Lots of Meat for a Great Trilogy Sandwich!
As brutal as "Squid Game" Season 1 is I have watched it over and over and have become obsessed with the characters and the story. It took 3 years to finally release this second season and after so much hype I was afraid Season 2 would be disappointing. I was pleasantly surprised instead. First, I think it did a great job of recapturing the intensity of the original without trying to repeat it. I knew I would miss certain characters and may not connect to these new characters as deeply, which was true, but with so many familiar KDrama faces in new roles (like Kang Ha Neul and Si-Wan) and knowing how Hwang Dong Hyuk is mindful of the tiniest story details, I trusted I would become invested in these new people who volunteered to join the Squid Game Universe, and I absolutely did. The returning cast and new cast live up to the hype, but unlike Season 1 where everything was packed into 9 episodes, we are left with so much more to learn about so many by the end of Season 2, and Season 3 thankfully comes in 2025.So yes, you must watch Season 1 to understand everything in Season 2 and eventually Season 3. Think of the movie musical "Wicked" but with more guns and less singing, besides Thanos' cringy rap verses courtesy of T.O.P.
Lee Jung Jae is back to revise his role as #456 Seong Gi Hun. He is still as bitter and mournful as he was at the end of Season 1 and he is obsessed with and determined to end these games once and for all. It's also not a spoiler if you watch any trailer to know that Wi Ha Joon is back as Officer Hwang Jun Ho as well. He too is just as obsessed and determined as he was in Season 1 although clearly the inspiration for his motivation has changed. Other returning characters that I was happy to see and see more screen time from in Season 2 are Lee Byung Hun as "Front Man" In Ho, and Gong Yoo as the recruiter. There are a couple more side characters from Season 1 who make a big reappearance in Season 2 but I won't spoil their reveals if you missed them in the trailer. I actually loved how all of the characters evolved over the 3 years in a way that stayed true to them and their story.
I was not as emotionally invested in the new characters as much as I was in Season 1 but I believe that is because of the direction of the story not because of the performances. T.O.P as "Thanos" is entertaining. The Mom and Son duo and Baby Mama Drama is a nice dynamic to add to the plot. With more time and episodes to tell the story I believe we will learn more about many of the cast we've only seen glimpses of in Season 2 in Season 3, but the roles that impacted me the most so far are Park Gyu Young as Kang No Eul who is so different from Dali in "Dali and the Cocky Prince" and has such an interesting character perspective from any of the characters in the first season which surprised me, and Park Sung Hoon as Cho Hyeon Ju, who I just watched in "Queen of Tears" and I didn't even recognize him at first because he is so different and this time very likable. Talk about range!
Would I watch this again? Of course. I binged it in one day on the release day and I will likely watch it a bunch before the release of Season 3. I can already tell that this is the kind of season that has details I may have missed since we know some of the clues for what will happen next are literally written on the walls. The way the Squid Game story takes a look at humanity in a philosophical way is still super entertaining, reflecting people who vote against their own self-interests as well as those willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. The games still inspire a "what would you do?" feeling with morally gray characters that make you both empathetic and frustrated. The story hits familiar plot beats from Season 1, Like 'red light green light', without making it feel redundant or predictable. The only part of the story that I couldn't really vibe with was the last episode. I don't think it is badly written, it just switches the tone we are used to so much that it feels like a normal action drama which was less interesting than diabolical kid's games. But by the end of the final episode, we are back to the same kind of suspense that kept me eagerly waiting and excited for Season 2 for these past few years, but this time I'm glad we only have to wait one year (or a few months).
I like that this season came at it from the perspective of putting together all the pieces of the game that we already know. As an audience, we have seen a lot but each individual character only has their limited perspective which is fascinating to see when you realize what they still don't know. I also love that the true question is still the blue pill red pill dilemma that questions whether it is important to play the hero even if most of the odds are against you or just enjoy living under the delusion that everything is ok with as many comforts as you can get.
