The basic theme of this episode is power--not just in a metaphorical sense but actual. This is because the show has to do with electricity and the internal combustion engine. Most of the show is about J.P. Moran and his partnership with Thomas Edison to electrify America. However, while Edison was very smart, he also was pig- headed (something only vaguely alluded to in the show). His insistence that they use direct current was problematic (it could only be sent a short distance--necessitating LOTS of small plants all throughout the city--something oddly omitted from the show) and put him at odds with George Westinghouse and Nicola Tesla who promoted alternating current. In addition to this, Rockefeller finds out a use for a useless byproduct of his oil production...gasoline!
Overall, well done for the most part but the differences and advantages between alternating and direct current was never actually explained--making the choice to electrify the Columbian Exhibition of 1893 with alternating current a bit perplexing. Still, well made and interesting.
Overall, well done for the most part but the differences and advantages between alternating and direct current was never actually explained--making the choice to electrify the Columbian Exhibition of 1893 with alternating current a bit perplexing. Still, well made and interesting.
