(Mostly Spoiler Free)

It’s been three years since the groundbreaking show Squid Game took Netflix and the world by storm. Season One of the dark Korean drama, featuring Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, and Jung Ho-yeon, revolved around a deadly competition where 456 participants, all deeply in debt, played childhood games for a life-changing cash prize—or faced deadly consequences for losing. The show not only captivated audiences with its gripping narrative but also acted as a catalyst for the growing global appreciation of K-dramas and Korean pop culture. It inspired a surge of Halloween costumes, cosplay tributes, and even a reality show based on the games depicted in the series. The surprise hit remained relevant long after its release, earning six Emmy wins nearly a year after its initial premiere.

Despite its massive success, a second season of Squid Game was never a foregone conclusion. While the financial incentive for Netflix was clear, the storytelling challenges were less straightforward. Fans (myself included) wondered what a continuation might look like without risking disappointment. Would it be enough to simply introduce a new cast of players and new games, relying on the emotional weight of human connections? Perhaps—after all, reality competition shows like Survivor have thrived on repetitive formats for decades. But fiction demands more.

Instead of retreading familiar ground, the creators, led by showrunner Hwang Dong-hyuk, take a bold approach in Season Two by expanding the narrative’s scope. The story revisits Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), the police officer who infiltrated the games in Season One and was shot by his brother, In-ho (Lee Byung-hun), now revealed as the Front Man. Jun-ho’s relentless quest to uncover and dismantle the games continues, and he’s joined by Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the reluctant hero from Season One, who has spent the intervening time tracking the enigmatic Recruiter (portrayed by Gong Yoo).

The new season also deepens its focus on other characters, offering a broader tapestry of human stories. Among them are a young pregnant woman struggling to secure a future for her child, a North Korean defector seeking to reunite with her daughter, and a father desperate to save his terminally ill child. In a compelling twist, the narrative follows some characters as contestants in the deadly games and others as the masked enforcers in pink suits who uphold the brutal rules.

Like its predecessor, Season Two grapples with themes of desperation, greed, and societal imbalance. However, it adds another layer by questioning the merits of democracy in a capitalistic system. While rooted in South Korea’s socio-political context, the series resonates powerfully with American audiences, reflecting a polarized political landscape where opposing factions struggle to align on the greater good.

The second season retains the show’s knack for crafting compelling character arcs amidst moments of intense tension. However, some of the shock and novelty of the first season are inevitably diminished. The pacing is slower, as the games—spread across two seasons—make room for richer side narratives. Despite this, the series remains binge-worthy, keeping viewers eager to hit “Next Episode” late into the night.

That said, the season is not without flaws. The ending may leave some fans unsatisfied, as it lacks a definitive resolution to many storylines. Certain character arcs feel underdeveloped, adding narrative weight without payoff, and the music choices occasionally undermine rather than enhance the tension. In some scenes, the musical choice, combined with over-the-top campy dialogue and acting really kill the tension of an otherwise deadly game. Season 2 really leans into the comedy part of a Korean black comedy and it’s really not for the better.

Grades:

Overall: C+ – Still must watch TV if you were a fan of the first season and there are characters to fall in love with. But the season finale felt ridiculous and of course, didn’t carry the punch of the conclusion of the game in Season 1.

Story: C — Loses some of the initial shock value but successfully builds new character arcs.

Visuals: C — While the sets are familiar, some action sequences are overly long and underwhelming.

Performances: B — Anchored by Lee Jung-jae, Gong Yoo, and a talented ensemble of K-drama regulars. Lose a letter grade for some serious over-acting in parts but that was probably more direction than the actor’s choices

Award Potential: D — Like The Bear’s recent season, the lack of narrative resolution will hurt its awards prospects.

Ultimately, Squid Game Season Two is a bold, thought-provoking continuation that deepens its exploration of human nature and societal flaws. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, it remains a fun watch that will still keep you hitting the “Play Next Episode” button.

All episodes of Squid Game: Season 2 are now available on Netflix.