Show of the week: NOVA: Darwin’s Darkest Hour

NOVA dramatizes Charles Darwin's decision to unveil his revolutionary theory of natural selection by publishing On the Origin of Species.

In 1858, Charles Darwin faced the greatest dilemma of his life: whether to unveil his revolutionary theory of natural selection by publishing On the Origin of Species—the culmination of years of painstaking research around the globe. If he published, Darwin risked alienating both the Anglican Church and his religiously devout wife, Emma. If he delayed, credit for the idea might go to another scientist, Alfred Russel Wallace. In this well-crafted dramatization, Henry Ian Cusick (Lost) portrays Darwin and Frances O’Connor plays Emma. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m., PBS; check local listings

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