After making its debut during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Netflix original series “Squid Game” became a viral sensation. Its first season aired in 2021 and soon became the most watched show on Netflix. Following the show’s initial success, the latest season has been highly anticipated by fans. The second season features an incredible new cast while reintroducing familiar characters. Despite its promising comeback, season two of “Squid Game” disappointed many viewers.
The first two episodes of the new season are much slower and drawn out than the first season, and welcome back the main protagonist Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-Jae. Viewers are also given a glimpse at other characters, new and old, including Hwang Jun-ho, the undercover spy from season one, played by Wi Ha-Joon. The show also includes a new character Kang No-eul, played by Park Gyu-young, who works as one of the masked guards, and the Recruiter, played by Gong Yoo, the man who invites players to the games. Audiences also meet the creator of the games, In-ho, or the Frontman, played by Lee Byun-hun.
Although it is interesting to see the characters' pre-game backgrounds, some parts are missing context and make it confusing to keep up with the story-building. These flashback episodes feel like placeholders, considering this season is only seven episodes long, compared to the nine in the previous season. I feel like all these bits and pieces of excess content could have been condensed into one episode. This change could have easily saved time and made for less rushed future episodes, similar to the first season’s accomplishment.
Although I was disappointed by the pacing and plot development, the second season still has strong action sequences and casting. There is a lot of content in store for watchers, including an almost entirely new cast and new games.
Season two introduces actors such as Choi Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P, a former member of the Korean boy group Big Bang. Additionally, the show includes Park Sung-hoon, a popular actor who has starred in hit k-dramas such as “Queen of Tears” and “The Glory.” Other actors and actresses include Jo Yu-ri, a former member of the now disbanded girl group Iz* among plenty of others.
Such a phenomenal cast comes with enjoyable characters and noteworthy performances, nothing short of incredible. Each character has their own distinct personality and motive. While there are many parallels between the previous characters in season one, they still manage to have their own unique personalities and quirks.
The inclusion of a transgender female character came as surprise to many; however, the character was not overdramatized or given a stereotypical role, making her a fan favorite among many watchers, including myself.
Finally, the most important part of the show are the mini games. This gave viewers another opportunity to watch the most well-known game of the series, “Red Light, Green Light.” The game is played at the end of episode three into episode four, and it keeps watchers on the edge of their seats, just like the previous season.
The second season also includes new games such as a relay race with traditional Korean games such as ddakji, the game also used to recruit the players; gonggi a game involving tossing and catching marbles; and jegichagi, where the player has to kick a jegi five times without letting it drop. They also play mingle, where characters have to form groups the size of a number announced over the loudspeaker. The stressful time limit and thrill of rooting for your favorite characters is what makes the show so addicting.
The season ends with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers impatiently waiting for the release of season three later this year. The suspense and uncertainty in the last episode makes for a successful wrap-up. Overall, the new season is highly enjoyable, and I am excited to see what the producers come up with for the series finale, which will be released later this year.