3 Body Problem: Not A Problem for Viewers

I’m about halfway through the new Netflix show 3 Body Problem, so let’s chat about this big budget adaptation.

First, you may be like me and have started the series completely unaware that this is adapted from a book series written by Liu Cixin. The first book, The Three-Body Problem, seems to follow closely to the Netflix show as ties into China’s Cultural Revolution where an alien signal is first received. Not having read the books (yet), I can’t say if the show follows the rest of the series, but as a stand alone from the literature from which it’s based, Netflix seems to have a hit on their hands.

The show vacillates from China’s Cultural Revolution to present day London where scientists are experiencing high suicide rates. Slowly, the series pieces together an intriguing puzzle linking the two and weaving mystery into a wonderfully tense plot.

So what is the 3 Body Problem?

I won’t give too much away since this is certainly a show worth watching but know that the 3 body problem sits at the heart of the alien contact. While you may think you understand the intention of this integral story element, there is a clever pivot which shifts the focus of the characters’ overall intentions.

Who is in the cast?

The characters come to life with a dynamic and talented group of actors. Here’s the core five:

3 Body Problem Cast

Eiza González (I Care A Lot, Godzilla vs. Kong, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw) plays Auggie Salazar, a brilliant nanotech expert on the verge of revolutionizing the industry.

John Bradley (Game of Thrones, North Shore) plays the lovable (if not stereotypical) silly sidekick and comedic relief who quit his posh college life and to start a snack business empire.

Jess Hong (Inked, The Brokenwood Mysteries) plays a genius theoretical physicist who finds herself entangled in a complex web

Jovan Adepo (Babylon, Watchmen (series)) plays the scientist who isn’t as serious as the rest but a loyal friend

Alex Sharp (How to Talk to Girls at Parties) plays the lovable, if not a bit sad, physics teacher who receives life changing news

From what I can tell from reading about this series online, the book has very different characters, but again, I’ve yet to read it.

What I can say is that halfway into the series, I’m completely hooked. There’s tons of twists and curious moments, intrigue and mystery, and plenty of tension. To watch, go to Netflix!