About this season
Actor Mark Williams presents an amusing, spectacular and informative history of explosives, from the accidental discovery of gunpowder by Chinese alchemists 1000 years ago, to the awesome power of the atom bomb.
Episodes (4)
1. Chinese alchemists
Mark covers the work of ninth-century Chinese alchemists. The comedian creates some impressive blasts of his own and travels the world exploring some of the biggest bangs of all time.
2. gunpowder
Mark Williams takes a look at the influences of gunpowder when it arrived in Europe, and learns about the biggest cannon ever built
3. nitroglycerine
The comedian visits St Petersburg to play with nitroglycerine the documentary series chronicling the history of all things explosive. Hosted by comedian Mark Williams, he travels the world exploring some of the biggest bangs of all time
4. nuclear scientists
Mark Williams concludes his four-part look at all things explosive with an insight into the work of nuclear scientists. He explains key events in the development of the technology, reflects on progress since the days of ancient Chinese alchemists and witnesses a demonstration of some very big bangs.