Overall, "Squid Game" is still a well-done dystopian spin on capitalistic greed, and human nature/survival instincts. It does a good job of reflecting society without doing any finger-wagging. It's still visually iconic with a soundtrack that is haunting and campy and will remain burned into my brain (I love the 'red light green light' game remix). I can see people not liking it as much as the original but for me it's like comparing Star Wars to The Empire Strikes Back (iykyk). I can tell this was a compromise where they chose to tell a longer well-developed story and break it up rather than just come up with a quick formulaic sequel and I think they pulled that off. I may not have cried the way I did in the first season but I was shocked many times, touched by a few moments, and even plot points I could see a mile away got me hyped and yelling at the screen. Everyone has their taste but Squid Games is my "Hunger Games" and I'm all in for the thrills, sacrifices, betrayals, heroism, and unlikely teamwork. I see a lot of reactionary low scores for this season and that just makes me think many people still prefer 'blue pill' entertainment, which is fine. Personally, I am now once again invested in Gi Hun's journey and curious about how he will evolve in Season 3. Hwang Dong Hyuk is a great storyteller and dare I say it's been fun to be a viewer of these games. Does that make me a low-key VIP? I don't know, but I can't wait to see who ultimately "wins" in this series.
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Go in w/ low expectations & leave w/ even LOWER ones ?
I encourage you to experience the disrespect in person, pookie. Although, as long as you go in expecting Squid Games: lost at sea from the dollar bin, it's not completely terrible or unwatchable. It has the same flavors but with a weird aftertaste; like the raw grittiness of the original got watered down somehow.. too many chefs in the kitchen? (or maybe not enough..) I mean granted, we get hit with new faces with celebrity casting (like OMG- T.O.P.??!) and new games, but it's not enough to distract the viewer from the elephant in the room feeling of "ok... then what?". The old bells and whistles are "..cute" and all, but it's hard to not feel let down or robbed lol. My advice is go in expecting it to be a dark comedy just so the end doesn't feel like such a hard slap in the face. Bless xxWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A brutal reflection on reality
Despite what others are saying, this is exactly how I would've expected season 2 to go. In fact I predicted it, in conversation with friends that it would be an eerily similar story. The action sequences were exciting, although I do admit there were some dull moments that dragged on and on so I just sped up the video a little.Gi Hun goes to such lengths to prevent repeats of season 1, begging people to leave the games, pleading on his knees, but no one listens. He tries to save people in that first game, but to no avail, the deaths playing out in parallel to the first games. I couldn't see any other way for it to play out.
These games are supposed to reflect capitalism, how the rich look down on the struggles of the poor, and see their battle for survival as some form of entertainment. They promise riches for the 1/456 who manage to succeed. Preying on desperation.
The side quest with Jun Ho was also rather necessary, despite others thoughts. He's trying to bring to justice these people, but they're always two steps forward, prepared for every move by planting one of their own in Jun Ho's midst. It is reflective of the real world, how the rich and powerful often evade being brought to justice by the common folk, by killing witnesses and whistleblowers, or by simply foiling their plans by planting moles.
The presence of moles paints a direct parallel with the games and the real world, as Hwang In Ho takes up the identity of Oh Young Il, destroying Gi Hun's last chance to reach the control room. There is some dramatic irony in this as we the audience obviously know the identity of player 001, but Gi Hun doesn't and we are left to despair as he comes to trust 001 all over again, not putting two and two together. (Could've been avoided if Jun Ho had just shown him a picture but where's the fun in that lol)
However this season also brought to light who the soldiers are and what they do. The fact that these soldiers are likely in similar positions to the participants if No Eul is anything to go by. They are however offered a different job, thereby becoming class traitors. This is backed up by the recruiter saying he had come face to face with his father in the games, before shooting him.
All in all season 2 was rather enjoyable, with rather tense moments that had my heart racing. Many of the characters were rather lovable, even Thanos was rather amusing to watch. I admit I don't know what to expect for season 3 now, and the direction it will take, but I look forward to the final act.
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the hate squid game s2 is getting is LITERALLY UNNECESSARY!
I'm sorry to be saying this but I am PISSED.this season, for me, was PERFECT. like ima be defending this season w my life fr 🙄
I love the cast sm!!! My glorious king im si wan (●♡∀♡) (i hate how he did NOT get enough screen time..) so lets talk about how this season is getting unnecessary hate and complaints.
i heard of how people were unable to form a "bond" w characters like they did in the first season bc there wasn't enough story ?? like bro then tell me why I was absolutely bawling over ha jun. maybe y'all are just .. sigh yk.. forget that this is just a show. The main point lies in the acting which all of the cast NAILED.
