Let’s be real—few shows have had a cultural chokehold on us quite like Squid Game did in 2021. With its mix of gut-wrenching suspense, childhood nostalgia turned deadly, and sharp social commentary, it’s no wonder it became Netflix’s most-watched series ever. Especially in the post-lockdown world where we were dying to return to normalcy. But then came Season 2—after three long years of anticipation. The big question: was it worth the wait?
Spoiler alert: not entirely.
Why Squid Games Season 1 Blew Up
2. Unique Storytelling K-dramas are known for their emotional depth, and Squid Game combines that with gut-wrenching suspense. Each episode ends with a cliffhanger so intense, you’ll find yourself saying, “Just one more episode,” until it’s 3 AM.
3. Social Commentary At its core, Squid Game isn’t just about survival—it’s a critique of capitalism, class divides, and how society values (or doesn’t value) human life. Heavy stuff, but it’s packaged in a way that keeps you hooked.
4. The Internet Factor Memes. Lots and lots of memes. From “Red Light, Green Light” to the Dalgona candy challenge, the internet took Squid Game and turned it into a cultural phenomenon. Even your chai breaks at work weren’t safe from people reenacting scenes.
The Buzz Around Season 2
With Squid Game Season 2 finally dropping this Christmas on Netflix, fans couldn’t contain their excitement. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) exploded with reviews and reactions. From "OMG, Gong Yoo as the psycho villain!" to "Why did they even make a sequel?" opinions have been as diverse as the games themselves.
What Worked in Season 2
Nice Twists and Decent Surprises
The show does have a few moments where it catches you off guard. One fan wrote, “Omg the end of the second episode… Oop!” But these twists are few and far between.Cast Highlights
Lee Jung-jae (Seong Gi-hun) shines as always, and Gong Yoo’s dark transformation as the salesman turned psycho villain deserves a chef’s kiss. Oh, and let’s not forget T.O.P (aka rapper Thanos), who brought equal parts charm and chaos.
Individual Plotlines Hold Up
If you watch Squid Game Season 2 as a standalone, the story feels fine. It’s only when you compare it to Season 1 that the cracks start to show.
What Didn’t Work
Sequels Are Rarely Worth It
Let’s just say it out loud: Squid Game Season 1 didn’t need a sequel. By the end of this season, you’re left hanging because they’ve decided to stretch it into a trilogy. Why? Probably to tie up all the loose ends, but guess what? Season 2 does none of that.That police officer side plot you cared about? Still unresolved. The main villain’s backstory? Nada. It feels like a sacrifice to make Season 3 more impactful, but for now, it’s frustrating.
No Justice to Season 1’s Legacy
I’d strongly recommend rewatching Season 1 (or at least skimming a summary) because this season assumes you remember every tiny detail. However, on the flip side, watching Season 2 on its own might actually be better since it doesn’t come close to matching its predecessor.Fewer Episodes, Less Magic
With only seven episodes this time, the pacing feels rushed. Critical moments are underdeveloped, leaving you longing for the depth and emotional weight of Season 1.
The Fun (and Weird) Bits
- Google’s Easter Egg
Want a quick laugh? Search for Squid Game on Google, and you can play a virtual “Red Light, Green Light” game. - Memes, Always Memes
Social media has taken over with hilarious takes—like how Gen Z’s dystopian nightmare isn’t the games but losing their phones during them.
My Verdict
I stayed up all night binge-watching the latest season, and honestly, I should have just slept. Squid Game Season 2 feels like a decent attempt but pales in comparison to the groundbreaking first season. The individual plot might be fine if judged in isolation, but as a sequel, it struggles.
The cliffhangers? Annoying. The plot holes? Even more so. The sacrifice? Necessary—for Season 3 to (hopefully) do justice.
Final Thoughts: If you’re a die-hard fan, give it a shot—but lower your expectations. And if you’re wondering whether you should wait for Season 3 in 2025, just remember: sequels are rarely worth it.
Did you love Squid Game Season 2, or are you still scratching your head like me? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! And if you’ve somehow missed the hype train, go watch Squid Game Season 1—it’s never too late to join the chaos.
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