Squid Game: Seasons 2 and 3 – A Bittersweet End or a Worrying Future?

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After completing the final episode of Squid Game, I find myself pondering: Is this truly the end, or could there be more to come?

Despite being informed that this is the last installment, I harbor some doubts and concerns for the future of the series. Just like many others, I thoroughly enjoyed the Emmy-winning debut season of Squid Game. Although Seasons 2 and 3 didn’t quite measure up to the narrative brilliance of the first, I’m still grateful for their existence.

Sure thing! For example, I was thrilled about the introduction of new characters. In fact, some of their deaths left me and many others disappointed. Additionally, I appreciated most of the new games we got to witness (although it seemed unnecessary to divide Seasons 2 and 3 into halves). Nonetheless, even though it’s said to have ended, I still harbor some worries. Would you care to lend an ear?

Oh, and MASSIVE spoilers up ahead.

The Show Might Not Have The Best Ending, But There’s A Definitive One, And I Want It To End Here

In the second and third seasons of “Squid Game”, the character of Seong Gi-hun, also known as Player 456, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, underwent a transformative journey towards redemption.

Player 456, deeply affected by survivor’s guilt from the first season, devoted much of his resources to rejoining Squid Game, with the intention of overthrowing them from within. For the most part, Season 2 followed this narrative, which I found generally enjoyable. However, Player 456’s attempts to overthrow the game leaders through force ended disastrously for him and a few others. In the end, he lost out because The Front Man, portrayed by Lee Byung-hun, secretly joined their group and sabotaged their plans.

Season 3 starts with Seong Gi-hun appearing defeated and slipping into a near comatose state due to losing all hope. However, when Player 222 has a baby girl, he finds a renewed sense of purpose to protect her following the mother’s death. In fact, he selflessly gives up his own life in the final episode to ensure her survival.

This marks the culmination of events, not necessarily the most satisfying one, but it serves as a definitive closure. To be honest, I didn’t feel another two seasons were essential for Squid Game, but if we were committed to exploring 456’s journey till the very end, at least we have a resolution to his tale.

However, that’s precisely the issue. Although his narrative appears to be concluded, there remain several unresolved aspects, which has become a significant worry for me in relation to the continuation of the franchise.

Seasons 2 And 3 Of Squid Game Were Nice, But I Don’t Want There To Possibly Be A Season 4

To be frank, although we’ve been led to believe that the series has ended, deep down inside, I can’t help but doubt it completely.

Towards the finale of Season 1, Seong Gi-hun hesitates before getting on a plane, but ultimately chooses not to. Yet, The Front Man insists he boards, an order which Gi-hun defies. Frankly, I had assumed the series was concluded at that point, considering Player 456’s reluctance to board (I mean, was it really going to end with him refusing to get on the plane?). Yet, I found the first season so captivating that I believed they didn’t need to explore any further.

In the finale of Season 3 (the last season), our protagonist, The Front Man, is alive and continues to drop off Seong Gi-hun’s clothes for his daughter. Later on, he notices a game of ddakji being played, which is being masterfully controlled by none other than Cate Blanchett! (Although her character isn’t revealed yet, I can’t help but think, Wow! It’s Academy Award-winning actress and star of Tar, Cate Blanchett, right outside my window!)

Regardless, the fact that The Front Man and several other characters are still living makes me think there could be additional stories, perhaps even a Season 4, but I’m not fond of this prospect.

I have faith in this idea because the conclusion of Season 3 seems as unfinished as that of Season 1, and Seong Gi-hun’s tale has concluded. frankly, exploring the Front Man’s narrative isn’t necessary. Additionally, let me make it clear, I don’t wish to delve into his storyline either.

Squid Game Has Always Worked As A Korean Show, And I Think It Should Remain That Way

I strongly prefer that there isn’t a U.S. adaptation of “Squid Game.” The original series is Korean, and I believe it should stay true to its roots. I’m not keen on the idea of it becoming popularized like “Fight Club” has, with people remaking it in other countries, as that could dilute its unique essence. For instance, I don’t see the need for American fans to adopt phrases like “His name was Seong Gi-hun” or similar references if there were an adaptation.

Squid Game stood out as it had a distinctly Korean origin. If it were an American production, it might have attracted viewers, but perhaps not to the same level of cultural impact that it achieved in America. The unfamiliar yet engaging games played by Koreans gave it a unique flavor, blending universal themes with something entirely different and captivating.

Additionally, the storyline of North and South Korea was integrated into the show, featuring beloved character Kang Sae-byeok (portrayed by Jung Ho-yeon) in the initial season, while Kang No-eul (portrayed by Park Gyu-young) took center stage in Seasons 2 and 3.

The North Korean defectors provide insights into the strained dynamics between North and South Korea. If there was an American adaptation of “Squid Game,” it could represent a Red State/Blue State divide, and I have reservations about whether this is something we truly want to see. While you might find appeal in such a concept, I most certainly do not, which leads me to my final thought.

In The End, Squid Game As A Concept Has Kind Of Run Its Course, And l’d Rather Not See The Franchise Expand More Than It Already Has

Can I be honest with you? I’m kind of done with Squid Game.

When the creator mentions a new spin-off for the show, I find myself expressing something like, “I’m afraid not.” It’s not because I dislike Squid Game. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I adore Squid Game. I mean, I truly enjoyed it! But isn’t it time to move on? We’ve already experienced the reality show, Squid Game: The Challenge, and that Mr. Beast’s Squid Game in real life video. Don’t we have enough variations now?

Initially, Squid Game felt like a flawless one-time series, standing tall among Netflix’s offerings, even breaking records with its viewership. However, the introduction of Season 2 seems to have tainted its pristine image somewhat. While I enjoyed the sequel, I believe it would be best for the show if it were left at that point, allowing it to preserve the goodwill and appreciation it once received.

Consider it as if the Rocky series is our example. The initial film was so highly acclaimed that it even received the prestigious Best Picture award. Yet, with subsequent sequels, it started losing some of its original luster. Now, I personally enjoy Rocky IV quite a bit, but it doesn’t hold the same esteem as the first movie. It’s undeniably corny, and I appreciate its corniness, but it would never have been in contention for Best Picture.

I share your sentiments regarding “Squid Game”. The second and third seasons kept me engaged, yet I’ve had enough of this universe. I’m apprehensive about the possible conclusion of Season 3, fearing that there could be more to follow somehow.

So, what do you think? Would you like more Squid Game? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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2025-07-07 21:08