Squid Game Season 2: Does It Live Up to the Record-Breaking Hype?

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Three years following the events of the first season, Gi-hun opens a new chapter with a specific goal in mind after deciding against moving to the United States.

WHO’S IN IT?

Season 2 of Squid Game welcomes back Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun. Deeply affected by the first season’s events, his sole focus now is to track down and eliminate the organizers of the Squid Game. His winnings from the final game allow him to assemble a team of mercenaries.

Clearly, the Gi-hun we see in Season 2 is a far cry from the affable character of the first season. This personality shift perfectly encapsulates the darker tone of these seven new episodes.

Several familiar faces from Season 1 return, including Wi Ha-joon as police officer Hwang Jun-ho, and Gong Yoo as the recruiter. Also seen in the previous season, Lee Byung-hun, who portrays the masked leader of the soldiers, assumes a more significant role this time.

Of course, the cast of Season 2 is primarily made up of new actors. Notably, Park Sung-Hoon (seen in The Glory), the iconic actor Yang Dong-Geun (star of the movie Fighter in the Wind) as a debt-ridden man paired with his mother (Ae-sim Kang), and Kang Ha-Neul as an overly zealous former Marine.

The standout new talent of Season 2 is undoubtedly Choi Seung-hyun, better known to K-pop fans as T.O.P., who plays player number 230, nicknamed Thanos.

With his purple-dyed hair and punchlines worthy of an American rapper, this new character’s psychopathic tendencies will undoubtedly captivate the series’ fans!

IS IT WORTH WATCHING?

Remember, at the end of 2021, Squid Game burst onto the scene unexpectedly, sparking sudden and worldwide excitement to become the most-watched original series in Netflix history within weeks.

This success took everyone, including creator Hwang Dong-hyeok, by surprise. Originally developed as a feature film, it went through numerous rewrites over time, eventually evolving into a nine-episode miniseries. With no sequel planned, the South Korean filmmaker had to start from scratch for the continuation.

Three years later, not one but two seasons are debuting on Netflix! Season 2 is now streaming, while the third – announced as the final installment – will premiere next year.

This time, fans are promised they won’t have to endure another lengthy three-year wait to see what’s next in Squid Game!

Fewer Episodes, More Enjoyment!

On the downside, Season 2 comprises only seven episodes, compared to the nine episodes of the first season. However, this reduction isn’t due to budgetary reasons but rather a creative decision. Seasons 2 and 3 were conceived by Hwang Dong-hyeok as a continuous story, with episode 7 identified as the ideal breakpoint between the seasons.

Nevertheless, this shorter episode count doesn’t diminish the experience. On the contrary, the first episode dives right back into the Squid Game universe with considerable effectiveness, avoiding unnecessary reintroduction and keeping the narrative brisk and engaging.

Many fans decided to rewatch Season 1 before this release to refresh their memories. Thus, Squid Game boosts Netflix’s viewership even before Season 2’s release! Those worried that the excitement might have faded after three years can rest assured.

A Hollywood Star Joins the Cast

The international success could have easily gone to Lee Jung-jae’s head. He even made his Hollywood debut in the series Star Wars: The Acolyte. Returning to Squid Game, the 52-year-old actor delivers a compelling performance, showcasing the darkness of a character consumed by revenge yet still illuminated by his charismatic personality.

His role as the leader of this new generation of “squid gamers” fits him perfectly. His jaded look at the madness of players who wish to prolong the games to increase their personal stakes seems to be directed at us.

Aren’t we, in some way, similar to these characters, ready to orchestrate new massacres for personal gain?

The satire is still present in Season 2, but the entertainment aspect is not sacrificed. Instead, the increased budget allows for a succession of thrilling action scenes and the introduction of new, equally brutal games.

The Sequel All Squid Game Fans Were Waiting For

While it could have easily fallen into the trap of repetition, this second season shapes up as an even better-controlled extension that remains just as addictive. Generally, this sequel is a huge success, particularly in its ability to refresh its narrative through new, engaging, and charismatic characters.

There are plenty of unexpected twists and masterfully executed turns, making it hard for anyone wanting to prolong the pleasure not to binge all seven episodes upon the release of Season 2.

For someone who originally had no sequel in mind, Hwang Dong-hyeok certainly knows how to keep his millions of fans entertained!

Despite a few writing flaws, Season 2 of Squid Game is almost entirely a thrilling success. There’s no doubt that the vast majority of fans of the first season will be captivated once again by this sequel.

And while it may not capture the same spirit, this second season appears as the best Christmas gift Netflix could offer its subscribers!

The first two seasons of Squid Game are now exclusively available on Netflix.

Check out the list of series currently available on the platform!