I love how there was a variety of characters and we had a little bit of everything. Also Top was a silly goofy guy who added eccentricity to the show.
the acting of all the actors is literally phenomenal
I liked the pacing and story of this as well. Like yk you'd expect the games and plot to be stagnant and like similar but the games are so diff 😭😭? which makes it all the more exciting cuz you rlly dk what to expect when you thought you knew what was gna come!! LIKEEEE TRUST ME, I DIDNT EXPECT TO BE LIKE SO ANXIOUS SINCE ITS BASICALLY US REWATCHING THE GAMES, BUT LIKE TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, MY HEART WAS POUDINGGGG AND I HAD MY HAND ON MY MOUTH FOR LIKE EVERY. OTHER. EPISODE.
it keeps u on edge, truly.
that's it honestly. i don't want to spoil anything.
I hope this gets to as many of you. and y'all give s2 a chance instead of just going for online reviews and thoughts of others.
ofc aagin this is my opinion but I'm ALWAYS defending ts wit my life<3.
enjoy!!!! 7h welll spent!
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A Missed Opportunity
The much-anticipated second season of Squid Game has finally landed, and with it comes a medley of highs and lows, sharp twists, and bittersweet disappointments. While the first season was lauded for its unflinching critique of societal hierarchies and its deeply emotional narratives, Squid Game 2 feels like a diluted echo of its predecessor, stumbling under the weight of heightened expectations and the greed of corporate serialization.Let’s start with the brighter spots, dim though they may be in the overall shadow of the season. Gong Yoo’s increased presence is a genuine highlight. Every second he’s on screen feels electric, a masterclass in understated charisma that leaves the audience wishing for more. Though his screen time remains fleeting, it’s a testament to his talent that he manages to inject so much gravitas into what could otherwise be a throwaway role. Lee Byung-hun, reprising his role as the enigmatic Front Man, similarly commands attention with his characteristic poise. His layered performance adds a veneer of intrigue to a character that could easily have become a caricature in less capable hands.
Another pleasant surprise comes in the form of Jo Yu-ri’s acting debut. Her portrayal of a young contestant, desperate to secure a future for her unborn child, is one of the few emotional touchpoints of the season. Her earnest performance brims with authenticity, grounding an otherwise chaotic narrative with moments of genuine heart. It’s a promising start to what will undoubtedly be a flourishing career.
The new games, albeit fewer in number, manage to retain the macabre creativity that defined the series’ first outing. Bloodier and more ruthless than before, they are designed to shock and awe, keeping viewers on edge with their relentless brutality. These moments remind us of what Squid Game once stood for: a visceral critique of human desperation framed within a grotesque spectacle.
Yet, these few merits cannot mask the glaring flaws that plague Squid Game 2. Chief among them is the show’s blatant exploitation by Netflix, which opts to leave the season dangling on a cliffhanger. The bitter irony of a series built on critiquing capitalism’s excesses being reduced to a tool for corporate gain is almost laughable. Instead of a coherent, self-contained story, we’re left with an unfinished tale, a dangling thread that screams “watch the next installment” rather than providing any real closure.
The truncated format of only seven episodes does little to alleviate these frustrations. The first three episodes are bogged down by redundant exposition, rehashing familiar themes and setups from the first season. For returning viewers, this feels like a tedious exercise in redundancy, while new viewers are unlikely to be drawn in by such meandering storytelling. By the time the show finds its footing, it’s already rushing to an unsatisfying conclusion, leaving little room for the kind of emotional depth that made the marble game in season one such an unforgettable moment.
This lack of emotional investment is further exacerbated by a cast of largely forgettable characters. While Jo Yu-ri’s character shines, others are relegated to the sidelines, serving little purpose beyond cheap comic relief. Thanos, in particular, is a glaring misstep. His antics are grating and pandering, dragging the show’s tone into unwelcome territory. His eventual demise is less of a tragedy and more of a relief, a moment where the series mercifully spares us from further irritation.
Perhaps the most egregious sin of Squid Game 2 is its abandonment of what made Korean dramas so compelling in the first place: their commitment to telling a complete, satisfying story. Unlike Western series, which often stretch narratives thin in pursuit of longevity, Korean dramas traditionally pride themselves on tight, cohesive storytelling. The decision to end this season on a cliffhanger feels like a betrayal of this tradition, a move dictated not by artistic integrity but by the cold calculus of profit margins.
In the end, Squid Game 2 is a pale imitation of its predecessor. While it offers glimpses of brilliance in its performances and games, it’s ultimately undermined by a rushed narrative, underdeveloped characters, and the suffocating influence of corporate interests. The series has lost its edge, trading its incisive social commentary for the empty spectacle of a franchise being milked for all it’s worth.
