The Best Episodes of Genius Season 4

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   7.0/10(173 votes)

   #1 - Graduation

   S4:E12/1/2024

   An intense focus on the formative years of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X and their experiences and relationships as young children and teens that shape and influence the iconic figures they would become. Malcolm’s release from prison and King’s graduation from Boston University begin their respective journeys that will one day change the nation, but also begin a budding rivalry.

   Director:Channing Godfrey Peoples

   Writer:Jeff Stetson

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   Director:Channing Godfrey Peoples

   Writer:Jeff Stetson
2. 

   7.0/10(130 votes)

   #2 - Who We Are

   S4:E22/1/2024

   Malcolm is introduced to the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who takes him under his wing after recognizing his potential with the NOI, but temptations from an old flame and the bonds of family test his strength. Martin introduces and brings Coretta into the King family. Martin finds his voice within the church and is faced with a career decision that will alter his relationship with Daddy King.

   Director:Marta Cunningham

   Writers:Raphael Jackson Jr., Damione Macedon

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   Director:Marta Cunningham

   Writers:Raphael Jackson Jr., Damione Macedon
3. 

   7.0/10(97 votes)

   #3 - Protect Us

   S4:E32/8/2024

   Malcolm builds space for Muslims in the Harlem community, meeting new member Betty Saunders. As romance builds between the two, a confrontation with the police puts Malcolm in the spotlight. As the Montgomery bus boycott intensifies, Martin and his new family are faced with concerns about their safety. In the end, both find themselves ascending to heights they could have never imagined.

   Director:Marta Cunningham

   Writers:Raphael Jackson Jr., Damione Macedon

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   Director:Marta Cunningham

   Writers:Raphael Jackson Jr., Damione Macedon
4. 

   7.0/10(99 votes)

   #4 - Watch the Throne

   S4:E42/8/2024

   After an attack leaves Martin grappling with his mortality, he must confront whether his fear is affecting his ability to lead. Malcolm sees an opportunity to grow the profile of the Nation in the form of a documentary about the NOI. However the consequences of his actions begin to bubble to the surface. All the while, Malcolm juggles a growing family as Betty finds herself feeling isolated.

   Director:Crystle Roberson Dorsey

   Writer:Maria Warith-Wade

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   Director:Crystle Roberson Dorsey

   Writer:Maria Warith-Wade
5. 

   6.7/10(89 votes)

   #5 - Matriarchs

   S4:E52/15/2024

   With Martin unjustly jailed, Coretta must call upon all her strength to keep pushing forward. When an opportunity to help Martin comes up, she takes it, despite pushback from Daddy King. With Malcolm refusing to listen to her needs, Betty takes drastic action to try to save her marriage. A reminder of her past, and a vision for her future, show her the way through.

   Director:Crystle Roberson Dorsey

   Writer:Sigrid Gilmer

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   Director:Crystle Roberson Dorsey

   Writer:Sigrid Gilmer
6. 

   7.0/10(89 votes)

   #6 - The American Promise

   S4:E62/15/2024

   In an effort to force the passage of the Civil Rights Act, Martin and his allies attempt their biggest undertaking yet – the March on Washington. As it draws near, Martin finds himself struggling to find the right words to unite the country. When Malcolm finds himself nearly suspended from the Nation, he evaluates his relationship with Elijah, especially in light of a dramatic revelation.

   Director:Crystle Roberson Dorsey

   Writer:Marta Gene Camps

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   Director:Crystle Roberson Dorsey

   Writer:Marta Gene Camps
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7. 

   6.7/10(86 votes)

   #7 - The Sword and the Shield

   S4:E72/22/2024

   After his break from the NOI, the pain of betrayal from Elijah takes a toll on Malcolm mentally, physically and emotionally. When further betrayals within the Nation come to both him and Betty, he decides to speak out. The FBI targets Martin and Coretta, causing stress and paranoia, but the passage of the Civil Rights Act gives both Martin and Malcolm hope - and the opportunity to meet each other.

   Director:Director X.

   Writer:Quran Squire

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   Director:Director X.

   Writer:Quran Squire
8. 

   6.8/10(92 votes)

   #8 - Can You Imagine

   S4:E82/22/2024

   Malcolm, knowing his death is likely imminent, works hard to care for his family, reconcile with his siblings, and speak truth to power about the Nation and the best way forward, up until his final moments. In the aftermath of Malcom’s death, Martin, feeling his own mortality, decides that he can no longer remain silent on the Vietnam War. A horrifying day in Memphis shocks the world.

   Director:Director X.

   Writer:Maria Warith-Wade

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   Director:Director X.

   Writer:Maria Warith-Wade