Ep 1. Chapter 01: Cubes

In the dystopian world of "3 Percent," society is divided by a wall that separates the Inland, where the majority of the population lives in poverty and desperation, from the Offshore, a utopian place where only three percent of the population can live. Those who have the opportunity to go through the Process and pass the selection's tests can fulfill their dreams of living in the Offshore.

In chapter 01: Cubes, viewers are introduced to the world of 3 Percent as the selection process begins. Candidates have to live in a grey, spartan facility known as the Cube, where they face a series of individual, physical, and psychological tests. The main characters are Michele, a fiery and determined young woman who grew up in the Inland and Fernando, an intellectual young man, who wants to change the world by uniting the Inland and the Offshore. The two of them have different motivations for taking the test, but quickly form an alliance that will put them to the test.

During their stay in the Cube, the candidates learn that they must do whatever it takes to stand out from the rest of the group, but they also learn that the tests are not fair, nor humane. While some people can work individually, others have to cooperate, and some are even forced to commit morally ambiguous acts. The tests are designed to push people to their limits, to see how far they are willing to go, and to weed out the weaker candidates. The Cube is a modern-day Hunger Games arena where the best have a chance to survive and become part of the top three percent.

The candidates have to face tasks that range from intellectual puzzles to physical obstacles, in challenges that test their creativity, collaboration, and resolve. They have to navigate through mazes, scramble through pipes, make complicated calculations, and sometimes have to do it blindfolded. The challenges are not only physically and mentally exhausting but also emotionally draining, as some candidates begin to crack under the pressure. The pressure to live a better life, to be part of the elite, takes a severe toll on their psyche and their relationships with their fellow competitors.

As the first episode progresses, Michele and Fernando start to bond over their shared experiences and moral dilemmas. They realize that there is more to the Process than just being physically fit and having a high IQ. They have to be adaptable, resourceful, and willing to take risks to succeed. They also come to understand that not everything is as it seems, that there are conspiracies at work, and that their survival in the Process is not entirely in their hands.

The episode ends with a group ceremony where the candidates who have made it to the next stage are announced. Some are elated, while others are devastated, and the status quo between the candidates has shifted. Michele and Fernando must now navigate a new set of alliances, not only with each other but with other candidates who have made it further in the Process. The stakes are higher, and the competition is fiercer as the candidates see the possibility of a better life just within their reach.

In conclusion, the first episode of "3 Percent" sets the tone for a gripping thriller that explores class warfare, social injustice, and the ruthless nature of survival. The series offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on the dystopian genre, with a cast of characters that are relatable and nuanced. The Cube is a world within a world, where viewers are both awed and horrified by the lengths that people will go to achieve their dreams. This episode is a great introduction to the series and sets the foundation for many twists and turns to come.