Genius (2017)

The musical moments are fantastic — as is Erivo, who evinces no sign of a British accent — but what comes between the musical numbers is a bit of a slog.

Although it is the most cinematic of the “Genius” installments because of Erivo’s spectacular performance, it never loses the feel that this is a series that requires one to listen to a supplemental podcast.

When it’s firing on all cylinders, it’s a program worthy of its subject matter. However, a messy first half can make for difficult viewing. If you’re a casual Franklin fan, there are better biopic option. But if you’re a diehard, “Genius: Aretha” is still worth a look.

At its best, Genius is a gripping, generational family drama about the pitfalls of putting one’s own needs ahead of those of friends and family, and fame’s unseen costs. But the series never stops getting in its own way.

“Genius: Aretha,” an eight-part miniseries about legendary performer Aretha Franklin, gets many important things right: a powerhouse central performance, mesmerizing musical numbers and impressive re-creations of the 1960s. But an overburdened story line and inconsistent character development prevent the National Geographic project from being the showstopper that it sets out to be.

While inconsistent overall, the series shines brightest when it gives Aretha time and space to take the stage, whether that be in a recording studio, on a variety show, or at the pulpit of a Baptist church swelling with the joy of grateful prayer.

Pretty much all of these [song performances] — along with Clarence’s thunderous sermons — are energetic show-stoppers, which ensure that, at least within each episode, Aretha never flags. ... Erivo and Vance make for a powerhouse duo, mostly compensating for Barrett’s confusingly goofy demeanor and Cross’ inability to disappear into his role. But even they can’t make up for the fact that the repetitive dialogue and over-emphatic direction seem designed for viewers who are only half-watching.