The blockbuster Korean Netflix series, Squid Games, is back with another season.
by Marli Gingell
Managing Editor
*this review contains minimal spoilers*
Playing child’s games for millions of dollars sounds easy enough, but nothing free comes without a price. The original series of squid games premiered in 2021, quickly gaining a massive amount of viewers. Finally, the long awaited season two released on December 26th, ending the 2024 year with a bang.
The season starts right where season one left off. Player 456, played by Lee Jung-jae, decides not to board his plane after his phone call with the Front Man, Lee Byung-hun. The first two episodes are slow and don’t feature any characters in the games. However, they set the scene for the original dual storyline between Player 456 and the detective. Immediately, it’s revealed that Jun-ho, the detective, survived. The recruiter also returns, attempting to recruit more players through the same game of Dachi.
Around the end of episode two and the beginning of season two, it’s discovered that Player 456 is playing in the games again, by his own request. His goal was to convince the other players to leave because of his experience and seeing how the games tore his life apart. A big difference in this season is the side characters. In the first season there were fewer side characters that had their storylines revealed, in this season, however, there are a lot more characters and a lot less deaths.
Once the games begin, new characters are introduced, replicating similarities to season one characters. The same intense competition is continued through the games. In season one, the first game played was Red Light, Green Light. Season two is no different. However as the season continues, new games are introduced such as a Six-Legged Pentathlon and Mingle.Just like new games were added, new rules were also announced. Instead of the games having no opportunity to end, a vote is inserted after each game where players are able to vote or stay. The only catch is that majority rules.
The season ends with a rebellion. Player 456 makes a plan to overthrow the leaders in
Overall, season two was filled with plot twists and anticipation building scenes. The plot was paced well and never got boring. Each of the new characters brought something to the show, despite having a large amount. For fans of mystery, lovers of intense scenes or anyone interested in anything rebellious, season two of Squid Games is worth the watch!