If you’re able to overlook these shortcomings, Squid Game 2 might still be worth a watch for its fleeting moments of brilliance. But for those hoping to recapture the magic of the first season, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
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Half a season
There are some interesting premises and character dynamics here: reunited exes, Gi-hun and the Front Man, the perspective of No-Eul as a guard...but nothing really comes to fruition because S2 feels incomplete. I think calling it S2 and S3 is kind of a stretch; it's S2 part 1 and S2 part 2. I like seeing the push-and-pull between the character pairings, and the show does a good job of adding tension using dramatic irony, but other than that, it's a lot of set-up without any pay-off.I have the patience to wait for S3, but it just feels like Gi-hun, as a returning character, is quite under-utilized. I'm not sure I buy into the idea that he's some kind of revolutionary leader who everyone falls in line behind, and I also feel like he's approached the games on too much of a surface level. He yells for everyone to listen and follow him to overthrow the game makers, but doesn't spend actual time thinking about why the games exist, or if they planted a player the way they did in the last game. Wi Ha-jun's character (whose name I can't even remember) is underutilized too. He's on a boat, but largely irrelevant.
I also think the games just aren't as good. I understand that the show needed to go beyond the games this time and couldn't just have the same thing play out again, but I felt like there was a missed opportunity here. Now that we have a guard character, I imagine — what if the protagonists planted people in the guards the same way the antagonists had planted a player? Or what if the players found loopholes to the games? Part of the chart of S1 was that the games were very simple: cut out this shape, pull the rope, cross the bridge, play marbles. This time, in making the game so complicated — have a team of five with each person playing a different childhood game as you walk around the track with your legs tied together — it felt like we lost something. We didn't get to see how each character approached a simple game because there were too many characters and games and we were just flashing through all of them.
Regardless of all this, I think this season is a decent set-up for whatever comes next.
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Season 2 lacking everything that made Squid Game such a good series.
I was so hyped for Season 2. Squid Game was one of my all time favorite Korean dramas.Season 1 had everything.
* Good acting
* Deep stories behind contestants
* Good characters with good sympathy characters and villains, like you could really feel what they felt, the despair and sadness and anger with the villains.
* Mystery about literally everything
Season 2 ruined pretty much everything about all of this.
* The acting was so bad from many of the characters it became annoying.
* The stories about characters was shallow and overall so boring.
* Characters was just so boring, there was no good villain (thanos was a joke)
* Literally zero mystery, it's a pure open book about everything which just made it boring.
* The games? Like what, zero suspense, I did not get drawn into a single game compared to first season where i felt i was in the game myself.
I don't know why they decided to just go in 180 degree about everything in Season 2.
It felt like a bad ripoff where they wanted to involve everything "new" to cater to young people. Like bitcon, so many young shallow characters etc.
I have zero hopes about the last part will save this horrible season 2, I am just so sad they ruined the series this bad.
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This review may contain spoilers
*Looks around* Am I the only one who enjoyed this season....?
Finally after three long awaited years, squid game is back!!Before I start the review, I would like to admit that I was one of the many people who were conflicted/against there being a season 2. I thought that by continuing the story, the show would lose it's charms. BUT I am here to explain why I was so wrong.
I still remember the echoing of the facepalms and sighings we all collectively did at the end of season one when Gihun decided to not board that damn plane. I thought to myself 'he better have a good explanation for this'.
So did he? Yes, you could say he did.
Many people probably view Gihun's actions as heroism but I see it as insanity. Or could be both. After all, to be a hero you have to be insane, in a way. You could tell that the previous games have deeply impacted Gihun. Nothing appears to phase him anymore. This was the most notable to me during the Russian Roulette game with GongYoo (Whew that game was so intense. Such a great performance from GongYoo, he was SO scary). It is obvious that Gihun has absolutely nothing to lose at this point. He lost his mother, his wife, his daughter and his friends. Because of this, it makes sense that he would return to the game with no problem or fear. It is almost as if he has made the goal of ending the games the new sole purpose for life since he feels like he has lost every other purpose.
The first and second episode were able to reflect this very well. It showed how Gihun was living soullessly waiting for the grand opportunity and how he did not hesitate for a second to take it. However, despite Gihun's very dramatic character development, I loved the subtle moments they included where we are able to see glances of the old Gihun. For example, his 'I'm fucked'.
