The new Netflix series “3 Body Problem,” based on the Chinese sci-fi novelist Cixin Liu’s “Remembrance of Earth’s Past” trilogy, has gained international popularity and is among the most-watched shows. However, it has also faced criticism from fans of the original books. Chinese viewers, in particular, highlight the Hollywood treatment, the change in setting from China to the UK, and the perceived anti-Chinese bias in the adaptation. Fans of the books lament the loss of the in-depth treatment of physics and the alterations made to the original storyline.
As someone who had never read the books, I found the series engaging and binge-worthy. Despite the abundance of attractive TV actors, the show managed to captivate me. One standout performance is that of Benedict Wong, who plays the central investigative character with his hulking, phlegmatic, and unconventional appearance.
The series, adapted by the creative team behind “Game of Thrones” (David Benioff and D. B. Weiss) and Alexander Woo (“The Terror: Infamy”), revolves around a complex doomsday scenario. Particle acceleration experiments worldwide suddenly produce inexplicable results that challenge ten years’ worth of data. Research centers shut down, and scientists involved in the experiments face mysterious deaths and suicides. Clarence “Da” Shi, played by Benedict Wong, is tasked with uncovering the truth by Thomas Wade, a ruthless spymaster.
Flashbacks take us back to the Cultural Revolution in 1966 China, where a young Ye Wenjie witnesses the brutal death of her physicist father after he is denounced by her mother during a struggle session. Wenjie, who was trained by her father, becomes involved in clandestine scientific experiments conducted by the Chinese government. Her contact with an alien, labeled a pacifist, leads to a warning that she must avoid further communication with them in order to safeguard humanity.
Subsequently, the series depicts alien-driven attacks on scientists, orchestrated by both Earth-based fanatics who worship the aliens as gods and a sophisticated extraterrestrial probe known as a Sophon. These attacks involve the use of highly advanced computer game headsets, which transport scientists into hyperreal games set in ancient kingdoms. These games provide limited opportunities to save the kingdoms from collapsing into chaos.
The series also introduces a far superior power that sends warnings, including an image of a countdown to an unknown deadline. Additionally, a mysterious young woman, resembling an “angel of the Lord,” appears to scientists, speaking of an upcoming apocalypse and the possibility of salvation. However, she cannot be captured on any image-making device.
The series presents a compelling premise with mesmerizing visual effects, injecting new life into the “War of the Worlds” scenario. However, one potential weakness lies in the portrayal of the “Oxford 5” characters. While they provide personal drama, romance, and comic relief, their deployment can sometimes feel formulaic and repetitive, relying on typical young adult plot devices.
Nevertheless, the characters engage in thought-provoking discussions about humanity’s potential fate if the aliens were to arrive on Earth in the future. While some propose a defense-based approach, others argue for acceptance of the aliens’ superiority. This raises the question of whether these aliens could be an improvement over humanity, given the Earthling’s flawed nature.
In one notable scene, Saul, a member of the Oxford 5, is unexpectedly appointed a Wallfacer by the United Nations. Wallfacers are assigned the task of thinking of a plan to combat the aliens without being detected by their surveillance, relying on the assumption that aliens cannot read thoughts. Saul initially refuses but eventually encounters persistent handlers who follow and agree with everything he says.
Towards the end of the series, one of the Oxford 5 volunteers to have his brain transmitted to the alien fleet. The hope is that advanced alien technology will resurrect him and allow for the retrieval of insights into humans. However, the volunteer refuses to pledge loyalty to humanity against the aliens, considering the possibility that the aliens may be morally superior.
The burning question of whether the aliens are better than humans remains unanswered. The series hints at the potential for Earth to swap one ruthless group of apex predators for another. Despite this uncertainty, the reception of the series suggests that a large number of viewers are already hooked and eagerly waiting for the second season.
In conclusion, “3 Body Problem” offers an intriguing storyline, impressive visual effects, and engaging performances. It explores complex themes related to humanity’s potential encounter with advanced extraterrestrial life. The series delves into moral dilemmas, the nature of power, and the consequences of human action. It leaves viewers pondering the implications of contact with beings who may possess superior knowledge and abilities.
Looking beyond the series, these themes have broader implications for society. As technology advances and our understanding of the universe deepens, the possibility of encountering extraterrestrial life becomes increasingly feasible. The questions raised by “3 Body Problem” are not merely limited to fictional scenarios but have far-reaching implications for our understanding of ourselves, our place in the universe, and our ability to coexist with beings who may possess vastly superior capabilities.
In the future, it is vital for scientific and governmental organizations to prepare for potential encounters with extraterrestrial life. This includes developing protocols for communication, establishing ethical guidelines for engagement, and fostering global collaboration. Furthermore, it is essential to deepen our understanding of the universe and explore avenues for mutual exchange and learning between civilizations.
As we venture further into the unknown, it is our responsibility to approach these potential encounters with humility, open-mindedness, and a commitment to the preservation of humanity and the broader cosmos. The future may hold extraordinary opportunities for growth and discovery, but it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we navigate these uncharted territories with wisdom and foresight.
(Image Sources: Netflix)