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The Worst Episodes of Genius

Every episode of Genius ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Genius!

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The life stories of history's greatest minds. From their days as young adults to their final years we see their discoveries, loves, relationships, causes, flaws and genius.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    Genius Season 4 Episode 5 - Matriarchs
    6.7/10(89 votes)

    #1 - Matriarchs

    S4:E5

    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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  2. Genius Season 4 Episode 7 - The Sword and the Shield
    6.7/10(86 votes)

    #2 - The Sword and the Shield

    S4:E7

    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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  3. Genius Season 4 Episode 8 - Can You Imagine
    6.8/10(92 votes)

    #3 - Can You Imagine

    S4:E8

    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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  4. Genius Season 4 Episode 1 - Graduation
    7.0/10(173 votes)

    #4 - Graduation

    S4:E1

    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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  5. Genius Season 4 Episode 2 - Who We Are
    7.0/10(130 votes)

    #5 - Who We Are

    S4:E2

    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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  6. Genius Season 4 Episode 3 - Protect Us
    7.0/10(97 votes)

    #6 - Protect Us

    S4:E3

    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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  7. Genius Season 4 Episode 4 - Watch the Throne
    7.0/10(99 votes)

    #7 - Watch the Throne

    S4:E4

    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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  8. Genius Season 4 Episode 6 - The American Promise
    7.0/10(89 votes)

    #8 - The American Promise

    S4:E6

    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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  9. Genius Season 3 Episode 2 - Until the Real Thing Comes Along
    7.2/10(272 votes)

    #9 - Until the Real Thing Comes Along

    S3:E2

    Struggling to find her sound, Aretha catches the attention of Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records in 1966. Meanwhile, Little Re has her first touring experience on the Gospel Circuit in 1954 with C.L. Franklin and meets her idol, Clara Ward.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Genius Season 3 Episode 3 - Do Right Woman
    7.3/10(237 votes)

    #10 - Do Right Woman

    S3:E3

    Aretha juggles her music career and her commitment to the civil rights movement, led by Martin Luther King Jr., in 1967 and 1968. Meanwhile, Little Re leaves behind her newborn child to return to the Gospel Circuit in 1955, meeting with music legends James Cleveland and Little Sammie Bryant.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Genius Season 3 Episode 6 - Amazing Grace
    7.3/10(236 votes)

    #11 - Amazing Grace

    S3:E6

    Aretha records her best-selling live Gospel album “Amazing Grace” in 1972 at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church, ignoring her sibling’s pleas to record instead at New Bethel with their father, C.L. Franklin.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Genius Season 3 Episode 7 - Chain of Fools
    7.3/10(213 votes)

    #12 - Chain of Fools

    S3:E7

    As the Queen of Soul enters the age of disco, Aretha will do anything to remain relevant—including stealing an opportunity from her sister Carolyn. She receives a GRAMMY nomination but is ultimately snubbed from winning the award.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Genius Season 3 Episode 4 - Unforgettable
    7.4/10(237 votes)

    #13 - Unforgettable

    S3:E4

    Aretha is featured on the cover of Time Magazine in 1968, but she’s devastated when the article focuses on the scandalous details of her personal life. Barbara Franklin and Young C.L. Franklin struggle to establish themselves in Memphis in 1941, before Little Re is born.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Genius Season 2 Episode 4 - Chapter Four
    7.5/10(358 votes)

    #14 - Chapter Four

    S2:E4

    As older Picasso juggles two love affairs, Young Pablo strives to create a masterpiece that will signal his arrival as a great artist.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Genius Season 2 Episode 9 - Chapter Nine
    7.5/10(312 votes)

    #15 - Chapter Nine

    S2:E9

    Younger Picasso finds respite from his strained marriage with Olga in the arms of his newest muse: Marie-Thérèse Walter. However, their romance is short-lived, cause soon he crosses paths with Dora Maar. Meanwhile, Françoise Gilot defies Older Picasso and pursues her artistic goals.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Genius Season 3 Episode 5 - Young, Gifted and Black
    7.5/10(228 votes)

    #16 - Young, Gifted and Black

    S3:E5

    Aretha, inspired by Angela Davis and the Soledad Brothers, records her protest album “Young, Gifted and Black” in 1970. Despite Jerry Wexler’s uncertainty, the album is a success. Barbara Franklin makes a decision that has a devastating effect on Little Re in 1951.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Genius Season 2 Episode 1 - Chapter One
    7.6/10(793 votes)

    #17 - Chapter One

    S2:E1

    Pablo Picasso confronts the threat of fascism in Spain, and Young Pablo rejects traditional painting to search for his own voice.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Genius Season 2 Episode 2 - Chapter Two
    7.6/10(450 votes)

    #18 - Chapter Two

    S2:E2

    Picasso's relationship with Dora Maar is strained by war. Young Pablo succeeds by imitating the masters, but struggles to be original.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Genius Season 3 Episode 8 - No One Sleeps
    7.6/10(229 votes)

    #19 - No One Sleeps

    S3:E8

    Despite significant emotional losses, including a second divorce and the death of her father in 1984, Aretha pushes herself artistically and triumphs.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Genius Season 2 Episode 5 - Chapter Five
    7.7/10(347 votes)

    #20 - Chapter Five

    S2:E5

    Picasso tries to convince Françoise to move in with him, while Young Pablo is challenged by the radical genius of Matisse.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Genius Season 2 Episode 6 - Chapter Six
    7.7/10(342 votes)

    #21 - Chapter Six

    S2:E6

    Picasso takes Françoise Gilot on vacation. Young Pablo starts cubism with Georges Braque, but is accused of stealing the Mona Lisa.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Genius Season 2 Episode 8 - Chapter Eight
    7.7/10(322 votes)

    #22 - Chapter Eight

    S2:E8

    Pablo meets his first wife, a ballerina, while designing a ballet. Older Picasso struggles to manage his complex family.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Genius Season 3 Episode 1 - Respect
    7.7/10(448 votes)

    #23 - Respect

    S3:E1

    Desperate for a hit, Aretha travels to Muscle Shoals in 1967 to record her first album with Atlantic Records. After suffering the loss of her surrogate mother, Little Re braves her first solo in 1953, in her father’s, C.L. Franklin, church.

    Director:Anthony Hemingway
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Genius Season 2 Episode 3 - Chapter Three
    7.8/10(396 votes)

    #24 - Chapter Three

    S2:E3

    Picasso meets his great love Franoise Gilot. Young Pablo begins his Blue Period after the suicide of his friend.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Genius Season 2 Episode 7 - Chapter Seven
    7.8/10(326 votes)

    #25 - Chapter Seven

    S2:E7

    After WWII, Picasso joins the Communist Party but struggles to align his artwork with his own political beliefs. Affected by a tragic love affair from his past, Picasso falters in his responsibilities to Françoise.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Wendy Riss Gatsiounis

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Matriarchs" is the worst rated episode of "Genius". It scored 6.7/10 based on 89 votes. Directed by Crystle Roberson Dorsey and written by Sigrid Gilmer, it aired on 2/15/2024. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "The Sword and the Shield".