3 Body Problem (S1:E1)

David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, known for their work on the epic fantasy series Game of Thrones, have now ventured into the realm of science fiction. Their latest show, 3 Body Problem, adapted from the Hugo Award-winning Chinese novel by Liu Cixin, delves into a complex narrative set in 1960s China and beyond. In this tale, scientists grapple with an existential planetary threat, weaving together intricate worldbuilding and rich visuals.

Full review coming soon.

WOKE REPORT

In No Particular Order

• It would appear to aliens watching this program that America consisted of only 10% white people.
• China is known for its rigid patriarchy. Yet, the showrunners give women positions of authority and even military weapons during one of the episode’s early flashbacks.
• The question “Do you believe in God?” is answered with a disdainful “Is that what it’s come to?” As though the possibility of God’s existence is abhorrent (it’s possible that this is a deliberate setup to the discovery of God – but not in episode 1).
• At a bar, a guy (white) gently comes on to two strong, diverse women, and they are immediately put off by it. Their condescending response is to list their extensive credentials as though the idea that women can be smart is something this fellow had never considered. He is properly intimidated.
  • The scene is completely unrelated to the rest of the narrative and serves only as a clunky and sexist way to deliver background information on the two ladies (information that is established again in later scenes).
• The female and black male scientists are all far more serious and attractive than the two white doofuses.
• While at a friend’s funeral, the two scientists from the bar meet, and one asks the other, “Did you see the neurologist?” To which her friend affirms. She then follows up with “What’d he say?” Her friend quickly replies with “she.”
  • Just to show systemic gender bias. Again, this has nothing to do with the show proper.
• The book Silent Spring is inexplicably introduced to a character in communist China for two reasons, one of which drives the narrative while the other is purely to push environmentalism.
• “We’re not believers in this house. We’re scientists,” is said as though the two must be mutually exclusive.