Netflix’s best show .. The film “3 Body Problem” had its premiere at SXSW on March 8, but it won’t be accessible on Netflix until tomorrow, March 21. Plus, you’re not limited to just the pilot episode. Yes, you will get all eight episodes of the first season.
I had the good fortune to see the whole first season ahead of time, so you and I are both fortunate. What I witnessed was quite remarkable. All I could think about after seeing the season finale was how fantastic the program is compared to the rest of 2024. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely better than what it is individually.
That is especially commendable considering the formidable competition that this Netflix drama faces from “Shogun.” I would be dishonest if I said that https://youtu.be/SdvzhCL7vIAFX’s historical fiction series “Shōgun” didn’t reclaim the top place on my list of the finest programs I’ve seen this year after the most recent episode of the show reversed its position.
However, by year’s end, “3 Body Problem” may have won. David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo have assembled an exceptional creative trio with “Game of Thrones” that continues the work of the previous two. Even if there are a few plot holes and mediocre acting, the show’s narrative is superb and very “Game of Thrones” in tone.
Keep reading for ‘3 Body Problem’ spoilers!
Three Body Problem has a strong “Game of Thrones” vibe
In my opinion, “Shogun” is the most direct spiritual descendant of “Game of Thrones” in terms of tone and overarching themes. Also, unlike the characters on this program, they all match the same tropes.
Having said that, “Game of Thrones” is defined in large part by the narrative decisions it makes. It seems that Alexander Woo’s inclusion to the creative team has had little effect on Benioff and Weiss’s willingness to let go of their beloved characters.
I won’t tell you who dies, but suffice it to say that you won’t see some of the fatalities coming—or, even if you do, you’ll be shocked when you think things are going wrong. Such scenes were prevalent throughout all eight seasons of “Game of Thrones,” and they persist even in the series finale. Even in the midst of the season, there is a really terrifying “Red Wedding” scene.
“Thrones” is an example of an adaptation. So, some of these parts may not be as shocking if you’re familiar with the novels. Still, I’m betting that some viewers who were anticipating it will find it on Netflix, just as the HBO program did.
Unbelievable performances by Benedict Wong and Liam Cunningham
Regarding “Game of Thrones,” Benioff, Weiss, and Woo reprised a few characters from the previous season for “3 Body Problem.” One of the main characters’ close friends, Jack Rooney, is played by John Bradley, who is famous for his role as Samwell Tarly in Game of Thrones. Along with Liam Cunningham, who is best known for his role as Ser Davos Seaworth, the program also includes Jonathan Pryce, who is famed for his many performances, including playing the High Sparrow in the legendary HBO series.
Although I like all three actors’ performances, Liam Cunningham really stands out. To be honest, his portrayal is so good that it may win him an Emmy. His portrayal of Wade, the enigmatic head of a clandestine international intelligence organization, is both well conceived and accomplished. Despite the fact that he gets the finest lines and that his co-stars don’t measure up, he never fails to wow.
In his roles with Benedict Wong, who may potentially be nominated for an Emmy for this series next year, he really shines. Wong portrays Da Shi, Wade’s enlisted man and a former MI5 intelligence officer who acts as his de facto number two for the most of the season.
What made the performance stand out was how they interacted with each other. I can’t get the scene from episode 4, “Our Lord,” out of my brain; it’s the one when Cunningham sets up Wong for a joke that Wong really nails. I assure you, you will recognize it at sight.
In “3 Body Problem,” the most satisfying aspect is resolving the issue
For what it’s worth, there actually is a literal three-body problem in this show. The three-body problem is a concept from physics about determining the trajectories of three objects in motion around a central point of mass.
If that sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry. You don’t need a physics background to watch and enjoy this show. You won’t be asked to solve a three-body problem yourself, which is good considering they’re technically unsolvable.
However, solving a problem is still one of the best parts of this show. While a science fiction thriller, this show is also a suspenseful mystery. Watching it, I always found myself trying to guess what would happen next or what the long-term arc of a character would be, etc. There are so many moving pieces at first that it’s genuinely enjoyable to try and predict the moves before they happen. Seeing those guesses pay off or being proven delightful wrong was a treat, and there were a few moments that literally made me exclaim “Woah!” because of a twist I did not see coming.
If it sounds like I’m being intentionally vague … well, that’s because I am. I truly don’t want to give away any of the puzzle pieces and spoil the fun. So you’ll just need to watch “3 Body Problem” and experience the best show of the year so far for yourself when the eight episodes of season 1 drop on Netflix on March 21.
