Netflix's popular Korean drama Squid Game 2 has officially launched, releasing 7 episodes at once for viewers to enjoy in one go. While there were high expectations for the second season, the reviews have been much lower compared to the first season's critical acclaim.
Season 2 reveals three major flaws: insufficient character development, excessive violence, and unresolved plot points that won't be addressed until the third season. As a result, this season is likely to leave many viewers disappointed.
Character Development
Big-name actors make consecutive appearances, and each of them has their own storyline, which feels like they are all trying to steal the spotlight, causing the plot to go off-track and resulting in a very disjointed feel. In addition, the protagonist, Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), returns to the game with the massive prize money he won in Season 1, aiming to stop the brutal killings. However, after he makes a wrong guess in the second game, his advantage as the previous season's winner disappears. His actions become chaotic and aimless, suddenly leading an uprising against the Pink Guards without any apparent plan. In the end, he sacrifices others and is manipulated by 001. Compared to the struggles of the small characters in Season 1, it becomes difficult for viewers to empathize or connect with him.
Meaningless Scenes of Brutal Violence
Season 2 features even more brutal scenes that make viewers uncomfortable. Critic Kang Byung-jin pointed out, "Because so much energy was invested in character storytelling, in the second half, as people die one after another, I felt a lot of emotional exhaustion. There was also a group gunfight, which was a scene I couldn’t tolerate." He believes that after viewers have finally understood the struggles of each character, watching them die one after another is hard to accept.
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Season 2 of Squid Game is Just a Setup for Season 3
Despite Adding Many New Games in Season 2, It Lacks Creativity and Feels Like the Same as Season 1. The Slow Pace and Cliffhanger Ending Make It Clear That Season 2 Is Just a Trailer for Season 3.