The second season of the Genius series on the National Geographic channel is dedicated to the life (and loves) of artist Pablo Picasso.  In its 10 episodes, the story of Picasso’s life is told non-linearly as his youth is often juxtaposed with events that happen later in his life.

This series does a pretty good job of illustrating how charming and how cruel Picasso could be with those closest to him, though in truth, it is merely scratching the surface.  Certain aspects of Picasso’s character are alluded to, but never fully explained.  For example, Marie-Therese is portrayed as an adult when in fact she was a child of 17 when she and Picasso began their sexual relationship.

I think the real power of this series is in the casting and this may be the very best performance by Antonio Banderas I have ever seen.  In casting Banderas, the viewer sees a charming and handsome man in Picasso and can relate to those who are bewitched by him.  Of course, Banderas is exceptional in his skills as an actor because it is not long before Picasso does something truly despicable and the audience must rectify the fact that “the greatest painter in the world” was also a scoundrel, a womanizer, often heartless, perpetually selfish and, more often than not, a real dick… pardon my crudity.

All episodes of Genius: Picasso are streaming for free on Hulu.