Beyond the expected sense of wonder, this two-part PBS documentary, co-directed by Ken Burns, brings a unique human touch to the traditional glorification. "Leonardo da Vinci," a four-hour, two-part documentary set to air on PBS on Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m. (check local listings), is a comprehensive and captivating biography that inevitably leaves one with a sense of incompleteness. Such is the nature of its vast and extraordinary subject. As one expert explains, "Leonardo, for his time, holds the most knowledge in the world."

Engaging Narrative and Expert Insights

Narrated by Keith David and directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon, this documentary offers a straightforward yet still lyrical analysis. We delve into da Vinci's early life, family, education, and lovers. The doc does an admirable job of not only explaining his excellence but also his innovation. Just enumerating the areas of his curiosity alone would take four hours, so the focus here is primarily on his output. Even now, its scope and impact remain singular. (Perhaps we could revive more aspects of his influence: Painting is wonderful, but why are there so few weddings where performers dressed as Greek gods bless the union and dance around a giant gilded half-egg? Party planners, something to ponder; da Vinci orchestrated such an event in 1490.)Another expert points out, "For the first time in the history of Western culture, the process becomes the fascinating aspect of how art is created," and "Leonardo da Vinci" follows this path as well.

Half-Starts and Humanizing Moments

But beyond the appropriate awe, there is a consistent thread throughout of half-finished attempts, abandoned drafts, and setbacks. Flying machines that were never meant to fly, hydroarchitecture that failed completely, and paintings that were never realized for unknown reasons. These efforts are presented with a charming "well, nobody is perfect" shrug, adding a human texture to the hagiography. One of the greatest minds in human history trails off in one of his final mathematical treatises because, as he writes, "the soup is getting cold." Geniuses: They are just like us.

Other Noteworthy Releases This Week

From left, Gracie Lawrence, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Pauline Chalamet, and Amrit Kaur in a scene from Season 3 of "The Sex Lives of College Girls." Tina Thorpe/Max."Interior Chinatown," based on the novel by Charles Yu, arrives on Tuesday on Hulu."Our Oceans," narrated by Barack Obama, arrives on Wednesday on Netflix.After many failed attempts over the years, a TV adaptation of "Cruel Intentions" finally arrives on Thursday on Amazon Prime Video.In the spirit of "Floor Is Lava" comes "Human vs. Hamster," a lighthearted obstacle course series arriving on Thursday on Max.Season 3 of "The Sex Lives of College Girls" begins on Thursday at 9 p.m. on Max.