pillow_spook

I feel like everyone has fairly noted what didn't work with this season (what were they thinking with the jun-ho storyline?? ). I also think a lot of pressure was put on it to be some kind of deep commentary on politics and capitalism. An expectation that it was supposed to be more profound than I think it ever intended. When the show actually had to try now to "stop the games," it clearly was at a loss on what to do. You can't just shoot the bad guys and save the day, as season 2 concluded with Gi-hun's naive plan. And where does season 3 go with that commentary? Nowhere. The attempt to stop the games just cynically ends because the show doesn't have an answer. And I feel kind of bad for the writers because clearly it was initially just focused on observing the humanity of characters when put in a high stakes situation. Still, I think this show WORKS when it focuses on the characters and their humanity (the good and bad aspects). And I would argue that season 3 did a good job exploring the different moral dilemmas. It's nothing revolutionary. But then again, it never had to be

I wanted to share this perspective since I see some people frustrated about leaving with more questions than answers. I think getting too fixated on a specific conclusion can rob you of a lot this show has to offer.

I find that what makes this series such a unique and special experience, is that it doesn't give you all the answers. It deliberately places you in the dilemmas the characters face, making you question what's the truth/ righteous/ justified/ or moral. Maybe people won't find this satisfying, but I believe the point is that it doesn't really matter.

When humans are put in a situation that is unexplainable, how do they react? What will people believe to help them cope with the fear? How will others try to exploit the situation for their gain? This show explores the different scenarios quite realistically. "What is the truth? Why is this happening?" You are left asking the same questions that the characters are processing. Without spoiling, if you watch to the ending of this season, I think it's clear the show is positively exploring the act of just "letting go of control." That sometimes, the most peaceful way to go about the unexplainable, the things we can't control, is to just accept them. Live the life we want to live amidst the chaos. Sometimes the truth won't set you free; you will live your life in stress trying how to live the "right" way. This show is specifically exploring religion and belief systems. Did I commit a sin? Am I a good person? Maybe it's fine to just live freely. You'll make mistakes, commit "sins," but there's no use letting that hold us back.
Anyways! All that to say that this show is very thought provoking and I hope people will appreciate it :)

If anyone who watched the anime is curious as to whether this will give you anything new, I'd say it does! It basically just borrows the concept of the parasites and then does it's own thing. It also adds its own perspective to the human nature commentary in the anime, so it won't feel like a repetitive message