Plot Synopsis
This is the TV series "The Three-BodyProblem" that aired in China in 2023.
"Three-Body" is an adaptation of the eponymous science fiction novel by author Liu Cixin. It tells the story of Earth's basic scientific research encountering unusual disturbances, causing turmoil and fear within the scientific community. Nanophysics scientist Wang Miao teams upwith detective Shi Qiang to investigate and uncover the mysterious aspects of the extraterrestrial civilization known as the "Three-Body" world. Together with all of humanity, they engage in a high-stakes game against the impending invasion by the Three-Body beings.
In 2007, Earth's basic science experiences unusual disturbances, leading to a time of turmoil and unease within the scientific community. Mysterious scientist suicides, seemingly miraculous countdowns, secretive scientific organizations, and the enigmatic "Three-Body" game all contribute to the confusion. Nanoscientist Wang Miao is brought into the Joint Operations Center bypolice officer Shi Qiang and infiltrates an organization known as the "Scientific Frontiers" to assist in the investigation. Amidst the fog, Wang Miao encounters an organization called ETO and discovers that its mastermind is none other than Ye Wenjie, the mother of the deceased scientist Yang Dong. As ETO and the Joint Operations Center engage in a constant game of cat and mouse, Wang Miao and Shi Qiang gradually confirm the existence of the world within the "Three-Body" game. The origin of all these events lies in a desperate struggle for survival between two civilizations, as they gamble everything for living space. With the collective efforts of the Joint Operations Center and the scientists, Wang Miao, Shi Qiang, and others hold firm to their beliefs, rekindle hope, and lead everyone inpreparing for a deadly battle against the impending invasion by the Three-Body beings in the future.
Where to Watch "Three-Body"
WeTV Free (sub)Viki (Subscription)Prime Video (Subscription)TencentVideo FreeEpisodes Recap
- 1-4
- 5-8
- 9-12
- 13-16
- 17-20
- 21-24
- 25-28
- 29-30
Episode 1 : Wang Miao refuses to enter the "Boundary of Science."
Episode 2 : Wang Miao attended Yang Dong's funeral.
Episode 3 : Wang Miao disagreed with Shen Yu Fei's opinion.
Episode 4 : Shi Qiang proposed a collaboration to Wang Miao.
Episode 5 : Shen Yu Fei's prediction is successful,the universe will twinkle for you.
Episode 6 : Wang Miao Seeks Answers from Ye Wenjie
Episode 7 : Wang Miao entered the Three-Body game.
Episode 8 : The scientist's suicide incident repeated itself.
Episode 9 : Mu Xing and Pan Han's collaboration
Episode 10 : Ye Wenjie reminisces about the past
Episode 11 : Ye Wenjie refused to sign.
Episode 12 : Wang Miao learned about a significant discovery.
Episode 13 : Ye Wenjie headed to Red Coast Base.
Episode 14 : Ye Wenjie recalled past events.
Episode 15 : Wang Miao reveals the structure of the universe.
Episode 16 : Wang Miao suspects Ye Wenjie.
Episode 17 : Ye Wenjie led Wang Miao to the Red Coast Base.
Episode 18 : Ye Wenjie revealed the true situation of the Red Coast
Episode 19 : Wei Cheng is studying The Three-Body Problem.
Episode 20 : Shen Yu Fei was killed and passed away.
Episode 21 : Mu Xing and Shi Qiang collaborated.
Episode 22 : Mu Xing was killed.
Episode 23 : Ye Wenjie's identity was exposed.
Episode 24 : Yang Wei Ning helped Ye Wen Jie.
Cast & Role
Wang Miao
(Zhang Lu Yi)
Shi Qiang
(Yu He Wei)
Ye Wen Jie ( Lao Nian )
(Chen Jin)
Ye Wen Jie ( Qing Nian )
(Wang Zi Wen)
Extraterrestrial life must exist. There are 100-200 billion galaxies in the universe, and even in our relatively small Milky Way galaxy, there are 200-400 billion stars, each with at least one planet.
Even if we take a conservative estimate and assume that only one civilization can emerge per galaxy, there would still be 100-200 billion civilizations in the entire universe.
Therefore, the universe is not lonely; in fact, it can be considered quite lively. So why haven't we seen any aliens yet?
There are two possibilities:
Firstly, the distances between galaxies are vast. Even the nearest Andromeda galaxy is 2.54 million light-years away. Meeting them would require traveling at the speed of light from the Andromeda galaxy, which would take 2.54 million years. Meanwhile, our civilization's signals have only radiated from Earth for a few hundred years.
