Some Hits and Misses in ‘History of Rock’

“Mystery and mischief . . . instinct and passion . . . freedom and rebellion.”

Those are the words used by Bono, Pete Townshend and John Doe, respectively, to define rock ‘n’ roll in the 10-hour “The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll” documentary series that concludes its five-night run tonight and Sunday on KCOP-TV.

In its best moments, the series focuses on those magical qualities by mixing colorful footage, penetrating interviews and a strong point of view about what acts and movements mattered in rock history.

There are delightful surprises in almost every chapter, from shots of Muddy Waters’ pre-Presley leg shaking to Elvis Costello’s TV debut, plus thoughtful interviews with dozens of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, John Lydon, Chrissie Hynde, Chuck D. and Jimmy Page.

Yet the massively ambitious series, which employed different writer-director teams for different chapters, is uneven--with some episodes aimless and arbitrary.

The series, produced by Jeffrey Peisch, got off to a clumsy start on television Wednesday with the chapters being shown out of order. Rather than start with the birth of rock, the broadcast began with Chapter Four, which focused on ‘60s legends Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, no doubt fearing the ‘50s era was simply too remote for today’s young rock audience.

For those who would like to see the series in sequence, all 10 chapters go on sale Tuesday in expanded home video version through Warner Home Video and Time-Life Video. Here’s a guide:

* Chapter 1: “Rock and Roll Explodes.” As this chapter written and directed by Andrew Solt shows, the series is strongest when it speaks about both musical and social currents. Wonderful ‘50s concert footage. Grade: A.

* Chapter 2: “Good Rockin’ Tonight.” The struggle of the music in the ‘50s to overcome resistance by segregationist forces, north and south, proves as dramatic as rock’s counterculture uprising of the ‘60s. More classic footage, but too little attention to the landmark work of master record producer Phil Spector. B+.

* Chapter 3: “Britain Invades, America Fights Back.” The Beatles and Rolling Stones through the Lovin’ Spoonful and the Byrds. Solid interviews, but licensing problems apparently limited severely the amount of Beatles footage. B.

* Chapter 4: “Plugging In.” From the drama of Bob Dylan’s switch from folk to rock to the breathtaking energy of Jimi Hendrix and the Who, you’ll be swept away. Written and directed by Susan Steinberg. A.

* Chapter 5: “The Sounds of Soul.” The right stars are saluted--Aretha Franklin to Otis Redding--but the storytelling is weak. C.

* Chapter 6: “My Generation.” From Woodstock to the Isle of Wight, the theme ranges from creative explosion of rock (the Doors and Cream to Neil Young and Janis Joplin) and the sometimes dark consequences. B+.

* Chapter 7: “Guitar Heroes.” Should have been simply a chapter sub-theme. C.

* Chapter 8: “The ‘70s: Have a Nice Decade.” The emphasis on big business and greed is reasonable, but too much time is wasted on passing commercial fancies. C.

* Chapter 9: “Punk.” An inspired look by writer-director Ted Haimes at one of rock’s most important movements, showing both the social conditions that led to the British punk uprising and the colorful creation of the most important band, the Sex Pistols. A.

* Chapter 10: “Up From the Underground.” Hazy look at the ‘80s, with emphasis on MTV and rap, but not in a definitive way. C-.

* “The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll” telecast on KCOP-TV Channel 13 concludes with Chapters 1 and 2 tonight and 9 and 10 on Sunday, beginning at 8 each night.