In Netflix’s fantastical series “3 Body Problem”, advanced Virtual Reality (VR) headsets play an effective role. The scientists portrayed in the riveting eight-part saga, are launched into various historical periods such as ancient China, Tudor England and 13th century Xanadu, attracting doubt due to their incredible efficiency in simulation.
“Where does this technology originate from?” questions Auggie Salazar (Eiza González), a pioneer in nano-tech startups.
Unsurprisingly, it’s the extra-terrestrials, Auggie.
Our society, where manufacturers recklessly print QR codes next to barcodes disrupting the till equilibrium, is yet to invent VR technology that simulates sensations as real as getting sand stuck under your nails.
The interface is unlike anything in existence. “This isn’t just next-generation, this is five generations ahead,” declares Jack Rooney (John Bradley), a multimillionaire snack companies entrepreneur, as he grapples with the self-complacent cult enthusiast, Tatiana (Marlo Kelly).
“Who are you, actually?”
Once more, Jack, these are extraterrestrials, possessing far superior VR than even Mark Zuckerberg. The apparition of the sword-wielding woman? Merely a devout AI symbol of an alien race capable of creating virtual realities indistinguishable from the real world, and adept at running mind games while collecting your biometrics. Quite standard, really.
“Christ, damn it,” ejaculates the head intelligence officer, Thomas Wade (Liam Cunningham) upon trying the advanced headset, before this jovial Irishman – who heads an international union of intelligence and military figures – commences the launching of a human brain into space.
The concept of an alien attack set 400 years in the future forms the crux of a tale featuring a fictional character modelled after Rishi Sunak. The protagonist, Wade, roams a vintage English country house, his restlessness mirroring that of Captain Kirk, with single-minded determination to prevent this impending invasion. His focus heavily lies on combating the human followers, smitten by the alien charm, who serve these extraterrestrials with undying loyalty.
The adaptation draws its plot from the reputedly “unadaptable” epic trilogy ‘Remembrance of Earth’s Past’ by celebrated Chinese author Liu Cixin. Those familiar with the books might have an inkling of the storyline, while Netflix audience may still be on tenterhooks.
Netflix has invested a fortune on the drama ‘3 Body Problem’, spending a reputed $20 million (around €18.5 million) per episode. The series is the first creation by the ‘Game of Thrones’ power duo David Benioff and DB Weiss after the confusing finale of their megahit saga in the seemingly old 2019.
Along with co-creator Alexander Woo, they present a refreshing deviation with ‘3 Body Problem’. One appreciates the recurrent hint that in certain circumstances, the wisest action might be to halt all activities and retreat to the seaside. It offers some solace, the portrayal of humans’ growing foolishness and bewilderment as part of a cosmological scheme to impede our progress. Seemingly, we receive the science fiction we necessitate at a particular time.
The major reservation with ‘3 Body Problem’ lies in its significant cost, which necessitates an equally significant viewership for Netflix to consider a continuation of the series, an achievement that seems uncertain currently.
As per Netflix’s data, 81.7 million hours of ‘3 Body Problem’ were watched within the initial four days of its release. Given the series’ total runtime of seven hours and 24 minutes, this amounts to an audience count of 11 million.
Plans to release a new set of official charts summarising the first full week’s data for the show are set for today, yet the general sentiment hints towards potential non-renewal, like Earth’s uncertain future, given its initial performance.
Notably, the series 3 Body Problem struggled to dethrone the much less expensive series – The Gentlemen from its number one spot on worldwide charts for the week of March 18th to 24th. This happened even despite Guy Ritchie’s spin-off series already being three weeks into its release.
In spite of being available only in the last four of this seven-day period, 3 Body Problem managed to scoop a spot in the Netflix top 10 in 93 countries, clinching the top position in 15. In the Irish series charts, it placed third, falling behind The Gentlemen and Homicide: New York.
Regardless, Netflix has navigated the first wave of the streaming confrontation with no casualties. Big-ticket projects are not immune to failure here. Although work on a second season might already be underway, this holds insignificant weightage in today’s unpredictable TV landscape dotted with abrupt cancellations. Fewer viewers tuned in to watch the launch of the Benioff-Weiss-Woo spectacle compared to other recent high-budget Netflix projects, indicating a potentially grim future.
Akin to Rosalind Chao’s character, Ye Wenjie – the physicist turned alien communicator in 3 Body Problem, I am left feeling disillusioned by humankind. My selfish wish is for shows that align with my preferences to become ratings sensations, rather than being demoted to fleeting content pieces.
Nonetheless, this is the grim facet of today’s temperamental streaming market. Shows that don’t make a quick impact land straight on the danger list, regardless of their renown. The world of entertainment is in a state of entropy, as articulated by 3 Body Problem – a stable period might be some way off.