It would take at least twice that time for them to receive our signals and initiate a visit, totaling over 5 million years.
So, the message might be on its way, and they might also be on their way.
Secondly, civilizations may not exist simultaneously in time. Until now, even Earth's civilization cannot guarantee its own eternal prosperity.
Some civilizations may have perished before they could develop, and even if one in a hundred billion civilizations is enough to overcome all disasters within its own galaxy, the vast distances of space and time still pose significant barriers to communication. Even if a civilization were to develop the technology to travel for 2.54 million years, they would lack the necessary resources for sustenance.
Therefore, it is possible that civilizations may never meet. Can our Earth civilization last for another 2.54 million years?
Looking at historical records from the Qin and Han dynasties, which are already quite ancient, in the context of China's five thousand years of civilization, the hope of lasting for another hundred thousand years is a distant and idealistic aspiration. We're talking about ten times the span of those five thousand years...
It is possible that we are extraterrestrial beings being observed or experimented on, akin to lab mice on Earth. Therefore, we may never escape this circle, and if we are confined within their controlled sphere, how can we ever encounter other civilizations?
Intelligent life beyond Earth undoubtedly exists. We are incredibly small in the grand scheme of things, and unless humanity continues to evolve, we will be unable to explore the universe. Therefore, it might be best for us not to delve into advanced mathematics with our limited perspective as a newly emerged species. As for theology, all I can say is that it appears to be an elaborate deception of god-like proportions.
In the vast expanse of the galaxy, human existence is but a fleeting moment, and the distances are incredibly vast.
We might disappear before other extraterrestrial species even discover our presence. Similarly, other civilizations may cease to exist before we have the chance to discover them.
It is also possible that more advanced civilizations in distant galaxies exist and have already explored us, finding Earth's resources insignificant to their needs.
Our sun is approaching middle age, and Earth is gradually becoming less suitable for human habitation. As we explore Mars, if there are extraterrestrial beings present, we could potentially become invaders and colonizers, just as we might be the "Three-Body" civilization ourselves.
Mu Xing is a journalist who is too naive and childish. While it is true that everyone has the right to know the truth, not everyone can accept the consequences that come with it—the destruction of one's beliefs and motivation to survive. What difference is there between that and hurting someone with words?
It is indeed relevant to the current trend of public opinion. The role of media professionals should be to promote the truth, but the premise should be to give people hope. While promoting wisdom is important, it is even more crucial to consider whether the impact on society and civilization, after the awakening of people's intelligence, is positive. If a truth is enough to destroy the majority's belief in civilization and shake the foundations of their survival beliefs, I would rather fabricate lies and be the executioner of civilization. This should not be an excuse or justification for the abuse of power by new media or self-media professionals. The public should also approach things rationally and seek to explore the essence of life.
If people give up their ideals and beliefs in progress because of a slight setback or a single life-threatening diagnosis, then this civilization will eventually perish. Physics may cease to exist, or we may wake up one day only to encounter an attack and destruction from an extraterrestrial civilization. However, it is through unwavering ideals and a resolute determination to move forward that we wield the powerful tool to explore the essence of all things.
Some people lack the capacity to handle the truth, and news is also written by humans. Who can guarantee that what they write is always the actual truth? It's possible that it's just their perception and not the truth itself. The truth is often harsh, and when it is exposed, some people may not be able to handle it, and the resulting consequences can be even more difficult to accept. For example, if someone says that the Earth will be destroyed in a month, knowing this information can lead to two outcomes for the general population. Some may actively try to find solutions, but the majority of people may feel helpless and give up. This can even lead to acts of violence, looting, and other criminal behaviors, as people feel desperate and lose their sanity in the face of impending doom.
I think you're absolutely right. Your assessment on these matters is indeed objective and fair, unlike other comments. In terms of the plot and content, I wholeheartedly agree with your viewpoint. I believe many others also share the same perspective, as evidenced by the numerous likes and positive feedback. Personally, "The Three-Body Problem" has had a profound impact on my worldview and values. I find your evaluation to be truly refreshing. Overall, you've expressed it quite well.
The truth often inflicts harm, as it aligns more closely with rationalism. Modern rationality demands that we reject living in the realm of elusive beliefs and emotions.
To yearn for the truth, one must be prepared for the possibility of being defeated or even slaughtered by it, willing to sacrifice oneself on the altar of truth. The heliocentric model (within the solar system) shattered the belief and imagination that humans were at the center of the Earth.
