‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Review: Fans React to Finale & Creator Teases Season 3

Squid Game Season 2 – A Disappointing Return with Hints of Redemption for Season 3

After a three-year wait, Squid Game Season 2 has finally landed on Netflix, but its highly anticipated return has not lived up to the expectations set by its record-breaking predecessor.

Squid Game: The Global Phenomenon

When Squid Game premiered in 2021, it instantly became a global phenomenon. The dystopian thriller captivated audiences with its chilling portrayal of desperate players competing in deadly children's games for a massive cash prize. It quickly became the most-watched show in Netflix history, generating 2.2 billion hours of viewing time and 265.2 million views. The show's virality made a second season almost inevitable, though its existence wasn’t initially planned. However, following the immense success of the first season, Netflix had no choice but to deliver more.

Squid Game Season 2

Season 2 of Squid Game was always going to be under intense scrutiny. While it’s no surprise that a follow-up couldn't quite capture the same magic as the original, the early reviews have been surprisingly lukewarm. Currently, the critic score for Season 2 sits at 83%, a noticeable drop from the 95% of Season 1, and audience reception has been even harsher, with a score of just 63%.

Disappointment and Outrage: Fans Vent on Social Media

As the episodes of Squid Game Season 2 unfolded, fans took to social media to express their frustration. One of the main grievances was the season's abrupt and unsatisfying conclusion. Many viewers were left seething after the finale, which ended on a dramatic cliffhanger.

“One frustrated viewer expressed disbelief, saying, 'I can't believe Season 2 ended on such a cliffhanger! I watched the entire season in one go, only to be left hanging until the next one comes out.' Another fan shared a similar sentiment, adding, 'It feels like this was only half a season.' Wait for Season 3 if you can. It just didn’t hit like Season 1 did.”

Inside the Plot of Squid Game Season 2

Squid Game Season 2 picks up where the first left off, with Player 456, Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), and Detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun) continuing their fight against the corrupt and deadly system of the game. The season also delves deeper into the mysterious Front Man, portrayed by Lee Byung-hun, and his troubled past.

New characters are introduced, including North Korean refugee No-eul (Park Gyu-young) and former crypto influencer Player 333, Myung-gi (Yim Si-wan). Gong Yoo makes a comeback as The Salesman, adding more intrigue to the evolving story. Despite the promise of new faces and deeper lore, fans were disappointed with how the show handled the expansion of its universe. The relationship between the Front Man and Detective Jun-ho, which seemed ripe for exploration, felt underdeveloped and left fans yearning for more.

A Gruesome Finale and a Long Wait for Answers

Season 2 concludes with an intense and emotional moment: the death of Gi-hun’s best friend, Jung-bae, at the hands of the Front Man. The brutal murder occurs just as Gi-hun leads an uprising against the game, making the loss even more personal and devastating. For fans who had followed Gi-hun’s journey, this loss was a painful climax to a season full of failed attempts to end the game.

The cliffhanger ending is a deliberate choice by creator Hwang Dong-hyuk. “Gi-hun’s failures lead to this heavy crisis,” he explained in an interview, emphasizing that the death of Jung-bae serves as a turning point for Gi-hun’s character. It sets up a powerful narrative arc for Season 3, where Gi-hun will likely grapple with guilt and a newfound sense of purpose.

What’s Next for Squid Game?

So, what can fans expect from Squid Game Season 3? Hwang Dong-hyuk has been tight-lipped about the specifics but hinted that the third season will focus on Gi-hun’s emotional journey after the loss of his friend. “Gi-hun will not be the man he was in Season 2,” Dong-hyuk teased. “He’ll be at a critical crossroads, and his choices will define the next phase of his journey.”

Conclusion: A Bumpy Road to Redemption

Squid Game Season 2 may not have lived up to the soaring expectations set by its predecessor, but it has certainly laid the groundwork for an explosive Season 3. The mix of disappointing pacing, an unsatisfying finale, and a lack of closure for key storylines has left fans frustrated. However, the anticipation for what’s to come is undeniable, and the final season promises to bring a new level of intensity and depth to the Squid Game universe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the critic score for Squid Game Season 2?

The critic score for Squid Game Season 2 is 83%, which is lower than the 95% score of Season 1.

Why are fans disappointed with Squid Game Season 2?

Fans are disappointed due to the shortened episode count, pacing issues, and an unsatisfying cliffhanger ending that left many feeling the season was incomplete.

What is the storyline focus of Squid Game Season 2?

Season 2 continues the story of Seong Gi-hun and Detective Hwang Jun-ho as they fight against the corrupt game system. It also delves deeper into the Front Man's past and introduces new characters.

What happens in the Squid Game Season 2 finale?

The season ends with the death of Gi-hun’s best friend, Jung-bae, at the hands of the Front Man, setting up a pivotal narrative arc for Season 3.

What can we expect in Squid Game Season 3?

Season 3 is expected to focus on Gi-hun’s emotional journey and his transformation as he deals with the loss of his friend and continues his fight against the game.