Miracles, mysteries, strange and amazing are not contrary to nature, but contrary to the small knowledge, minimal information and almost non-existent certainties we have regarding nature and regarding what surrounds us. May this ignorance wrap from the greatest to the humblest with something insurmountably divine.
The first sequence of the first episode of the series “The Three-Body Problem” takes us to China in 1966 during the Cultural Revolution. A people’s court with a desensitized public-audience brandishing the red booklet of “The Helmsman” is called upon to lynch a hapless scientist.
A physicist, among many dissidents on trial, is beaten to death by the Red Guards in front of his daughter, while the fanatical crowd cheers for Chairman Mao and his regime with the red booklet in hand. The accusations once morest the physicist are that he taught the theory of relativity, that he supported the theory of the Big Bang and other such terrible and “anti-communist” things. Ye Wenji’s witnessing her father being beaten to death determined not only the rest of her life, but also the future of humanity.
Four decades later, the authorities try to infiltrate a secret sect of scientists following a series of unexplained suicides. The investigations will lead them to a strange online game and a virtual world dominated by the uncontrollable and unpredictable interaction of its three suns. This is the three-body problem, and it’s the key to everything: the key to the death of the scientists, the key to a conspiracy spanning light years, and the key to the threat of extinction facing humanity.
The narrative deftly weaves between past and present, unraveling the tangle of events that led to the traumatic experience of astrophysicist Ye Wenjie, who, as mentioned above, witnessed her father’s violent death, and the consequences that reverberate through the decades. The young woman grew up and before taking a stand on what is happening around her and within her she swirls between the concepts of Parasite, Saint-T, Zephaniah, dominion, good, evil, aliens, Lord, Future. She may be a great astrophysicist but she is disillusioned with humanity’s capacity for violence and seeks solace in the mysteries of the universe. Her experiences shape the narrative, as her actions have far-reaching consequences.
“The 3-Body Problem” was first released in China in 2006 and quickly gained accolades upon its English debut in 2014. In fact, it managed to become the first Asian novel to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel.
The Netflix series adaptation of “The Three-Body Problem” brings Sixin Liu’s sci-fi novel to life with a mix of drama, mystery and speculative science. Set once morest the backdrop of China’s tumultuous Cultural Revolution and set four decades into the future, the series immerses us in a world where scientific discovery is intertwined with political turmoil and existential threats.
The books are mostly set in China, the series takes a more global approach, with much of the drama taking place mainly in the UK. All changes were made with the consent of the author and the central stories, themes and threats remain the same. The action may begin in the 1960s in China, during the Cultural Revolution. But ultimately, when a decision is made with ramifications beyond our planet, the impact is felt in generations to come.
The series is created by David Benioff, DB Weiss who have become widely known as the creators of “Game of Thrones” – as well as Alexander Wu, one of the main writers of “True Blood” and co-writer of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and starring Jess Hong, Liam Cunningham, Eiza Gonzalez, Jovan Antepo, Jonathan Pryce, Benedict Waugh and others
At the heart of the story is the enigmatic concept of the three-body problem, a metaphorical and literal representation of the chaotic dynamics that govern the interactions between three celestial bodies in space. As our heroes delve into the mystery, they find themselves embroiled in a complex virtual reality game that mirrors the complexity of the universe itself.
Our team of scientist heroes’ journey from skepticism to awe mirrors the viewer’s own exploration of the show’s themes. Their expertise and determination make them a crucial ally in their quest to understand all that is happening around them and those that threaten the world, the world of parasites, as some Lords claim.
Behind the team of scientists is Clarence Da Si, a mysterious and charismatic figure, moving on the fringes of society, navigating the dark waters of espionage and intrigue. His motives remain ambiguous, adding layers of complexity to the narrative as his actions affect the lives of those around him.
Each character, in turn, brings their own unique perspective and motivations to the story, creating a rich mosaic of personalities once morest the backdrop of a world on the brink of transformation. As their paths cross and diverge, the true nature of the “three-body problem” begins to emerge, calling into question everything they thought they knew regarding the universe and their place within it.
Through richly layered storytelling and compelling character arcs, the series explores themes of scientific discovery, political intrigue, and the constant search for understanding in a universe filled with uncertainty. As the mysteries deepen and the stakes escalate, viewers eagerly await the next twist in this thrilling saga.
Visually interesting and challenging, the series seamlessly blends CGI effects with real-life settings, transporting viewers from the streets of 1960s Beijing to the stunning images of a distant planetary system. The juxtaposition of historical events with futuristic technologies creates a rich mosaic of themes that explore the intersection of science, politics and human nature. One of the series’ strengths lies in its exploration of existential questions regarding the nature of reality and humanity’s place in the universe. As the heroes grapple with the implications of the three-body problem and confront the possibility of an alien threat, the narrative ventures into philosophical territory, urging us to reflect on the limits of human knowledge and the fragility of civilization.
What is of great interest is that most of the story is built not around the alien life itself and the impending invasion, but around how we – normal people – might deal with the appearance of an alien force. It also forces us to consider the question of how an otherworldly being might see us, if we were ever discovered.
Backed by a strong cast and a meticulously crafted script, “The Three-Body Problem” captivates us with its complex twists, emotional intensity and intellectual depth. From the intricacies of quantum mechanics to the intricacies of interpersonal relationships, the series deftly navigates complex subjects with intelligence, humor and sensitivity. In fact, a key question is whether we might have any hope of survival if Earth were the target of such a force.
Many times we resent the overflowing narrative of the series. Because usually series drag a “fat” story to gain time and episodes, in “The Problem of Three Bodies” the exact opposite happens. There are so many things that the series deals with and they are combined in such a dense way that at times the viewer wonders regarding what and how. But this is a solid drama with thought-provoking ideas that make for an immersive viewing experience. With its compelling storytelling and visually stunning production quality, the series is sure to appeal to all of us looking for a compelling exploration of humanity’s place in the universe.
Our knowledge of the universe is a dark sky without stars and bears, without signs and compasses, without beginning and end, it is a sodden, sodden sky with the despair of ignorance and the awe of ignorance.
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