Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Season 2 of Squid Game dropped on December 26th, and let’s just say the reviews came in faster than a game of Red Light, Green Light. By now, most of us have seen it and either screamed, “YES!” or grumbled, “What was that?” The internet is flooded with opinions, from glowing praise to “I’m confused?” And honestly? Same. I thought it was amazing, maybe even as good as season one. But when the reviews started flooding in, I held off on writing my own, figuring everyone else would love it. Turns out, not so much.
The mixed reviews remind us that Squid Game has become a beast with expectations so high, it’s impossible to make everyone happy. It broke Netflix records once again and took over our screens.
One surprising thing happened along the way, though. As Squid Game shatters Netflix records in the U.S., the show was dethroned from its top spot by… wait for it… WWE Monday Night RAW. Yes, wrestling. According to Flix Patrol, the wrestling show has taken over the #1 position on the U.S. Top 10. Now, that’s a plot twist no one saw coming.
That said, everyone’s been praising Squid Game and its success, but it’s worth taking a moment to look at some of the lows too, especially with all the recent negative reviews.
Table of contents
A Little Recap
This article contains spoilers.
For those who may have missed Season 1 of Squid Game, here’s a quick background. The show first aired in 2021 and quickly became a worldwide sensation. Its dark story, set in a dystopian world, centers around desperate contestants who participate in deadly versions of childhood games for a chance to win a massive cash prize. But as the stakes rise, the brutality escalates. The players are trapped in a life-or-death scenario, where losing means certain death. The winner stands to earn a fortune, but only if they survive the gruesome trials.
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk used the violence and suspense to critique social issues like the wealth gap and class inequality. This blend of horror, social commentary, and suspense caught the attention of global audiences, making Squid Game Netflix’s most-watched show of all time, with over 265 million views.
Season 1 ended with the main character, Seong Gi-hun, surviving the deadly games but vowing to uncover who’s behind them. Fast forward to Season 2, where the bloodshed and moral dilemmas continue, as Gi-hun once again enters the brutal game, this time with a mission to expose those in control.
The Pitfalls of Squid Game Season 2
Squid Game Season 2 had a golden opportunity to build on its groundbreaking debut. But instead of taking risks or evolving its narrative, it stumbles in some frustrating ways. Let’s talk about what didn’t work.
A Slow Burn or a Snooze Fest?
The first few episodes of Squid Game Season 2 were like slow-cooked stew. Some fans loved the character backstories. Others? Well, they were tapping their watches, waiting for the chaos to start. Sitting through quiet moments of reflection isn’t why most of us tuned in. We got layers of depth, but for some, it felt like stretching a rubber band without ever snapping it.
Heavy-Handed Messages (Again…)
If subtlety were a contestant, it wouldn’t have made it past the first round. The second season continues to bash viewers over the head with its commentary on inequality and capitalism. Don’t get me wrong; these are important topics. But when every conversation, twist, and game feels like it’s screaming, “Hey, money is the root of all evil!” it starts to feel like a lecture.
Season 1 at least disguised its critique with emotional storytelling. Here, it feels like the show wrote “GREED IS BAD” on a whiteboard and circled it 20 times. The lack of nuance makes the story lose its edge.
New Faces, Mixed Feelings
The magic of Season 1 was in the contestants. Each had a story, a purpose, and a reason you wanted to root for, or against them. Season 2 introduced fresh characters, and boy, did they stir up the fandom. Some were instant favorites, while others triggered heated debates online.
You’ve got the usual lineup: the sacrificial lambs, the conniving schemer, and the one overly emotional wildcard who will inevitably mess things up for everyone. But beyond their surface traits, there’s not much else to them. They’re cardboard cutouts in a game that demands engaging personalities.
Thanos
No, not that Thanos. This one is the sharp, unpredictable wildcard played by Choi Seung-hyun (yes, T.O.P from Big Bang). His character, dubbed Thanos by fans for his over-the-top antics, was equal parts genius and unhinged. From the moment he walked onto the screen, he commanded attention through his strategic mind and his way-too-confident swagger. Love him or hate him, he brought a chaotic energy that kept everyone guessing. Some fans raved about how he shook up the dynamics, while others felt his vibe didn’t quite fit the Squid Game universe. Either way, Thanos became a conversation starter, and honestly, isn’t that what every great character does?
Hyun-ju
Hyun-ju was the kind of character who made you pause and think. A former soldier struggling with her identity and values, she was far from just another competitor. Her flashbacks offered glimpses into a life full of tough choices and emotional scars. Some viewers found her depth refreshing; a welcome change from the usual “just here to survive” archetype. Others, however, felt her story leaned a little too hard on melodrama, slowing the pace of an already dense season. Still, her internal conflict made her a standout for those who love a complex character arc.
Park Yong-sik
Oh, Park Yong-sik… he’s the guy who could never make a good decision even if it was handed to him on a silver platter. This guy’s entire vibe screams, “I’ll do anything to escape responsibility.” He hides his massive debt from his mother, breaks his promise to leave the game, and then just ditches her at the worst time possible. Like, dude, you can’t even keep a simple promise? He’s the kind of guy who’d ask for a refund on a free drink and still find a way to mess it up. He was the embodiment of immaturity, and it was hard to cheer for him when he just kept making everything worse.
