Reviews

“Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric,” Monday, 9pm, National Geographic. Nat Geo’s rebrand has the network seeking to provide brainy TV by exploring ideas “further.” In this 2-hour special, Couric digs deep into the subject of gender, which, the program argues, is rapidly changing in the U.S. Nat Geo receives kudos for exploring this topic, one that TV and other media largely have neglected. A Nat Geo hallmark, filming is gorgeously done, as Couric bisects the country to meet people whose lives are making news on the gender front and, in some cases, setting precedent. The material often seems to overwhelm Couric, which helps make her seem like the typical viewer, who no doubt will be challenged to understand various gender nuances. On the other hand, did “Gender” need to confuse to educate? Perhaps it was intentional, to show us how little we understand. Still, one of the best storytelling moments comes when Couric raps with Yale students. As each student is introduced a useful gender identifier comes up on screen. Had such useful graphics been used earlier, viewers would have benefitted. — “Outsiders” Tuesday, 9pm, WGN America. Season 2 ep 3 of this drama about a separatist mountain clan has chief David Morse as Big Foster seeming to be repentant. We’re betting it’s a ruse. – Seth Arenstein