Therefore, to pursue the truth while simultaneously refusing to abandon beliefs is a tricky endeavor. It can be seen as a form of deception. I support journalists in their pursuit of truth.
In the drama, what we see is the relatively mild suffering endured by Ye Wenjie and her father. However, the torment inflicted upon Ye Wenjie by fate goes far beyond that. It includes the blood-stained belt buckle, her fallen father, her sister hanging on the wall, her mentally disturbed mother, the betrayal by the young man with the surname Bai, as well as the chilling wind on Radar Peak at night, which made her heart as cold as iron. On the night she made her resolute decision to ignite the flame, she firmly pressed the launch button, calling out into the pitch-black night sky, "Come, come to our world..."
Disappointed with humanity, they place their hopes in more advanced civilizations. The typical characteristic of the Posadist ideology is the belief that more advanced civilizations must have a superior moral level and political structure compared to humanity. However, in the world of the Three-Body, the universe is cold.
Ye Wenjie initially wanted to believe in that journalist, but she was betrayed by the journalist. Later, she sought help from the Trisolarans, only to discover that she was betrayed by them as well.
Her original intention was to harness the power of the Trisolarans to correct human errors, but she found out that the Trisolarans had ulterior motives and wanted to take advantage of the situation.
I believe that the boundary of science is philosophy, or rather, the limit of human cognitive and practical abilities. This boundary is constantly expanding in society. Therefore, the boundary of science is also continuously extending.
Every major advancement and discovery in human history has touched upon the border of science, but has never been able to precisely and completely reach the boundary. The so-called boundary of science is merely the extent to which humans can observe, explore, and understand. The concept of spacetime, in fact, does not inherently exist. Spacetime is merely a reference frame for human observations.
The Archer and Farmer hypotheses can only be speculations. These speculations can never be fully proven because beyond what we know, there are additional dimensions beyond the second dimension and the third dimension—there are multiple dimensions. When we continuously approach the boundaries of the three dimensions, new Farmer hypotheses will emerge.
Therefore, such hypotheses at most reflect the desires and aspirations of human cognitive and practical capabilities, which can never be empirically verified but are always on the path of exploration. The most important thing for people is to live in the present, continuously drive scientific progress and development. This not only has positive implications for humanity itself but also helps answer certain questions from the past that were previously considered unsolvable, although we will undoubtedly encounter new questions. Living in the present is more important than anything else.
I didn't expect my reflections to generate so much discussion among fellow participants. I appreciate it. Here, I would like to further discuss the idea that the end of science is religion. In essence, both philosophy and religion belong to the realm of ideology and are influenced by subjective human perspectives. Therefore, it may be helpful to examine the differences between the two.
Philosophy tends to emphasize rationality, while religion leans towards the emotional and intuitive. However, the boundaries between them are not always clear-cut. In a certain sense, philosophy can be seen as a form of religion, and religion can be seen as a form of philosophy. But such distinctions do not align well with our contemporary understanding of the two.
By employing the reductionist approach, if we remove some of the superstitious elements and emotional aspects from religion, we can see that it shares common ground with philosophy. Both disciplines seek to explore fundamental questions about existence, meaning, and ethics. However, science, as a distinct and empirical method of inquiry, focuses on the study of the natural world and the formulation of testable hypotheses.
In conclusion, while philosophy and religion overlap in certain aspects, they also possess unique qualities that differentiate them. It is important to recognize and appreciate the diversity of human perspectives and the various ways in which we seek to understand the world.
The biggest problem with Ye Wenjie was her foolishness and naivety.
Her father was a leading figure in the scientific community and embodied rationality and goodness. Therefore, she naturally believed that having more knowledge would bring about morality and rationality.
However, her father was tortured to death by his students.
She thought that Bai Mulin, who had read "The Silent Spring," saw the duality of things, the moral and rational aspects.
But that man quickly pushed her into the abyss.
In prison, someone was kind to her, and she learned her lesson not to easily trust strangers. But that person wanted to use her to undermine political enemies, and when things didn't go as planned, they turned around and tried to freeze her to death.
With a broken family and near-death experiences, she sought revenge not against individuals, but against society itself. She wanted to reform society.
However, her foolishness lies in the fact that she still believed that science and knowledge could bring about wisdom, morality, and rationality—the radiance of human nature.
If she looked at history, she would know that agriculture built empires, but those empires imposed heavy taxes on farmers. Industry built cities, but entrepreneurs exploited workers, forcing them into 996 work schedules, extracting all their value.
Technological progress does not necessarily equate to happiness itself.
High technology, low quality of life—let's delve into the world of cyberpunk.
