S01 · E484

Relics: Einstein's Brain

"Move Albert Einstein ," declares Japanese professor Kenji Sugimoto at the start of a bizarre journey in search of the great one's missing brain. Sugimoto would not look out of place in a Pink Panther film as he grunts and mutters his way across America on his curious mission. Einstein's brain was apparently removed for medical study after his death but the owner failed to carry out the research and was subsequently sacked. The brain went with him. Sugimoto, whose deep regret is that he never met the scientist, has long dreamed of the next best thing - making contact with his grey cells. The result is a farcical series of encounters with a curious cast of experts, policemen and relatives. Relics is the first in a three-part series from the makers of Arena, recognising the power of hero-worship. Tonight's puckish programme is well placed. (The second Arena Relics programme tomorrow focuses on the search for Charlie Chaplin 's dead body after it disappeared).