Squid Game season 2 review: Too much cannon fodder stunts strong return

3.0 out of 5 star rating

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but ponder about one pressing matter regarding Squid Game season 2: Will it manage to enthrall the global audience yet again with its profound observations on late capitalism and wealth disparity?

After watching all seven installments, I’m still left with some uncertainty. It seems that the series creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has skillfully crafted an engaging follow-up, which stands out even more when considering his original statement about not having intended to make a sequel at the start.

From another perspective, the subsequent work won’t have the same impact as the initial sensation that led to its record-breaking achievement, due to the dilution of the Squid Game concept. This is partly because of reality shows like The Challenge and the puzzling internet personality, MrBeast.

However, should any event spark the fervor reminiscent of late 2021, it’s undoubtedly the beginning of season 2. This new phase commences powerfully, and the finale delivers an impressive scene featuring our beloved actor Lee Jung-jae rejoining the cast.

Three years after winning the Squid Game as champion, Seong Gi-hun is now leading a secluded existence within a decaying, deserted hotel. Utilizing his substantial earnings, he has set one singular goal: retribution.

It turns out that task is trickier than anticipated; despite having a large team of helpers scouring the Seoul subway daily, I’m yet to locate the well-dressed salesman who attracts participants by impromptu ddakji games.

Without a doubt, the initial two hours of season 2 stand out as particularly compelling, as director Hwang meticulously guides us through the intricate pathway back to the extraordinary Squid Game complex. This captivating odyssey maintains an engaging balance between the surreal and plausible, making it a truly immersive experience for viewers.

Upon arrival, the energy level remains intense, as an astute and hardened Gi-hun adopts a unique strategy in Red Light, Green Light. Meanwhile, a startling turn of events during the post-game voting process leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the “next episode.

Regrettably, the second part seems less impactful compared to the first, as it’s missing the intense scenes that sparked so much conversation during season 1. Mainly, this is due to the performances of the cast members.

The original episodes were blessed with some really compelling and memorable characters, including mysterious older man Il-nam, North Korean defector Sae-byeok, Gi-hun’s treacherous classmate Sang-woo, Pakistani migrant Ali and wild card Mi-nyeo.

After catching the season 2 finale, I must admit I’m still skeptical that any of these newcomers will attain such timeless fame. Some of the supporting cast, to my dismay, felt surprisingly shallow and underdeveloped.

The most effective pair in this production are Yong-sik (Yang Dong-geun) and Geum-ja (Kang Ae-shim), whose captivating interaction has a powerful emotional impact on the audience. Moreover, Choi Seung-hyun adds an entertaining twist as the sinister rapper character, Thanos.

I’m not entirely confident or well-versed in discussing the debate about the trans character Hyun-ju portrayed by Park Sung-hoon, yet it’s an intriguing personality within the narrative.

Regarding the rest, I don’t necessarily need them right now, but it’s significant to mention that not all characters are deceased at the end of season 2. This leaves room for several characters to make a comeback and shine in the upcoming third and concluding chapter.

In the short run, this implies that there aren’t many significant deaths throughout these seven episodes, reducing the suspense because the characters who are being executed are usually easy to predict and serve more like expendable pawns in the twisted trials.

The games can be unpredictable; among the novel features, a one-on-one confrontation in the initial episode seems to be the most thrilling because of its raw, personal intensity. However, an innovative take on a three-legged race generates a compelling scene as well.

Sadly, instead of maintaining the suspense that made the initial season stand out, this installment seems to falter at the finish line. The final game didn’t reach its full potential, and overall, the season finale felt fragmented.

The second issue I have is exacerbated because it seems incomplete, leaving me questioning whether seasons 2 and 3, filmed consecutively, were intended to be released as one extended edition.

Despite this unexpected twist ending, it prepares the ground for a powerful and fulfilling finale. This may well be enhanced by featuring fewer, yet well-rounded characters in the story.

It would be great if the storyline features the return of Jun-ho, played by Wi Ha-joon, who appears so infrequently that one might question why they even bothered to bring him back. The intriguing relationship between him and his distant brother, The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), needs more exploration in future scenes.

Initially, I was quite eager to award Squid Game season 2 a hearty four-star endorsement, given my initial enthusiasm for the early episodes. However, as the series progressed, it seemed to lose some momentum and left me with a feeling of incompleteness, which has led me to lower that rating slightly.

Despite some reservations, I firmly think that enthusiasts of the initial series ought to give this sequel a try. I’m confident that Hwang’s intense storyline will deliver a satisfying conclusion as we approach the final episodes set for release next year.

Just as Ki-jun intends to persist until the very end, I aim to do the same, hoping to keep as many companions along the way as possible.

2024-12-26 12:54

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