Therefore, Liu Cixin's works go beyond scientific science fiction and encompass various speculations about society and morality.
Ye Wenjie is neither a savior nor a proponent of the arrival of higher civilizations. Her own goal is to introduce advanced civilizations to completely solve the inherent flaws of human nature. Unfortunately, the young Ye Wenjie did not understand that advanced civilizations do not necessarily equate to higher moral standards. Moreover, during her pregnancy, she witnessed the thirst for knowledge in many children and the respect the villagers had for her. She still held a trace of goodwill in her heart. However, after learning that the Trisolarans referred to humans as "insects," that trace of goodwill shifted to Luo Ji, leading him to propose the concept of "cosmic sociology" which eventually developed into the Dark Forest theory. I cannot judge the morality of Ye's actions as I have not experienced her suffering, but she was the catalyst for everything.
I agree with what you said. Technology and science can transform the world, but they cannot provide inner fulfillment and happiness because happiness is a spiritual matter. That is why theology and philosophy exist on Earth. However, even they cannot save humanity from its suffering because human nature and human society are incredibly complex. High technology in a complex human society has the potential to lead to the destruction of Earth's civilization. We have been searching for an exit for Earth's civilization, but no one knows where that exit is. In reality, we all know the eventual fate of Earth's civilization.
The Three-Body game was indeed designed to be open to the public, with the hope that skilled players could solve the Three-Body problem and accurately predict the Chaotic Era and the Stable Era. The intention behind this was to prevent the Trisolarans from invading Earth. This idea aligns with the perspective of the Redemptionists, who seek to save humanity from the impending threat.
I apologize for the misunderstanding. You are correct. The Three-Body problem is unsolvable, and the purpose of the game is to foster empathy between human elites and the Trisolarans, ultimately luring them into joining the ETO (Earth-Trisolaris Organization). The game is designed to establish a connection between players and the Trisolarans, creating a complex and tense interpersonal interaction. Thank you for clarifying this point.
It's futile. Firstly, the Three-Body problem itself lacks predictability or regularity. Secondly, the Trisolarans have already discovered that their planet will eventually be torn apart by the three suns in their star system. In their galaxy, there were originally multiple planets, but they were all torn apart by the three suns, leaving only the Trisolaran planet. When the Trisolarans were in despair, Ye Wenjie brought them hope, which compelled them to desperately advance their technology and mobilize their entire civilization to build ships and conquer Earth. Therefore, this game is not intended for Earthlings to play, but rather for those who may belong to the Trisolaran organization.
This is a bug. With such advanced technological civilization, do you believe ants can solve your math problems?
Honestly, I really like Liu Cixin, but his writing style and storytelling are really poor and mediocre, especially in the first book of the original work. When it comes to adaptations, if they don't understand the need for cuts and edits, it's basically a complete failure.
Setting aside the plot, the lighting, cinematography, set design, and editing are all lacking. Even the performances of the actors are not cohesive. Some are overly relaxed, while others are overly dramatic.
The audience isn't here to learn physics, and when the character relationships in a sci-fi film are a mess, it's basically a disaster. Those flashbacks of Wang Zi Wen serve no purpose and leave the audience clueless about what they're trying to portray.
Li Xiao Ran's portrayal is neither here nor there. She lacks the presence to play a leader and doesn't capture the obsession of a researcher. I also can't understand why Wang Chuan Jun's character has a physicist's house as their wedding venue, and that pool table scene was just awkward.
There is no dramatic conflict, no suspense, no reasoning. The only thing the director tirelessly does is turn to the next page of the original work.
Is physics real?Physics absolutely exists.
In the context of a farmer and a turkey, their relationship is mutually constrained by their species, but the fact is that they both experience the force of gravity. This is a fundamental law of physics. Similarly, if one day an apple were to fly up into the sky, it wouldn't mean that physics doesn't exist, but rather that scientists need to further understand the laws governing the world. As long as matter exists, physics is real.
The more lacking in knowledge a person is, the more they believe in absolute things.
In the drama, when it is said that "physics doesn't exist," it means that physics, as perceived by the turkey, doesn't exist, but it doesn't imply that the farmer's physics doesn't exist. In other words, it signifies that the current knowledge framework has been overturned. It's similar to when the heliocentric model replaced the geocentric model in the past.
You might not have read the original work, have you? When it is mentioned that "physics doesn't exist" here, it does not mean that the laws of physics cease to exist. It is because the Trisolarans believe that human technological advancements are accelerating rapidly, and in order to prevent their fleet from being overwhelmed by Earth's technology upon arrival, they concentrate their energy and send two sophons (high-dimensional quantum computers, each the size of a subatomic particle) to Earth at the speed of light. These sophons disrupt the experiments of physicists and effectively block the advancement of fundamental physics for Earthlings.
I understand your perspective. Many people indeed lack knowledge and tend to have narrow thinking without logical or dialectical reasoning. They often lack the ability to think independently and critically, and their brains may be inclined towards laziness when it comes to contemplating the essence of things and causal relationships. They tend to believe in authority figures easily and prefer venting their emotional values. Assessing a person's judgment is primarily about examining the diversity of their sources of information. Unfortunately, there are countless individuals who live in an echo chamber of singular information, and often that information is distorted and biased. This is a major reason why people can be both ignorant and overly confident in their beliefs.
Why can the Trisolarans undergo dehydration? During the Chaotic Era, they would completely expel the water from their bodies, transforming into dry fibrous objects. Then, during the Stabilized Era, they would "rehydrate" and continue the development of Trisolaran civilization.
The Chaotic Era refers to the period when the Trisolaran planet orbits around three stars, while our Earth is in a prolonged Stabilized Era.
Think of it as a human's outer skin. After dehydration, they become like dried paper-cut figures, but they can be folded and restored to their original form after rehydration.
It's like shouting "dehydration" and "rehydration"! It's like the Three-Body game coming to life.
Imagine this: Within a year, turkey scientists not only discover that food arrives at a fixed time in the morning but also find that chickens die if they contract avian influenza, starve if they don't eat, and that turkey wings can be used to fly over fences. These theorems have meaningful implications.
Science itself is a constantly evolving and falsification-driven philosophy. Just because turkey scientists discovered an erroneous theorem doesn't mean we should completely deny all their contributions and even dismiss science as a whole. From my perspective, this kind of thinking is entirely unscientific. That's why the person in the drama who vehemently denies being a turkey scientist appears so ludicrous. The turkey is not the one to be laughed at; the laughter arises from the fear of making mistakes, which leads to stagnation and resignation.
Unless Thanksgiving truly arrives one day, any research conducted by turkey scientists before that is worthy of respect, exploration, and continuous iteration.
Having food for lunch every day is a fundamental aspect of physics, much like how a turkey would starve to death if it doesn't eat. Other turkeys can only engage in any activities when there is food to eat. Even if the farmer doesn't come to kill the turkeys, they would still die of starvation without food. Once fundamental physics is blocked or restricted, physics itself loses its meaning.
I apologize for any confusion. Let me clarify. Take mathematics, for example. 1+1=2, and 2+2=4. These are the basics of mathematics. All complex mathematical formulas are built upon well-defined mathematical models. If, one day, you conduct an experiment and find that 1+1=3, and then another experiment shows that 1+1=85, and yet another experiment yields a result of 1+1=486, then the previous mathematical formulas would no longer hold true, and there would be no discernible pattern. Do you understand now?
Scientists don't die simply because they can't do science.
Human science is based on fundamental "empiricism," and all theories are built upon causality.
Now, imagine if I told you that causality doesn't exist. All the experiences you have known would become irrelevant, and all the theories you have observed and concluded, all the theories that perfectly applied to your world, could be completely overturned. They could make 1+1=3, make the sun shine colder, and when you drink water, it could either grant you eternal life or cause sudden death. Everything would be beyond scientific explanation, without any discernible patterns. In such a world, would you want to live or would you prefer to die?
Are scientists not the ones who verify the seemingly impossible, identify problems, and strive to explain and solve them? Isn't their purpose to challenge conventions and surpass existing boundaries? Why do they get frustrated when their experiments fail? Scientific research often involves countless instances of trial and error, both failures and successes. A scientist's resilience and mental fortitude should ideally be among the strongest, as they navigate the path of scientific discovery.
Ye Wenjie's hysterical behavior needs some context from the book. It is mentioned that her father, Ye Zhe Tai, was a prominent university physics professor who was condemned due to his ideological beliefs.
He was brutally beaten to death by four female students (identity assumed) wielding belts with copper buckles. When those four girls violently took her father's life, Ye Wenjie wanted to rush onto the stage, but two elderly school workers tightly held her back and whispered in her ear, urging her not to sacrifice her own life.
Furthermore, Ye Wenjie's mother, in order to protect herself, actually took the stage and exposed his crimes. Moreover, in the original work, when Ye Wenjie's sister, Ye Wen Xue, is mentioned, it is noted that she was at the forefront of criticizing their biological father.
The death of Ye Wenjie's father led her to become disillusioned with human nature. Further details regarding subsequent events can be supplemented as the plot unfolds.
Ye Wenjie appears as a kind and amiable professor and is the mother of the scientist Yang Dong, who committed suicide. However, Ye Wenjie has another identity as the leader of the Three-Body Organization.
In that painful and desperate era, Ye Wenjie witnessed her father being beaten to death and her sister dying in the same year.
Later, she met Bai Mulin at Radar Peak, and their relationship grew stronger. However, Ye Wenjie was betrayed by Bai Mulin.
Ye Wenjie is not a bad person. She has experienced so much tragedy, and her ideal is not to seek revenge on humanity but to believe that humanity is in a state of decay and needs external intervention.
So, upon discovering the existence of the Trisolarans, she resolutely sent a signal, making the Trisolarans aware of Earth's existence and initiating the tragic fate of humanity.
Ye Wenjie is too "naive." Although she is the leader of the Three-Body Organization, she exists only as a spiritual leader, and the one truly controlling people is Evans.
The Three-Body Organization is divided into three factions, which engage in open and hidden power struggles, becoming increasingly uncontrollable. As Ye Wenjie later said, "I ignited the fire, but I can't control it." Ye Wenjie believed that the arrival of the Trisolarans could help cleanse the evil souls of humanity, but she didn't realize that the Trisolarans were not "gods" but "demons." Ye Wenjie's naivety brought forth the demons of hell.
After learning the truth about Trisolaran civilization, Ye Wenjie regrets her actions. This is evident in her subtle hints to Luo Ji, hoping that he can save Earth and all of humanity. However, Ye Wenjie's regret cannot change everything.
Actions have consequences. Ye Wenjie's tragic fate is the cause, and the collaboration with the Trisolarans leading to Earth's downfall is the effect. Ye Wenjie's collaboration with the Trisolarans is the cause, and the death of her daughter Yang Dong at the hands of the Trisolarans is the effect.
Ye Wenjie cannot be simply described as a good or bad person. She is complex and multifaceted.
When the director portrays the older Ye Wenjie, the scenes have a nostalgic atmosphere, giving a sense of tranquility in the passage of time.
Who can discover the secrets hidden within this elderly person? In the flashback scenes, the filter becomes dark, and the fragmented dialogue reveals Ye Wenjie's helplessness. She can only express her emotions through tears and shouts.
The melancholic background music plays, causing the audience to involuntarily empathize with Ye Wenjie. Can light and darkness reflect the two traits in Ye Wenjie? She is both the perpetrator leading humanity into darkness and the goddess leaving behind a spark of hope.
The first four episodes of "The Three-Body Problem" indeed faithfully adhere to the original work. It was only after watching episodes five and six together that I decided to write this post.
The TV series may never be able to fully capture the Earth's past as I imagined it, but taking a bold departure from the original storyline might not be a bad idea.
In this article, I want to convey my initial impressions of reading the original "Three-Body Problem" and make some speculations about the major modifications and themes in the TV adaptation.
Why do I say this?
Firstly, I must admit that the additions and adaptations of characters like Shi Qiang, Xu Bing Bing, and journalist Mu Xing in the TV series are successful. The scene where Da Shi is strapped with a timer and vows to reset it together with Wang Miao brought tears to my eyes.
Xu Bing Bing's portrayal representing the military instead of Sha Rui Shan provides a successful adaptation that brings forth memories of the tumultuous era as described in the original work. Based on the current previews, Mu Xing, as an informant for Pan Han, is likely to establish a specific motive for the death of Shen Yu Fei, which serves as a connection to Shi Qiang.
These adaptations are well-executed, and I'm satisfied with them. However, why did they choose to present the detail of the "master" issuing orders to eliminate Wang Miao and imply the possibility of winning him over in the concluding scene of the sixth episode?
Why did they modify the opportunity for Wang Miao to explore the true nature of the Trisolaran civilization? This action made me deeply reflect on what the entire series aims to convey. I remember the original character designs: Ye Wenjie, a human who experienced the unjust death of her father, her mother's madness, and the betrayal of her close friend, all pains that ordinary people cannot comprehend.
In desperation, she pressed the button to transmit Earth's coordinates to the Trisolarans.
Apart from that, she was just an ordinary person. The ETO organization was actually established by Evans, and Ye Wenjie informed him about the existence of the Trisolarans, which led him to make her the leader of ETO out of respect.
Wang Miao, a nanotechnology scientist, was invited to participate in the discussions of the Scientific Frontier organization because his research field could potentially contribute to the development of high-end technologies that benefit civilization's survival, such as the construction of the space elevator.
"The Three-Body Problem: Remembrance of Earth's Past" is primarily narrated from Wang Miao's perspective, and he is unequivocally a tool-like protagonist.
Firstly, Luo Ji is the only human in the entire book who issues an assassination order against the Trisolarans because he knows the secret of the Dark Forest.
We are insects, and the "master" does not care whether it's right or wrong. The scientist's suicide also has another reason, right? Wang Miao never explicitly expresses his refusal to join the Scientific Frontier, and considering the unknown threat and Shi Qiang's interest in him, why introduce a plot where a "master" orders his destruction?
We all know Shi Qiang's security capabilities (doge).
Secondly, Ye Wenjie has no direct connection to ETO, and she is not familiar with Shen Yu Fei. Furthermore, the communication between the Trisolarans and ETO is limited to electromagnetic waves, which takes eight years for a round trip.
Therefore, it is not possible to foresee in advance what Wang Miao is studying. In the original work, the first dialogue between the sophons and humans is simply "You are insects." So, who is the person giving the order?
And who is the one requesting a rescue? Lastly, this is the one point that I personally think the adaptation should avoid the most. The opportunity for Wang Miao to discover the truth has been modified.
It is no longer the result of accidentally stumbling upon a website, but rather, it is through what Shen Yu Fei refers to as a "miracle" vaguely related to the original work, unlocking the most magnificent part of the first volume of "The Three-Body Problem" - the Three-Body game.
Do you know how Wang Miao's initial experience of the Three-Body game is described from his perspective in the original work? Alone at night, unable to sleep due to thoughts of counting down, he opens the Three-Body game and experiences the civilization of the Bronze Age of Trisolaris for a brief moment.
Chaotic Era, Chaotic Era, Chaotic Era... Damn it! Don't think about it, why can't you stop thinking about it? Why?! Soon, Wang Miao found the answer... What sets 'The Three-Body Problem' apart is that, unlike other games, its designers took the opposite approach.
In general, game designers try to maximize the amount of displayed information to create a sense of realism. However, the designers of 'The Three-Body Problem' made every effort to compress the amount of information to conceal some immense truth...
I believe this is the shocking revelation that the original work wanted to pave the way for.
But when Wang Miao learned about it from Shen Yufei, did he still have that feeling of discovering a new universe on his own?
From which perspective would he contemplate the wandering stars? How could Shen Yufei possibly be the same as Shi Qiang in his mind? Two individuals with completely different meanings, trying to persuade the only breakthrough to the ultimate truth in the whole drama to play a game that comes closest to the truth.
Can I still see the same significance?
Yes, after all, the Wang Miao in the TV series kept repeating, 'I am just a turkey scientist,' replacing the details from the original work. Perhaps the 'turkey scientist' is the point the TV series wants to emphasize, right?
However, the true essence that 'The Three-Body Problem' wants to convey goes far beyond the theory of a turkey scientist. The truth of the Three-Body Problem will never change due to the search of Earth's scientists.
My feeling is that in the original work, the truth of the universe is independently discovered by human beings through meticulous exploration, while in the TV series, it feels like Shen Yufei has become a major antagonist who makes many small moves, seemingly aware of many truths and almost completely exposed under the surveillance of Shi Qiang.
But, well, it's hard to imagine that Shen Yufei in the original work was really a tool-focused person who turned a deaf ear to things outside his window and single-mindedly wanted to solve the Three-Body Problem.
So, I think the TV series of 'The Three-Body Problem' may not be able to recreate the profound sense of science fiction. Can the TV series still be watched? My answer is, it's worth watching.
Because the darkness that cannot be expressed in the original work, I hope it can be replaced by brightness. Wang Miao, even after believing that the universe flickers, still gives lectures as a flower of the motherland, telling me to pursue the truth.
Little Cotton Jacket's thoughtfulness tells me that life is not just a mess in front of us, but also the warmth and romance of family ties. Even if the Earth is destroyed, Shi Qiang is willing to accompany Wang Miao to start from scratch, allowing me to experience the calmness of Mount Tai collapsing in front without changing color and the composure of the Yellow River ceasing to flow from its source.
What hidden threads does the TV series version of 'The Three-Body Problem' have? The biggest change is the opportunity to explore the truth of civilization. I want to see what changes the TV series will make in its understanding of the universal truth.
