Three Body Problem is the first attempt by Netflix at producing a hard science fiction tale adapted from the novel by Liu Cixin. The series written by David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, who is famous for Game of Thrones, and Alexander Woo try to convey the spirit of Liu’s plots. It is not afraid of the story’s heavy concepts, but it also adds enough familiar emotions to make it palatable for the general public.
Overview
Already at the beginning of the series, The Three-Body Problem can boast of an elaborate setting. In terms of production design, the series is as complex and lavish as the novel’s setting, and that is a seriously remarkable achievement. From the visuals of the extraterrestrial planet with the use of computer-generated images or the conflict between two powerful nations, part of the goals of presenting a big picture is exhibited. The showrunners are good at adapting the scope of the novel’s ideas into something that is both majestic and creepy.
Strengths of The Show
One of the greatest strengths of this series has to do with the usage of scientific and philosophical aspects shown throughout the narrative. Focused around the plot is the existence of an alien race, the Trisolarans—inhabitants of the thirty-trillion system with three suns. The episodes guide the audience through the modal and moral processes of thinking through an encounter with a technologically advanced form of life. It doesn’t pull its punches when it comes to large, grand concepts concerning the future of the human race and the impact of science in the world. The political conflict and the ethical issue the series brings up concerning working with an invasive extraterrestrial presence are quite compelling and relevant.
Flaws
But of course, nothing is perfect, and the show is not exempt from this rule. First of all, the rhythm of the show can be quite irregular. It is a hi/lo structure, with long intervals of ponderous pacing where it goes on low-excitement tangents to provide the scientific background of events and character development, only to go high-excitement in minutes with rushed scenes of suspense. Characters are an acute problem for a writer in practice; they remain intriguing in theory, but in terms of their development, they seem to be no more than vehicles for the narrated message. It is sometimes quite obvious that the actors are acting, and at times, the dialogue delivered to the audience sometimes doesn’t bring out the true emotions from the hearts.
Love Letter to The Hard Sci-fi Fans
To some extent, watching the show might be quite confusing for anybody who has no prior idea of the film. The rich scientific themes and the structure of the series make it hard to follow without a basic understanding of the show’s setting. Compared to many other shows, it may not be easy for viewers to pick and choose, as character development requires the audiences to focus and wait intentionally. As always, for those who love and prefer real hard sci-fi and those who are able to spend their time trying and analyzing, the game has it more than ready for them.
We are facing a very visually and intellectually engaging series that offers a lot of hard sci-fi possibilities for a television series. It may not always get it right, but the attempt to find man’s place in the cosmos is a trip worth taking. For those who are tired of intensive and superheated shows, however, and who like hardcore sci-fi with philosophical reflections, it is a reflection that is worth considering.
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Writer
Ferdous Ara Rimi
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE