Midway through the new season of “Squid Game,” Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) discusses with a fellow contestant about ending the deadly competition through voting. His friend argues for continuing one more round for a bigger prize.
“Last time I was here,” Gi-hun responds, “someone said the exact same thing.”
This seven-episode Netflix return of “Squid Game” feels familiar. You’ll encounter similar dialogue and scenes from Season 1, with new characters resembling those who previously died or killed.
This repetition seems intentional, making the show a “things you’ve seen before” experience.
The 2021 South Korean thriller became a global phenomenon, notable for its visual style rather than its themes of capitalism exploiting desperation. Season 2 brings back familiar elements – the killer doll, jumpsuits, and piggy bank – that made it popular.
Season 1’s Gi-hun, a struggling debtor, won 45.6 billion won in deadly children’s games watched by wealthy V.I.P.s. Three years later, Season 2 presents a grimmer Gi-hun (Lee’s performance now focused on brooding and monologues), determined to destroy the organization.
His inevitable return to the game unfolds slowly, with the show’s pace mimicking its signature Red Light, Green Light game.
The new contestants include an arrogant rapper, an elderly mother with her clumsy son, and an influencer who promoted a failed cryptocurrency – some of them echoing Season 1’s characters and showing how predators can become prey. A parallel police investigation storyline, though meant to be intriguing, slows the narrative.
The season attempts broader scope by exploring the game’s staff, particularly the intimidating Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), who becomes Gi-hun’s target. A subplot about a North Korean defector (Park Gyu-young) starts promisingly but remains underdeveloped.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk maintains the show’s visual brilliance, skillfully portraying class struggle themes reminiscent of “Parasite” and “Snowpiercer.” A striking sequence in a children’s theme park reveals mascots suffering behind their cheerful costumes, reflecting how adult economics corrupt childhood innocence.
However, the season’s return to the games offers more misery than innovation, despite new twists. Titled “Squid Game 2,” it struggles to define itself – neither fully advancing the story nor standing alone as a fresh take. Over seven hours, it merely continues rather than expands the narrative, serving mainly as a vehicle for stylized violence. This raises questions about whether the social critique has devolved into mere fatalism.
While series like “Hunger Games” evolved beyond their initial premise to explore broader societal issues, “Squid Game” only hints at larger ambitions without fully pursuing them. When an antagonist tells Gi-hun, “The game will not end unless the world changes,” it suggests that the solution to this economic death match lies beyond the arena itself.
Yet the show seems hesitant to venture outside its familiar territory – at least until after one more round.
“‘Squid Game’ Season 2: Same Games, Lower Stakes” This captures the idea of diminishing returns while referencing the show’s premise.
“‘Squid Game’ Returns: All Style, Less Substance” This maintains the critical angle while being more specific about the issue.
“Second Round of ‘Squid Game’ Loses Its Edge” This conveys the decline in quality while playing on the competition theme.
“‘Squid Game’ Season 2: Spectacle Over Storytelling” This directly addresses the main criticism about style overshadowing narrative.
“The Games Continue, But ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Stumbles” This acknowledges the show’s return while highlighting its shortcomings.
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