The Ending of Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, Explained

Warning: Spoilers for 3 Body Problem.

Based on the award-winning Chinese novel, The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin, 3 Body Problem is the latest mind-binding science fiction series from Netflix. It follows a handful of scientists dealing with the consequences of Dr. Ye Wenjie’s (Zine Tseng/Rosalind Chao) decision decades prior to respond to alien contact. Known as the San-Ti, the aliens are on their way to Earth but won’t reach the planet for another 400 years. Threatened by the rapid technological advancements of humans, the San-Ti use their own advanced technology to eliminate Earth’s scientists in an effort to stall scientific development, so they can take over the planet. With their home planet unstable as a result of their three suns, the San-Ti are desperate to find somewhere new to live.

Although light years away, the San-Ti have recruited select humans for their cause thanks to Dr. Ye and her counterpart, Mike Evans (Ben Schnetzer/Jonathan Pryce). However, by the show’s season finale, Evans, who lost the trust of the San-Ti, is now dead, and Dr. Ye has realized the error of her ways. Nonetheless, she is also dead after the San-Ti’s most trusted recruit, Tatiana (Marlo Kelly), seemingly kills her. On its surface, 3 Body Problem seems like a boundlessly confusing series. In actuality, the manner in which its narrative unfolds makes sense, and it’s rather easy to follow, even for those who aren’t savvy about science. That being said, its finale still warrants a bit of an explanation given the myriad of unanswered questions and possibilities that lie ahead in its second season.

Dr. Ye’s “Joke” in The Cemetery Is Significant

3 Body Problem

4.5/5

Release Date

March 21, 2024

Cast

Saamer Usmani with Shailene Woodley , Marlo Kelly , Jess Hong , Jovan Adepo , Rosalind Chao

Seasons

1

Before her death, Dr. Ye expresses the error of her ways and declares she might have an idea or two left inside her. Unfortunately, viewers never explicitly learn what those ideas might be. However, her conversation with Saul (Jovan Adepo) in the cemetery appears to allude to more than what lies at the surface. While visiting her daughter’s grave, she asks Saul to meet her. She tells him her daughter always thought he was the smartest in their circle of friends, which is more than a mere compliment.

They converse a bit before she tells him a “joke” that involves Einstein, his violin, and God. Despite the warnings, Einstein tries to play the violin with God in Heaven. In response, God smashes his violin before an angel reiterates the warning, “Never play with God.” Dr. Ye holds her gaze on Saul, seemingly trying to speak with him telepathically, but he doesn’t understand the purpose of her joke, at least not yet. She goes on to explain that jokes are important, and humans wouldn’t survive without them, clearly emphasizing the word survive when she speaks.

The moment passes without further explanation, but the manner in which Dr. Ye looks at Saul clearly indicates something more. What that means remains to be seen. However, it’s worth betting the phrase “never play with God” holds a greater significance than the simple punch line of an unusual joke. Given Dr. Ye’s understanding of the San-Ti, she’s most definitely telling Saul something important in a manner the San-Ti are unable to comprehend, and she’s relying on Saul’s intellect to figure it out before it’s too late.

The Wallfacers Become Humanity’s Best Hope Against the San-Ti

Because of the San-Ti’s sophons, there is nothing on Earth they can’t discover. They’re always watching, which means they’re aware of any potential plans to defeat them. As a result, the U.N. created the Wallfacer Program in which three selected “Wallfacers” will work on a plan to combat the San-Ti strictly in their minds. Because the human mind is the only place the San-Ti can’t see, it’s the perfect place to design a plan to defeat them. To his own surprise, Saul is selected as a Wallfacer despite his refusal to participate.

With the reasons behind his selection unknown, Saul remains confused as to why he was chosen for something so monumental to the future of humanity. After an attempt on his life, it’s clear he knows something the San-Ti fear, whether he’s aware of it or not. In the conversation he had with Dr. Ye before her death she told him something important. However, he has yet to decipher whatever coded message she tried to relay. Given the Wallfacers are humanity’s last best hope against the San-Ti, Saul’s selection as one means Dr. Ye knew how to level the playing field against them.

“You Are Bugs,” and That Isn’t Bad

After the San-Ti realize humans possess the capacity to lie, they essentially abandon their human recruits and send a message to everyone on the planet: “You are bugs.” In the wake of the failure of the Staircase Program, Jin (Jess Hong) and Saul sulk in their own pity and succumb to the notion that they are in fact just bugs. However, Clarence (Benedict Wong) pulls them out of it after reminding them just how resilient bugs have been throughout the years. Despite humans’ best efforts, bugs haven’t gone anywhere.

The San-Ti might think humans are bugs, but that isn’t a bad thing. Jin and Saul realize the wisdom in Clarence’s analogy and set off with him after he declares, “We have work to do.” While it’s unclear how they’ll use their new outlook to combat the impending alien takeover, at least they’re optimistic now, which bodes well for the future. Although the series unfolds with a slew of horrific deaths and tragedies, Season 1 of 3 Body Problem ends on a rather uplifting and hopeful note for the future of humanity.

Season 1 of 3 Body Problem is currently streaming on Netflix.