire for the release of energy is insatiable, and can never be quenched." This sets the stage for a discussion on the incredible promise, yet also the potentially devastating consequences, of nuclear energy.

The episode begins with a brief history of how humans have harnessed energy throughout the generations, from the campfire to the steam engine. The focus then shifts to the incredible story of how, at the dawn of the 20th century, physicists began to unravel the secrets of the atom. Led by luminaries such as Marie Curie, Ernest Rutherford, and Niels Bohr, scientists discovered that the tiny particles inside the atom could release an astonishing amount of energy.

From here, the episode delves into the history of how that knowledge was put to use during the Second World War. The Manhattan Project, the code name for the US government's secret mission to develop the atomic bomb, is explored in great detail. The episode expertly weaves together historical footage and re-enactments to tell the story of how the scientists involved in the project raced against time to create a weapon that could potentially end the war.

As the war ends, the potential ramifications of the bomb's use are discussed. The episode takes time to reflect on the devastation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as the horror of nuclear testing, and the need to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

From here, the episode looks at how nuclear energy has been harnessed for good, despite the fears of the Cold War and beyond. It tells the story of how physicists in the 1950s and 1960s created a way to generate electricity from nuclear power, and how nuclear reactors became a key part of the world's energy infrastructure.

The episode also looks at the future prospects of nuclear energy. It explores how fusion, the process that powers the sun, has the potential to provide almost limitless energy if harnessed correctly. It also looks at the difficult political and social questions that surround the use of nuclear power, such as how to store nuclear waste.

Overall, The World Set Free is an enthralling episode that combines history, science, and social commentary in a way that only Cosmos can. It is a fascinating exploration of humanity's relationship with energy, and the incredible power that lies at the heart of the atom. At the same time, the episode is also a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of that power, and how we must use it wisely. With stunning visuals, excellent narration from Neil deGrasse Tyson, and a virtual cornucopia of creative features, this episode is not to be missed.