Everything we liked and disliked about 'Squid Game' season 2

Back in 2021, when the world was navigating life under lockdown, Squid Game on Netflix entered our lives and emerged as a cultural phenomenon—one that few shows have managed to replicate since. It wasn’t just about a group of players trying their hand at some childhood games—this was about life and death. The show was packed with suspense, exploring themes like human nature, inequality, capitalism, and greed. With its high stakes, the show was compelling and unpredictable right from start to finish.

Now, three years later, the much-anticipated sequel has arrived. Following his win in season 1, player 456 (Seong Gi-hun) is back—not as a survivor, but as a man on a mission. He gave up his chance to go to the USA to play one more time and expose the dark realities and the masterminds behind this gruesome and twisted game and avenge everything that took place. 

 

With a global fandom that only grew during its hiatus, season 2 faced the daunting challenge of living up to its predecessor’s legacy. Packed with fresh dynamics, new players, and an entirely different set of games, the latest season offered a mix of emotional and psychological drama that was impossible to ignore.

Let’s explore what made season 2 thrilling and where it missed the mark. *Spoilers ahead*. 

What we liked

Player dynamics and their relationships

The show wasn’t just about the games—it was about the players, each bringing unique motivations and personal stakes to the competition. Season 2 continues this trend, introducing new friendships, alliances, and betrayals. Two standout dynamics are those between Jung-bae (Player 101) and Gi-hun (Player 456), as well as Geum-ja (Player 149) and Yong-sik (Player 007). The former is one of the most touching relationships in the show. What starts as a friendship based on survival grows into a bond with a deep sense of trust and camaraderie.  

 

The second, between Geum-ja and her son Yong-sik, is filled with emotional tension—as they are separated and forced to play the games in different groups. She is a mother who will go to any lengths to protect her son while Yong-sik struggles to deal with the fact that the only way to survive the games is to be without her. 

These relationships add layers of emotional complexity to Squid Game, highlighting both the raw humanity and the tragic sacrifices that define the show.

 

The turmoil that Gi-hun faces

Returning to the game was no easy decision for Gi-hun. Haunted by his past experiences and driven by unresolved guilt and anger, his inner turmoil adds immense depth to his character. Watching him navigate the moral and emotional complexities of re-entering this deadly arena was one of the season’s highlights.

 

The Front Man’s role

One of the most intriguing twists was the Front Man’s direct role in the game. No longer just a mysterious figure in charge, his involvement as a controlling and powerful force as a participant named Young-il added more tension. The way he manipulates events from within the game brings a darker layer to the story. The Front Man forges a surprising connection with Gi-hun by revealing his heartbreaking backstory: his pregnant wife was critically ill, and he entered the games in a desperate bid to secure the money needed for her and their unborn child's treatment. However, Gi-hun remains completely unaware that the person he trusts most is, in reality, the one he despises.

 

Games old and new

Gi-hun probably thought he and the other players would have the same advantage as in season 1, but as we mentioned, the Front Man was one step ahead. This season was completely different from the first with games that were more psychological and emotionally draining. That said, the very first game of the new season was Red Light, Green Light which saw the return of the killer robot doll. Post that, things are fresh. Six-Legged Pentathlon, the game played in episode 4, ‘Six Legs’, sees team members start with their legs tied together, with each member playing a mini-game (Ddakji, Flying Stone, Gong-gi, Spinning Top, and Jegi) every 10 meters. To win, they must complete all mini-games and cross the finish line before time runs out.

The last game in this season was Mingle in episode 5, ‘One More Game’, where all remaining players get on a platform that spins. A number is called out that requires the players to form a group that matches this number and enter one of the many rooms within 30 seconds or be eliminated (aka shot dead). 

The cliffhanger ending

The season finale delivered a jaw-dropping moment that left viewers with a lot of questions. *Spoiler alert* Watching the Front Man coldly execute Jung-bae in front of a horrified Gi-hun was a masterstroke of tension and drama. The scene’s emotional weight and implications set the stage for a gripping continuation in season 3, set to release next year. Having lost the only person he could trust, will Gi-hun finally realise that Young-il and the Front Man are the same person, we can't wait to find out. 

What we didn’t like

A slow start

While context and setup are important, the first episode felt a tad too slow with some scenes getting stretched too long. Reintroducing the characters was a nice touch, but the pacing could have been faster to keep things moving. After all, we did come to see the games! 

All in all, the second season of Squid Game is a worthy follow-up to the original, with gripping new dynamics, revamped challenges, and shocking twists that stay true to the show’s essence. While the pace faltered in the opening episode, the season delivered a rollercoaster of emotions and left us with a cliffhanger that promises even more intrigue and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

All images: Netflix

Also read: Access all areas: On the set of ‘Squid Game’ season two