The award-winning “Remembrance of Earth’s Past” trilogy by Chinese science fiction author Liu Cixin was once deemed too complex for screen adaptation, given its exploration of out-of-this-world physics and the introduction of extraterrestrial beings – enough to daunt any scriptwriter or director.
Understandably, many were excited when it was announced that “Game of Thrones” showrunners David Benioff and DB Weiss, and screenwriter Alexander Woo would adapt Cixin’s first novel, “The Three-Body Problem”, for Netflix.
Would this adaptation honour the original work faithfully? Could it captivate audiences visually? And perhaps most importantly, would it avoid the pitfalls that plagued the final season of ‘Game of Thrones’?
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first adaptation of the novel. There was a 2015 film project that was shelved and a 30-episode 2023 Chinese TV series adaptation.
Now renamed “3 Body Problem”, the eight-episode Netflix series debuted on the streaming service recently. It is safe to say that this adaptation is a commendable addition to science fiction television despite its complex scientific concepts, exploration of extra dimensions, and intricate logic.
“Game of Thrones” regulars Liam Cunningham, Jonathan Pryce and John Bradley join a stellar ensemble consisting of Rosalind Chao, Jess Hong, Jovan Adepo, Eiza Gonzalez, Alex Sharp, and “Doctor Strange’s” Benedict Wong.
The story begins during the Cultural Revolution in China in the 1960s, where a young astrophysics prodigy named Ye Wenjie witnesses a traumatic event that shapes her worldview.
She is later recruited for her scientific expertise and made to work at a mysterious hilltop research facility. Disillusioned with humanity, she eventually makes a huge decision that affects the entire planet.
In the present day, a wave of unexplained suicides plagues the scientific community. A renowned detective, Da Shi, is called in to investigate.
Meanwhile, a group of scientists grapple with seemingly impossible phenomena that defy known scientific laws. Two of them get closer to the truth when they chance upon an advanced VR game that tests their ability to solve the three-body problem, a complex mathematical issue in celestial mechanics.
As the story unfolds, the connection between these seemingly disparate events becomes clear. Humanity faces a potential threat from beyond Earth, an alien race dubbed as the San-Ti (Mandarin for three bodies), and a group of brilliant minds must come together to confront it.
Similar to the novels, the series delves into profound themes including faith, existentialism, the human condition, and hope.
In the show, billionaire Mike Evans (Jonathan Pryce), who heads a colony of alien worshippers, establishes an almost religious bond with the aliens, often referring to them as “our Lord”. This use of a term usually reserved for God prompts reflection on personal faith and asks if extraterrestrial encounters can test one’s beliefs.
Rosalind Chao delivers an exceptional performance as an older Ye Wenjie. She skilfully conveys the aloofness and quiet genius of an astrophysicist while also capturing the complexities of blind faith and a subtle disdain for humanity stemming from her past experiences. Chao makes Ye seem dangerous despite her age and stature, making her unpredictable.
Liam Cunningham’s performance as Thomas Wade, the leader of a secret international organisation fighting aliens, is also impressive. Cunningham plays the role with the same brusque, no-nonsense charisma as Ser Davos Seaworth in “Game of Thrones”. His straightforward attitude also injected the series with memorable comedic moments.
However, the series does have its drawbacks. Firstly, it takes quite a while before the alien threat is unveiled and the excitement ramps up. World-building may explain this slow pace, but the story doesn’t keep viewers hooked.
Additionally, the show’s complex scientific concepts often require mental gymnastics to grasp. At least, the story could have been more engaging, with added suspense and mystery to heighten the sense of danger.
Despite its shortcomings, “3 Body Problem” is a compelling TV series with the potential for even more captivating narratives and impressive CGI moments.
If the series creators explore darker, more brutal themes and the uglier side of humanity, future seasons (hopefully) could be even more binge-worthy.
‘3 Body Problem’ is currently streaming on Netflix.