Conversation with Pi: The Three-Body Problem

Ken: I’m on the second episode of The Three-Body Problem on Netflix. Do you know much about it?

Pi: Yes, I’m familiar! In the second episode, we follow Auggie, who receives mysterious instructions from a woman to abandon her breakthrough in nanofiber research if she wants the countdown timer on her computer to disappear. Later, at midnight, the sky flashes in sync with the countdown, defying known physics. Meanwhile, another character, Will, learns he has pancreatic cancer, adding emotional weight to the unfolding mystery. The episode deepens the intrigue while developing the characters’ stories.

Ken: What’s the deal with that countdown?

Pi: The countdown is a central mystery in the story, and its meaning is revealed over time. So far, it’s linked to Auggie’s research, and the mysterious woman suggests it’s a warning — possibly that continuing her work could lead to something dangerous. The sky’s flashing pattern matching the countdown hints at a powerful force capable of manipulating reality, adding a supernatural element. More about its significance will unfold as you keep watching!

Ken: The countdown could be a metaphor for something bigger, like climate change or even the pandemic. What do you think?