Squid Game Season 2 Episode 1’s Big Death Will Make Your Jaw Drop

by

As a die-hard fan who has been hooked on Squid Game since its thrilling debut, I must say that Season 2 has not disappointed one bit! The first episode, “Bread and Lottery,” delivered a shocking opener with the demise of the enigmatic Salesman. His death scene left me stunned, my jaw literally dropped to the floor!

Contains spoilers for “Squid Game” Season 2

In “Squid Game” Season 1, the most intense moments left a lasting impression on viewers. Given that over 300 participants met their end during the inaugural season, it’s reasonable to expect that Season 2 will maintain its violent tone, and it certainly didn’t shy away from graphic depictions of violence in its premiere episode.

In the initial scenes of Season 2, Episode 1 titled “Bread and Lottery,” we find Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and a group attempting to locate the mysterious figure known as The Salesman (Gong Yoo), who had initially lured him into the dangerous game series in the previous season. In their pursuit, two men manage to corner The Salesman, but he skillfully turns the tables, engaging them in a game of rock-paper-scissors. Tragically, one of the men loses his life during this encounter. This sets up a climactic showdown between Gi-hun and The Salesman where they engage in a chilling game of Russian roulette. In an unexpected twist, the final chamber is loaded in The Salesman’s gun, and despite having the opportunity to save himself by pointing the weapon at Gi-hun, he instead chooses to pull the trigger on himself.

The death is startling, even more so because the Salesman had a frightening expression on his face as he breathed his last. The line between games and reality is becoming blurred, and unwittingly or not, Gi-hun has struck a significant blow to those who create these games. If the Salesman can perish, then it’s possible that others might meet the same fate.

The Salesman encapsulates the themes of Squid Game Season 2

The Character known as the Salesman sets the stage for “Squid Game” Season 1, drawing Gi-hun into an unfamiliar world. Before departing for the U.S., Gi-hun encounters him one last time, and the Salesman attempts to recruit more participants. Remarkably, he quickly became one of the most beloved characters in “Squid Game,” symbolizing that even if Gi-hun escapes, the games and their exploitation of the impoverished will persist. Over a span of three years, Gi-hun seeks out the Salesman, and upon reintroduction, he’s found playing ddakji once more. Yet, there’s a twist this time around as he distributes bread and lottery tickets to homeless individuals.

Instead of offering them bread for immediate sustenance or a lottery ticket as an unlikely shot at wealth, he presents the option. Overwhelmingly, they opt for the lottery ticket. This situation is reminiscent of later events in the season when contestants can decide between taking a small amount of money and leaving or staying to compete for greater rewards. The Salesman offers choices similar to those presented in the Squid Game, where players choose whether to continue playing or leave with less but secure their immediate future.

As a fervent viewer, I can’t help but feel that this recurring “option” presented is illusory at best. We didn’t opt for existence in a system that forces us into cornered situations where brutal games like these appear to be our sole means of attaining a dignified life. Even the Salesman has a choice – he can defy the rules of Russian roulette and spare Gi-hun, or carry on with the game. It’s evident that for him, there’s only one path to tread.

Gong Yoo’s Salesman on Squid Game was originally written as a joke

Among the widely discussed theories about “Squid Game” Season 2 before its release, one pointed to an expanded role for the Salesman. In a technical sense, this theory held true because the Salesman took on more responsibilities beyond merely recruiting players, and we gained insights into his inner thoughts, although it’s unlikely he will feature extensively in future flashbacks. Interestingly, actor Gong Yoo ended up with a more substantial part than initially planned.

Prior to the release of “Squid Game” Season 2, Gong spoke with Elle Korea (through Mashable) about how his role materialized. “My involvement initially started as a joke when I and Hwang Dong-hyuk [the director] used to meet privately,” he shared. “Originally, I was meant for a humorous cameo, and the show was actually a lighter endeavor for me.

It’s surprising to eliminate a character portrayed by an actor as esteemed as Gong, given his role in “Train to Busan.” This move underscores that the series doesn’t shy away from offing well-liked characters, even those previously considered “safe.” The Salesman was so deeply convinced that people suffer consequences for their own actions that he ended his own life. Although he is gone, the haunting scene of the final round of Russian roulette will likely remain one of the most impactful moments of the season.

“Squid Game” Season 2 is now available on Netflix. 

Read More

2024-12-26 15:30