by Jack Grimme, Contributing Writer
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the main minds behind HBO’s Game of Thrones, have been relatively quiet since the aforementioned show’s final season. With two writing credits shared between the pair over the past five years, it seems like they needed a break after helming one of the biggest programs of all time. Benioff and Weiss owned HBO for nearly a decade; it seemed like they could do no wrong. Unfortunately, one controversial season damaged their reputation and erased nearly a decade of goodwill. This year, they are back, and they clearly have something to prove. They boldly opted to adapt another beloved novel series, this time setting their sights on the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy by author Liu Cixin. Their adaptation, 3 Body Problem, follows mankind’s decade-spanning first encounter with an astonishingly advanced alien race.
The series follows a group of scientists as inexplicable events begin to occur. Strange virtual reality headsets that are 100 times more advanced than the most recent commercial model. Inescapable countdowns with no clues or context as to what they entail. And a series of sudden suicides across the planet. These are just a handful of the clues our crew is given to solve a potentially world-ending mystery. It’s hard to say much else without veering into spoiler territory. Just know, there is a lot going on. This immediately segues into a key element of the show that will either be its greatest strength or biggest flaw. It is always asking questions. 3 Body Problem takes dozens of scientific thought experiments and existential dilemmas and slams them together to consider the consequences. Alien encounters, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, cryogenic sleep, and more. This is great for people who love questions, and not so great for people who care for answers. All the questions are partially due to this being just one season in a show that should last at least three or four, but many of these ideas simply do not have a clear resolution. The end of this season feels a little abrupt and hollow. Hopefully some beats will receive a conclusion, but I believe many pieces are left unanswered intentionally. If you are a diehard science fiction fan because of these hard questions and deep existential thoughts, you are going to have an excellent time!
There are also many other things to love about this show, including some moving performances from actors you love and actors you have never seen before. Benedict Wong steals just about every scene he is in. The role itself is nothing new: witty, cynical detective with a rough surface, but meaningful intentions. Wong’s level of charm is unmatched, and really elevates his impact. Jess Hong and Alex Sharp are two new names that show a tremendous amount of acumen in their roles. Jovan Adepo, Liam Cunningham, and Eiza González are more well-known and also serve their roles quite well. Many of the interpersonal relationships are a little stiff or trite on paper, but the solid acting team brings enough life to make them bearable at worst and truly heartfelt at best.
There are a handful of other points that are not inherently negatives, but are worth noting because they will be off-putting for some. Firstly, this show can get graphic. These moments are never unearned or superfluous, but if you have a weak stomach, proceed with caution. There is one scene in particular (it happens on a boat about halfway through the season) that is shocking and upsetting to watch. It is certainly meant to be harrowing, but I was still taken back by some of the gruesome imagery and implications. Science can be a tool, or it can be a weapon. This show goes to great lengths to ensure that the audience understands just how bad it can get. There are also some moments that are extremely heavy on the exposition. To be fair, the series deals with some dense scientific topics that justify a deep explanation. However, it can occasionally feel a bit stale or overdone. At times it is necessary, but it can certainly diminish the impact of some momentous reveals.
Overall, this is a solid start to a series with a lot on its plate. If you value resolution, maybe wait a couple of years until the series can be binged in its entirety. However, if you prefer to stew in your thoughts and contemplate the implications of rapid scientific progress, this will give you all of that and plenty more.
Rating: Loved It
3 Body Problem is currently streaming on Netflix
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