Lee Myung-gi
This dude… seriously? Lee Myung-gi had the whole “crypto enthusiast” thing going, which was already a red flag. But beyond that, he was a walking disaster. His poor decisions led to the deaths of two characters that we actually cared about. And what did he do in return? Absolutely nothing but make things worse. Cold, calculated, and completely out of touch with reality, he was the definition of “what happens when you let greed run your life.” He made the worst decisions for everyone around him, and watching him self-destruct was painful in the worst way.
The Front Man’s Wasted Potential
The Front Man had the potential to be one of the most interesting villains on TV. A former winner turned enforcer? That’s rich storytelling ground! But Season 2 barely scratches the surface of his character.
His motivations are hinted at, but the show never takes the time to explore his psyche. Why does he stay loyal to the organization? How does he feel about what he’s become? Instead of peeling back the layers, the season treats him like a generic masked antagonist.
Recycled Tropes
For a show that prides itself on originality, Squid Game Season 2 is shockingly predictable. The games might look different, but the structure feels all too familiar. There’s the inevitable betrayal, the dramatic vote to stop the madness, and the “shocking” twists you could see coming from a mile away.
Even the new voting system, a supposedly fresh element, ends up being a gimmick. Players quickly learn that voting to end the games doesn’t actually save them, which makes the mechanic feel hollow.
Where Are the Games?!
Let’s get one thing straight, we came for the games. But with just three major ones this season, some fans felt a bit cheated. Felt like ordering a large pizza and getting a medium. The six-legged pentathlon tried to fill the void, but it didn’t quite hit the same high-stakes vibe we loved in Season 1. Mini-games were thrown in as a bonus, but not everyone was buying it.
In Season 1, each game carried emotional weight because you cared about the players. This time, the stakes feel lower because the contestants are less developed.
The games themselves aren’t as inventive. They feel like weaker imitations of what we’ve already seen. No doubt, they’re still brutal, but they lack the creativity and cultural resonance of the original set.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
While some games were genius (props for creativity), others overstayed their welcome. The Mingle game had style, but it dragged like a Netflix autoplay countdown. And that pentathlon? It felt like a mashup of ideas that didn’t know when to quit. It’s as if they hit shuffle on a playlist but didn’t realize half the songs were remixes.
Korean Humor Lost in Translation
One of the coolest things about this season was how unapologetically Korean it was. From inside jokes to unique cultural quirks, it was a feast for local fans. But for international viewers, some of the humor got lost in the subtitles. For example, a joke about a stone and a mistress landed differently depending on how you read it. It’s one of those “you had to be there” moments that didn’t quite translate for everyone.
Balancing global popularity with staying true to Korean roots is a juggling act, and not everything succeeded. Some fans praised the show for sticking to its guns, while others thought it played things too safe. The games needed to wow both Korean fans and global viewers, but not every choice hit the bullseye.
That Cliffhanger
Netflix clearly loves its cliffhangers, and Squid Game doubled down on leaving us hanging. The finale was a full-blown cliff jump. Some viewers threw their hands up in frustration and others appreciated the nerve it took to leave them hanging on by a thread (or maybe a rope from one of those games). Either way, it’s got people talking about what’s next.
A Game Half Played
Season 1 was lightning in a bottle. Expectations were sky-high, and no matter what the creators did, someone was bound to say, “It’s not as good as the first one.” Still, even with the critiques, Squid Game Season 2 kept people talking, arguing, and theorizing.
It tried to balance character development, social critique, and thrilling games but dropped the ball in each area. The emotional core is weaker, the messages feel forced, and the pacing leaves viewers frustrated.
Nonetheless, this season proved one thing: Squid Game still knows how to keep us hooked. Season 3? We’re ready for the ride… just bring more games next time, okay?
For more exciting reviews and the latest TV series updates, visit Inside Tech World today!
FAQs
Is Squid Game Season 2 the last season?
No, Netflix has confirmed that more seasons could follow, with the showrunner hinting at a potential larger storyline.
Are there any major plot differences between Season 1 and Season 2?
Yes, Season 2 explores new dynamics, including the impact of the Squid Game on both winners and losers, with deeper psychological themes.
Is the violence in Season 2 more intense than in Season 1?
Many viewers have said that the violence in Season 2 is even more shocking and graphic, with higher stakes and deeper emotional impact.
How was the reaction to the ending of Season 2?
The ending of Season 2 has sparked mixed reactions. While some fans appreciated the twists, others felt it left too many unresolved questions.
Are there any spinoff shows planned for the Squid Game universe?
Yes, Netflix has announced a reality competition series inspired by the games, and other spinoffs are being considered.
Did Squid Game Season 2 receive any awards or nominations?
While it’s still early, Squid Game Season 2 has been nominated for several awards and is expected to receive more as award season continues.