Will the turkeys raised by the farmer really believe in the farmer's hypothesis? Does the fleeing turkey imply that Earth's scientists will never give up their tireless pursuit of truth? What is the truth after all?
Has the meaning of the game been weakened? Will the storyline of the ETO gathering be modified? I'm looking forward to it.
Perhaps the TV series of 'The Three-Body Problem' cannot fully capture its grand and vast nature, but if it is truly adapted in such a way, speaking from my original intention, I am excited.
Because 'The Three-Body Problem' ultimately carries the obscurity of that era, the difficulty of replicating the scenes, and the ability to extend the themes and boldly adapt them. If the adaptation is successful, it is itself a tribute to the classic.
When everyone feels that the first book, 'The Three-Body Problem: Remembrance of Earth's Past,' is not a dazzling science fiction novel, I still believe that I have seen the depth of civilization that Liu Cixin wanted to express when he wrote it.
For the TV adaptation, I still have expectations because brightness is equally dazzling, isn't it? I hope the significant changes in 'The Three-Body Problem' will also lead to a satisfying conclusion because this is the best time to bring this groundbreaking masterpiece to the public.
How could I miss it? Of course, I have to say some good things to win over the audience, haha. In conclusion, the final touch on the 'Remembrance of Earth's Past' chapter ends here, but the Three-Body Universe is not yet complete.
I hope I still have the opportunity to share my insights about the Dark Forest and Death's End with all of you.
Ye Wenjie and Evans are different. Ye Wenjie comes from a privileged intellectual family, which was rare during that era. However, she experienced turbulent times, witnessed her family's persecution, and was labeled as a member of the "Black Category." She was falsely accused, betrayed, and exiled to the desperate Radar Peak.
Even when she was deceived by Lei Zhi Cheng, she felt relieved, only to discover later that everything was a lie. Just when she thought she would spend her life alone, fate gave her another chance to choose. After experiencing so much, she eagerly pressed the button that would impact two worlds.
Evans could have peacefully inherited his father's wealth and lived a carefree life. However, he is sensitive and kind-hearted. Despite the security that wealth provides him, he has an innate desire to protect against all cruelty. He exerted great effort but eventually realized that he couldn't change the insatiable greed of humanity.
Similarly, fate gave him a chance to choose and brought him to meet Ye Wenjie, but he chose to abandon humanity and use the Three-Body world to judge all of humanity.
One hopes for redemption and assistance from a higher civilization, while the other pushes humanity towards destruction.
One is called Ye Wenjie, the other is called Evans.
Three-Body One: You are insects. Three-Body Two: You are the insects. Three-Body Three: We are all insects.
I won't discuss the plot and details of the drama in the third episode, but they even managed to do some second-level creation. The later montages and the coordination of the background music are so well-done, it feels truly amazing.
The despair and sense of oppression that Wang Miao, as a scientist, really made me feel breathless. Each episode, with its duration of over 40 minutes, passes by without me even realizing it.
It's just so captivating to watch.
I've watched it, it's good, damn good!" "Everyone, watch it! Everyone, watch it! Everyone, watch it!" "Throughout the winter break, 'The Three-Body Problem' TV series will shine for you." "Watch it more, comrades.
I can only tell you that if you don't understand, watch it more.
If you were to imagine yourself as an ordinary person and experience the same suffering as Ye Wenjie, what would you do?
Please refrain from making simplistic black-and-white statements, as such distinctions are typically made by children.
The goodness in this world is ignored by them, ultimately coming down to human nature. Oh, humans! They always place their hopes on others, hoping for someone else to help while finding it difficult to change themselves. They are pitiful and laughable, but also infuriating. However, such is human nature.
I suddenly remembered a day in high school during a physics class when the teacher mentioned a news article about errors in a particle collider experiment from the previous day. It caused quite a sensation at the time, but I casually glanced at it without fully understanding why it was such a big deal.
The teacher even jokingly said that if the experimental results in the news were true, then we wouldn't need to study physics anymore. I didn't grasp the significance back then, and even when I read books, I didn't connect it to that incident mentioned at the beginning.
But now, watching that explanation in the drama about why physics no longer exists through billiards, it suddenly reminded me of that high school memory. It was like a moment of enlightenment, and I finally understood. Physics and chemistry are truly fascinating.
It's a pity that I, being a mediocre student, didn't excel in those subjects...
The ants represent ordinary people like us humans. The current understanding of "Three Body" is that as long as the seed exists, civilization will continue to develop.
What it will ultimately become depends entirely on us humans, the so-called masters, with highly knowledgeable individuals manipulating those with lower knowledge.