I’VE PLAYED THESE GAMES BEFORE: Review of Squid Game Season 2

Seeing as it was the sequel to a very successful and impactful first season, expectations were set very high for the production team to produce Squid Game Season 2. Not only was the new season very different from the last, with the contestants playing different games and the show having an entirely new atmosphere, there was a great deal of evolution in the cast and different types of characters in the game. The season was also different when compared to the last one when it came to casting, showcased by a few different characters and actors not typically seen in the more conservative country of South Korea. For instance, fan favorite Thanos captivated the audience with his funny improvisation of certain lines, and, quite honestly, stole the show. Thanos was played by T.O.P., a former K-pop star turned public outcast after he was caught with marijuana, which is very illegal in South Korea.

 Squid Game Season 2, Netflix.

Because of the controversy, he played the role for a very low salary to return to the spotlight. Another notable character is #120, a transgender woman who not only gives an interesting backstory as to why she is playing the games, but also develops strong relationships with #95, with the latter having a sad ending, as well as an inspirational relationship between her and the old woman, #149, who initially ridicules her for her identity but eventually accepts her as the story progresses. While #120 was accepted by the old woman in the new season of Squid Game, her actor was played by a cisgender man, demonstrating how big of a leap the inclusion was in a country like South Korea. #120 also turns into King Von toward the end of the show, which was cool to see. The season not only built on the success of the previous one but delivered a pertinent social message about inclusion.

Squid Game Season 2, Netflix.

In general, the plot is based on Gi-Hun’s mission to get revenge on the gamemasters and those associated with the game, with several different side-plots filled with hints for the future and the nature of the games. Long story short, Gi-Hun’s seemingly clever plans are stopped and he is taken into the compound to play the games another time. Despite the differences in personnel, the games and interactions follow a rather similar structure, with sets of weaker people, a fair few bullies, and people with odd skill sets and backstories that are showcased throughout the games. Notably, though, the story of the man who had played the games before, #456, otherwise known as Gi-Hun, coming back was certainly one to behold, with him proclaiming in the first game of red light, green light: “I played these games before!!!” This much memed phrase from Gi-Hun was a pivotal one in the context of the games, with tension building as to whether to continue or end the games after each and every game concluded. Finally, the games themselves had a rather interesting end to them, but one that you will have to see for yourself.

Squid Game Season 2, Netflix.

Ultimately, I would have to rate the new season between a 9 and 9.5 out of 10, since I think it did a very good job in changing parts of the plot and elements in order to differentiate it from the first season, while also retaining much of the action-packed suspense and charm that the first season had. However, I did have some qualms about Thanos dying how he did, and I felt that the ending was on too much of a cliffhanger. Squid Game Season 2 is, however, still rizz approved.