A Review: Squid Game 2: A Binge-Worthy Cliffhanger
TV series Review: Squid Game 2: A Binge-Worthy Cliffhanger (But With Some Room for Improvement)
Okay, folks, buckle up because I just finished Squid Game 2, and let me tell you, it was a wild ride! I understand the internet hype – it's BITIN', as they say in Tagalog – and that cliffhanger? Brutal. Pure, unadulterated cliffhanger perfection designed to leave you screaming for Season 3.
The entire seven episodes felt like one giant, meticulously crafted setup. Think of it as a seven-course meal where the appetizer (the first two episodes) was a tad…slow. I almost drifted off to sleep a couple of times, honestly! But once they hit the island? Boom! The action picked up, and the tension ratcheted up to eleven.
Now, let's talk about the games. The heart and soul of Squid Game, right? They cleverly brought back the iconic red light, green light – a smart move, keeping that brand recognition alive. I was half-expecting a rehash of Season 1’s games, but nope! They introduced some fresh, inventive challenges that kept me thoroughly entertained. The games themselves were the absolute highlight.
However, the emotional depth? That's where things faltered a bit. Season 1 had us emotionally invested in so many characters. This time around, the emotional scenes felt…lacking. There wasn't that same level of empathy for many of the players. We had some fantastic characters – the transgender contestant, the Frontman (always a fan favorite!), the mother and son, the shaman, and the North Korean defector – but the emotional connections just weren't as strong.
And Gi-hun's motivation? Don't even get me started. Half a billion dollars, and he's going back for more? Seriously? Hero syndrome much? I mean, I get it; there wouldn't be a Season 2 without him, but still… it felt a little forced.
Poor Jun-ho. Seven episodes of searching, and for what? It felt like a huge waste of his screen time. And Gong Yoo's character? Such a fascinating individual, he deserved his own spin-off! As for the rest of the cast? Meh. Some of the added drama felt a bit cringe-worthy and unnecessary.
I suspect Season 2 is all about setting the stage for something massive in Season 3. It's a solid setup, but it doesn't quite reach the emotional highs and thrilling excitement of the original. Season 1 set the bar incredibly high, and Season 2, while entertaining, falls a bit short in terms of emotional depth.
All in all, a binge-worthy, cliffhanger-filled ride, but it needs a bit more heart to truly match the brilliance of Season 1.
#SquidGame2 #SquidGameReview #Cliffhanger #BITIN #KoreanDrama #Netflix