Warning: Spoilers ahead forSquid Gameseason 2.Squid Gameseason 2 made a very notable change to the show’s formula to separate it from its first run of episodes from 2021, and although the interesting alteration didn’t work all that well, it has certainly laid a strong foundation for the upcoming third and final season. Details aboutSquid Gameseason 3’s storymay be scarce at present, butSquid Gameseason 2’s endingteased several possibilities that are likely to be paid off when the show returns.
Other than Red Light, Green Light kicking off the tournament as it did last time, thegames inSquid Gameseason 2are all new to the Netflix show. However, it wasn’t this change that impacted the return of Lee Jung-jae’s Seong Gi-hun. In fact, thenew challenges taken on by the players are a big part of what keptSquid Gamefeeling freshin its second season - even if there were upsettingly fewer games this time around. Regardless, it’s the players competing in the deadly string of events that are the immediate issue.
Squid Game Season 2 Focused On Way More Players Than Season 1
Gi-hun’s experience was directly influenced by far more players this time around
Compared to the latest run, theSquid Gameseason 1 castis relatively small. The tight-knit group of main characters in the Netflix show’s inaugural season allowed the focus to be on the games themselves, but the various figures still experience brilliant arcs. Despite there still being a total of 456 players at the beginning of each season, theSquid Gameseason 2 castfeels much larger. At times, it feels very difficult to keep track of the show’s main characters and where they’re up to in their development, which was never really an issue in season 1.
How To Play Gonggi From Squid Game Season 2
Gonggi is a minigame within a game in Squid Game season 2, and the rules to the fast-moving challenge can be difficult to pick up by just watching.
Given the number of characters actually competing in the games, it’s perhaps not a surprise thatSquid Gameseason 2 has decided to flesh out more of the contestants this time around, as failing to do so in season 1 did sometimes feel like a wasted opportunity. Regardless, while it sounds like a good idea on paper,spending more time on a larger batch of main characters inSquid Gameseason 2 didn’t work out that wellon the whole.
Squid Game Season 2 Focusing On More Characters Ultimately Hurt The Show
Gi-hun and the other players' time in the games wasn’t given enough focus
Characters likeT.O.P’s Thanos inSquid Gameseason 2 had some great moments, but many of the other newcomers felt very much like they were just taking up space, or were serving as motivation for other players. Plus, having so many players in the limelight made parts of the story more predictable. In short, it gave them all too much plot armor. When the possibility arose of either an established character meeting their end or a nameless face from the horde of other players, it quickly became obvious that the main cast was pretty much always going to be saved.
Squid Gameseason 3 is confirmed to premiere in 2025, but a specific date has yet to be announced. It will also be the final season.
Perhaps even more saliently, the relationship-building between all the new players wasn’t something that came easily or in a short space of time. As a result,huge portions of theSquid Gameseason 2 episodes revolved around the characters simply talking to one another. In other shows, that may not necessarily be a bad thing, but especially considering the fact thatSquid Gameseason 2 is already two episodes shorter than season 1, there was even less time to focus on the characters playing the games - which is what made the show so great in the first place.
Why This Squid Game Change Will Pay Off In Season 3
Squid Game season 2’s extensive character work is a great way to set up the final episodes
Although including so many new characters resulted in a messy and, at times, under-formed second season,Squid Gameseason 3 will reap the narrative rewards of its predecessor’s hard work. Spending so long with all the new characters will invariably cause fans to become attached to them, and when there is a possibility of someone dying, it will be far more tense and impactful. WithSquid Gameseason 3 serving as the show’s final run of episodes, there is a very real possibility of several character deaths to enhance the drama.
Park Gyu-young’s Squid Game Season 2 Character & Identity Twist Explained
Park Gyu-young is a part of Squid Game season 2’s massive roster, but her character’s narrative in the Korean drama comes with an intriguing twist.
Plus, almost everyone’s loyalties have been firmly established due to their respective arcs inSquid Gameseason 2, and their familiar personalities will make their actions a little easier to predict when the show returns. In short,Squid Gameseason 3 won’t need to waste any time setting up the story, as it can just serve as a direct continuation of the season 2 finale from late 2024.
Squid Game
Cast
Squid Game is a South Korean series released in 2021 that follows numerous financially struggling participants who are invited to partake in children’s games with deadly outcomes. As they compete, they vie for a substantial cash prize, all while navigating lethal challenges orchestrated by mysterious figures.