I see many complaints regarding the intensity of the games. I agree in some sense that they were not as intense as season one however, I do not agree that they are bad. I personally loved the games especially the Merry Go Round; that game was rather intense and it included some of my favourite scenes from the show. I also loved how they made rock, paper, scissors into a horrifying game. Only squid game could pull such thing.
I also loved the new additions to the show which showed us various of humanly relationships such as mother and child, military comrades, reunited friends and ex lovers. Many of which were not in season one. I also loved how the trans character was able to find people who accepted her and cared for her in the one place she probably least expected to.
Additionally, I LOVED LOVED the rebel movement they started at the end. Like did the game makers and guards seriously not foresee such thing? It made me think to myself wow.. how has no one started some rebel movement against those psychopaths while they're still in the game all this time. It was a great plot advancement, in my opinion. Those guards were finally able to get a taste of their own medicine. I also love how it reflects the human nature in which causes them to always fight back against those who try to hurt them. Which has been seen throughout history. That is how oppressive groups and organisations always fall down and I cannot wait to see how it develops and ends in season 3.
Although I really loved this season, that is not to say it was absolutely perfect as there were a few things that I disliked.
I did not really like how the game creators are so knowing of EVERYTHING. It is almost as if nothing is ever able to slip past them. How they were able to find the tracker is beyond me, how they are able to see and track the boats is also beyond me. It almost makes them seem as supernatural beings. But I suppose the reason they are able to know some things is because of rat spies such as the boat dude. But is there really a need for a spy? Not really. I expected just as much. In fact I probably would have been more shocked had there not been a spy.
I also dislike that there is another North Korean addition to the story and how they focused on her backstory. Not sure how this will contribute to the overall plot but I have a feeling probably not much. I would have rather they focused on another character's background story. Her helping the sick girl's dad in the games was long foreseen from the second they interacted which lost some suspense points for me.
Overall a great season that definitely exceeded my expectations. I cannot wait for June!!!!
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I like season 2 more.
The first season was exactly what I expected, so I wasn't expecting much from the second season. But I like season 2 more. The amount of popular actors in this drama is amazing. Of course, the threads raised in this season were not fully developed. Probably because a third season was already planned. But for me this season was definitely more interesting. I feel like more characters were introduced and brought closer.There were some elements that gave a glimmer of hope that the characters' situation would change. And sometimes there was a hint of unpredictability.
The choice of actors is questionable but in Korea it is increasingly difficult to find someone without a shady past. (And I am not talking about T.O.P because the criticism he receives is sick.)
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"Welcome to da Thanos world."
Overall 9/10🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐
SO ENTERTAINING!!
I enjoyed this season a LOT more than the first season. I've seen many mixed opinions about season 2 but I genuinely enjoyed it! The games were different and the new characters are so fun. I liked that they did not do a more in depth backstory to the main players we get introduced to but instead let's us discover what they are like the same way the characters get to know each other. Still zero regard for life but player 230 really made it less stressful with the comedy he brought along. Player 120 is the DIVA and player 222 is a cutie pie, I absolutely loved everyone (especially player 388). Just be prepared that season 2 ends on an extreme cliffhanger! (Don't say I didn't warn you!😂)
"I'mma legend. Thanos💅💚💜💙❤️🧡... WELCOME BACK MY FRIENDS... I'm sorry, boiiii🚪"
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surprisingly good
I wasn't expecting much from this, but i liked it quite a lot! I binge watched all in one day and I liked it.Obviously not as good as the first season but i didn't think it was boring.
It is just sad that we have to wait so much for the final season...
Otherwise, loved the new characters (park sunghoon <333) and overall liked the plot!!
Can't wait for season 3!
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Better than expectations
I found it better than S1. In S1 we saw games by the participants prospective but in this one we alos got to see perspective of recruiter, pink guards, black guard and the main guy. The rating is low because MDL audience is always has been like this, a romantic cliche drama with same story and nothing new to offer easily gets 8.5+ rating but when a thriller dramas starts getting popular all of them suddenly become critics.Their complaints doesn't even make any sense. Many are surprised that why did we get s sequel, bro it was already obvious by the ending of S1. Some are saying that what kind of ending was that when everyone already know it was part 1 of S2 and part 2 is yet to come so what ending?
I'm happy that Park Gyu Young got enough screen-time, I thought she is a guard so she will always be in mask and unrecognizable but the really made her stand out. All characters had good screen-time but Jo Yu Ri and Lee Jin Wook were barely there.
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