About this season
This seven-part series highlights scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer from 1938 to 1953 as he develops the Atomic bomb.
Episodes (7)
1. Episode 1
Aired 29 October 1980 • 50 min
1938: Robert Oppenheimer's life is changed by the discovery of nuclear fission and the appearance of Kitty Harrison.
2. Episode 2
Aired 3 November 1980 • 50 min
1942: America is at war. Oppenheimer is engaged in the race to produce an atomic bomb.
3. Episode 3
Aired 12 November 1980 • 50 min
1943: Oppenheimer is director of Los Alamos, but his past Communist associations alert the FBI.
4. Episode 4
Aired 19 November 1980 • 50 min
Summer 1944: Oppenheimer has problems with his staff and the development of the bomb.
5. Episode 5
Aired 27 November 1980 • 50 min
May 1945: The European war is over but the war with Japan continues. Oppenheimer discusses the use of the almost completed atomic bomb with the secretary of War. His colleagues have misgivings.
6. Episode 6
Aired 3 December 1980 • 50 min
1949 - The Oppenheimer family becomes a target of the HUAC hearings.
7. Episode 7
Aired 10 December 1980 • 50 min
December 1953 - Oppenheimer falls foul of the Communist witch hunt.