Returning after three years, Squid Game Season 2 (2024) delivers a sequel with some ups and downs compared to its predecessor. To get straight to the point, I found it enjoyable. Admittedly, my low expectations—stemming from not regarding the original as a classic—may have played a role, but it’s undeniably a piece of content that can be thoroughly enjoyed. The unique atmosphere that defines Squid Game shines through, though slow pacing and secondary storylines act as drawbacks. In this post, I’ll discuss the pros and cons I noticed.
Netflix.
Brief Synopsis
Seong Gi-hun uses his substantial winnings to investigate the masterminds behind the games, teaming up with Hwang Jun-ho, who conceals his identity as the Front Man’s brother. Their plan to infiltrate the island fails, and Gi-hun voluntarily re-enters the games. Simultaneously, Jun-ho and his team are on the move to locate Gi-hun.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The expanded cast of characters in Season 2 promises a richer narrative, but juggling too many backstories dilutes the focus. In Season 1, the spotlight was on Gi-hun, Sang-woo, Sae-byeok, and Il-nam, allowing audiences to connect deeply with them. Season 2, however, divides its attention among participants with varied motivations, the masked guards, and Jun-ho’s team. Unfortunately, the lack of a cohesive connection between these storylines leaves the season feeling fragmented by the end.
The second entry in a trilogy often shines because it focuses on progressing the story without the burden of setup or resolution. Yet, Squid Game Season 2 falls short of building compelling curiosity about how its disparate characters will converge, even with its cliffhanger ending.
Casting recognizable actors in supporting roles was, in my opinion, a misstep. While international viewers might not be familiar with them, Korean audiences can intuitively guess these actors won’t be eliminated early, which dampens tension. My wife and I even joked, "Oh, that team has so-and-so—they're safe," and we were rarely wrong.
Highlights and Misses
The individual backstories—such as a single mother, a pregnant woman, a shaman, and a father with a sick daughter—are interesting to watch. Particularly, Park Sung-hoon's portrayal of a transgender ex-special forces officer is captivating in every scene. However, moments like the voting scene that determines whether the games continue feel overly drawn out, weakening the overall narrative flow in a mere seven-episode season.
While some criticize Gi-hun’s character for being inconsistent, I view his vengeful drive as a natural extension of his humanity. His actions stem from his belief in people’s innate decency, a belief the game organizers trample upon. We must remember that Gi-hun won the first season not through brilliance but through a mix of faith in humanity and sheer luck.
Unique Gameplay Keeps the Magic Alive
What makes Squid Game Season 2 enjoyable is still its unique and bizarre games. This season introduces events like the "6-legged modern pentathlon" and pair-based games. Amid the convoluted storylines, the games provide the series' most gripping and entertaining moments. Watching players caught between life and death, set against an eerily cheerful backdrop, creates the trademark Squid Game tension. When that innocent facade gets stained with blood, you remember, “Ah, yes, this is Squid Game.” During these scenes, I laughed, clapped, and held my breath, fully immersed on the edge of my seat.
Final Thoughts
Despite its flaws, Squid Game Season 2 (2024) offers plenty of intrigue. While it lacks the magical allure of the original and suffers from uneven pacing, it remains an enjoyable watch. Reports suggest that director Hwang Dong-hyuk was financially motivated to create Season 2, as Netflix owns the Squid Game IP and didn’t provide him the financial rewards reflective of its success. Still, his pride as a creator gives hope that Season 3 will bring a satisfying conclusion, leaving both the director and viewers with a win-win outcome.
12.30.2024
