One 5-minute scene from Netflix 3 Body Problem not only elevates its overall quality, but also proves why the 8-episode series needs a second season.

Although reviews for Netflix’s 3 Body Problem are mixed, one 5-minute scene from its fifth episode perfectly demonstrates why the $160 million series deserves a second season. 3 Body Problem‘s creators have outlined plans for future seasons, which suggests they’re already gearing up for ways in which they can top season one’s most shocking scene. While 3 Body Problem makes changes to the book that it’s based on, the show benefits significantly from changing a scene that features one of the series’ most compelling examples of its characters facing a moral dilemma.

While it is uncertain if 3 Body Problem season 2 will happen, it deserves to. 3 Body Problem boasts an impressive number of special effects throughout its eight-episode storytelling, but the best aspect of the science fiction drama is arguably its handling of its complex themes, such as existentialism, power structures fighting for control, extraterrestrial life, and the moral implications of one’s decisions. Despite its uncertain future, 3 Body Problem‘s best scene bodes well for a potential second season and beyond.

3 Body Problem Season 1, Episode 5’s Nanofibers Ship Attack Is Its Best Scene

Despite Some Issues With CGI, The Scene Is The Best Expression Of The Show’s Moral Dilemma Theme

The fifth episode of 3 Body Problem, “Judgment Day,” is easily the series’ best episode for several reasons. Chiefly, the episode is the best in the series because it maintains a perfect balance of tension, drama, suspense, and anxiety that not only has a noticeable impact on its characters, but also has a tangible effect on viewers. As seen in the show’s first episode, Dr. Augustina “Auggie” Salazar has invented a cutting-edge nanofiber technology that humans could prove to be a threat to the San-Ti – that is, 3 Body Problem‘s versions of extraterrestrial life.

3 Body Problem ‘s nanofiber scene is an exercise in brutality that not only shocks viewers, but also highlights some of its biggest themes.

After being convinced by planetary defense strategist, Thomas Wade, to resume work on her nanofiber technology, Thomas then designs a defense effort to use the technology on a ship that’s scheduled to pass through the Panama Canal. As demonstrated early in 3 Body Problem, the nanofibers can slice through anything, so it comes to viewers as a genuine surprise when the ship unknowingly passes through the technology. Despite issues with the CGI effects, 3 Body Problem‘s nanofiber scene is an exercise in brutality that not only shocks viewers, but also highlights some of its biggest themes.

3 Body Problem’s “Judgment Day” Scene Completely Changes (& Improves) The Show

The Weight Of Everyone’s Action And Inaction Is Strongly Felt Before, During, And After The Scene

The “Judgment Day” scene is particularly effective because 3 Body Problem is a fairly tame show leading up to its most shocking and disturbing scene. While Jack Rooney’s fate in 3 Body Problem is also shocking, it pales in comparison to the “Judgment Day” scene given its sheer viscera and scope. Furthermore, the scene works so well because San-Ti sympathizer Mike Evans is aboard the ship, and his impending death implies that the stakes will rise to an even higher degree than what was already been shown prior to his brutal death.

After Evans and innocent civilians consisting of children are all unceremoniously massacred by the nanofiber technology, the San-Ti essentially let Earth know that they are going to invade the planet via an ominous eye in the sky, followed by messages informing humanity that they are nothing more than bugs. Although a special effects spectacle, the eye in the sky causes humanity to plunge into worldwide hysteria, which ramps up the tension even more. The “Judgment Day” scene makes the show’s alien invasion stakes feel real, and its impact on 3 Body Problem hints at what future seasons could do.

3 Body Problem’s Nanofiber Attack On The Ship Proves It Needs Season 2

Season 2 Can Include Even Bigger And Bolder Scenes Like The Droplet Scene

3 Body Problem‘s greatest strengths lie in the handling of its themes, engaging drama both inside and outside the characters’ personal lives, and the thought-provoking themes explored via the San-Ti and sophons. Although some criticism levied against 3 Body Problem highlight the show’s inconsistent special effects quality, pacing, and drastic tone shifts sometimes seen throughout the series, it is also one of the most creative entries in the science fiction genre. 3 Body Problem needs a second season in order to not only cover the remaining two books from the source material, but also to expand its themes.

Given the creative force behind 3 Body Problem , future seasons could interpret the Droplets very well.

3 Body Problem‘s source material features even more impressive displays of carnage and violence. In Cixin Liu’s trilogy, the Trisolarons (San-Ti in 3 Body Problem) feature powerful, small, and unmanned spaceships called Droplets that are released by the Trisolarons and wreak utter havoc on Earth’s planetary defense fleet despite advancements in technology. The “Judgment Day” scene was impressive and among one of the most genuinely terrifying scenes, but the Droplets scene is even bigger in scope and execution. Given the creative force behind 3 Body Problem, future seasons could interpret the Droplets very well.

3 Body Problem’s Nano Ship Scene Is The Closest It Gets To Game Of Thrones

The Nano Ship Scene Is Very Similar To Game of Thrones’s Red Wedding Scene

David Benoiff and D. B. Weiss of Game of Thrones fame are two of the three showrunners behind interpreting 3 Body Problem for the screen. As such, many comparisons between the 2024 science fiction drama and the duo’s 2010s adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s novels can be made. Stylistically, the shows are similar in that they feature morally complex characters who make decisions that are consistent with their methodology, while also making choices that contradict their personal beliefs. Additionally, both shows feature bold depictions of violence and gore throughout their storytelling.

While attacks like the Red Wedding are rooted in history, it makes one ponder whether a nanofiber attack as seen in 3 Body Problem is possible.

Game of Thrones is notable for containing many instances of violence, but the Red Wedding scene is arguably one of the show’s most brutal moments. Furthermore, the psychological impact that it has on the characters and viewers perfectly mirrors the “Judgment Day” scene. Both scenes are relatively brief yet impactful, mark huge turning points for the survivors, and highlight the ways in which violence can help reinforce their themes. While attacks like the Red Wedding are rooted in history, it makes one ponder whether a nanofiber attack as seen in 3 Body Problem is possible.

Is 3 Body Problem’s Nanofiber Attack Actually Possible?

The Nanofiber Attack Is Not Possible

As per The Ringer, Greg Rutledge, the Lammot du Pont Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, confirmed in an interview that nanofiber technology does exist. In his interview, he clarified, “Electrospinning is a method of creating nanofibers, which are generally considered fibers with diameters of less than 1 micrometer.”

However, while the nanofiber technology seen in 3 Body Problem does exist in real-life, it doesn’t possess the same destructive capabilities as demonstrated by the gut-wrenching “Judgment Day” episode. In the same interview, Michel Barsoum, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Drexel University, clarified that electrospinning simply isn’t much stronger than daily materials made up of similar compositions. Barsoum explained, “Any nanofibers when used individually as proposed here would not be much stronger than spider silk.”

Although 3 Body Problem‘s nanofiber technology is rooted in science, it dramatizes things for emotional effect. Doing so demonstrates an understanding of how complex the science shown in 3 Body Problem is, while also providing a cautionary tale of sorts. On one hand, the San-Ti have made it clear that they wish to invade Earth and wipe out all life on it. On the other hand, 3 Body Problem‘s military defenses possess a advanced and incredibly dangerous technology that almost makes them nearly as bad as the San-Ti. Although fabricated for effect, 3 Body Problem‘s nanofiber scene is still haunting.