3 Body Problem Season 1 Episode 1-3 Review: Countdown/Red Coast/Destroyer of Worlds

3 Body Problem sets up three interconnected stories that put the world under a dangerous and damning microscope. 3 Body Problem Season 1 Episode 1, “Countdown,” 3 Body Problem Season 1 Episode 2, “Red Coast,” and 3 Body Problem Season 1 Episode 3, “Destroyer of Worlds” introduces us to a familiar dilemma: can you save a world-destroying itself?

The show doesn’t answer this question in the first three episodes but begins leading us to the conclusion.

Visitors are, likely, coming to conquer Earth but the planet could have a self-destruction destiny that interferes with their plan. Three women may hold the key to stopping at least the invasion, though one of them requests it.

3 Body Problem may not end in man versus extraterrestrial but man versus his fight against science. This show (and assuming the book before it) wants you to take a look at the world.

Look at the damage that’s happening to it. Look at how we as a collective have hurt it. It’s not just things like climate change, but wars, damaging rhetoric, and the destruction of other species.

The not-so-subtle message works in 3 Body Problem because of its relevance to the state of the planet. Everything is collapsing but can things still be done to stop it?  

The first three episodes capture this overwhelming dread, especially with Ye Wenjie’s story. Additionally, the different levels of the game and Jin and Jack’s failure to save these worlds highlight this feeling of hopelessness to change the inevitable.  

The series creates this fascinating tale of an impending invasion that puts a mirror on local and global problems that have plagued the world for centuries.

The first three episodes of 3 Body Problem introduce the problem but also establish a compelling science fiction story. We have three interconnecting stories that are all leading to the same fight.

“Countdown” starts with a bang with a scene that introduces us to the cruelty of this world and offers insight into the era and one of our heroines, Ye Wenjie.

However, it focuses on world-building before diving heavily into the show’s conflict. There are plenty of jaw-dropping moments in the first episode (everything from death by suicide to a mysterious countdown).

We have the questions in “Countdown,” but the puzzle begins to unravel only in later episodes.

The premiere does enough to grab attention but not enough to inspire urgency to see the rest. Nevertheless, the next two episodes reward you for continuing.

Ye Wenjie and Jin have the most interesting storylines of the first three episodes. Auggie is one of the most important puzzle pieces but her storyline has yet to fulfill its potential.  j

Because of our investment in Jin, “Destroyer of Worlds” offers entertaining developments and the expected but still shocking moment.

This episode seems like the turning point that shows us the path of the rest of the season.  We’re excited for the journey.

3 Body Problem is a series where pacing matters. “Countdown” makes you believe it will be a slow build but “Destroyer of Worlds” disproves that theory.

“Red Coast” also gives us the most surprising development with Ye Wenjie’s choice and potential consequences.

We now know more than Jin, Auggie, Ye Wenjie, and the rest of the group. How they learn the truth and more details could make the next five episodes exciting.

What did you think of the first three episodes of  3 Body Problem? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

3 Body Problem is available to stream on Netflix. 

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!