Notice! This article contains spoilers for Squid Game Season 2.
Many viewers criticized squid game the shortest runtime of Season 2, but it benefits the show's upcoming Season 3 in more ways than one. squid game The first season was a hit when it arrived on Netflix in 2021 and became one of the most watched shows on the streaming platform shortly after its release. While some appreciated its gritty themes and storytelling, others loved it for its consistent pacing and ability to keep viewers hooked throughout its nine episodes. Although squid game season 2 took a while to come out, it performs incredibly well like its predecessor.
Not only does it boast an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 82%, but it also managed to rank #1 in 92 countries. Despite this, many viewers cannot help but complain about one aspect of the series' new episode: its seven-episode duration. Given that Squid Game's first season has nine episodes, and most Netflix shows have at least eight, it's understandable where the criticism is coming from. At the same time, it's hard not to see how squid game Season 2's slightly shorter episode count could actually be great news for Season 3 of the Korean Netflix show.
Squid Game Season 2 ended right where it needed to set up Season 3
Squid Game Season 2 Finale Raises Anticipation for Season 3
Just like its predecessor, squid game Season 2's opening arc gradually builds up to the games, bringing insights into the lives of the main players. It then cycles through a series of thrilling death matches and character conflicts that unexpectedly kill off several main characters. In his final moments, squid game Season 2 perfectly marks the end of another major arc in Gi-hun's narrative showing how despite his best efforts to stop the games, he failed and even lost his friend Jung-bae.
Cliffhanger endings are generally not very well received, and with good reason. However, given the way squid game season 3 is set to come out in 2025, it makes sense that season 2 ended on an ambiguous note. Despite being uncertain and leaving viewers clueless about Gi-hun's future, squid game The season 2 finale brings complete closure to the main character's revenge arc. It highlights how Gi-hun faced the consequences of being too blinded by his self-directed quest for revenge and involving others in his journey.
After Jung-bae's death in the final moments of the season, Gi-hun could become a stoic antihero in Season 3 or a broken and regretful protagonist.
squid game The season 2 finale also allows the next episode to go in numerous story directions, encouraging viewers to come up with many intriguing theories. After Jung-bae's death in the final moments of the season, Gi-hun could become a stoic antihero in Season 3 or a broken and regretful protagonist. The possibilities seem endless. This effectively increases the excitement and anticipation surrounding the third season's development.
Squid Game season two had enough episodes to make us care about the new characters
Gi-hun isn't the only character viewers are invested in after Squid Game season 2
Since squid game season 1 killed off most of the characters at the end of its season, season 2 was expected to add new ones to the mix. Its limited seven-episode runtime could have been disastrous if not for its pacing and ability to get viewers invested in its main characters' relatable stories. Even though Gi-hun's revenge story is still one of the main drivers of the series' plot, it's hard not to be curious about what will happen to other memorable characters. squid game Season 2 characters such as Yim Si-wan's Myeong-gi, Jo Yu-ri's Jun-hee, and David Lee's Min-su.
|
Season |
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
|
squid game Season 1 |
95% |
83% |
|
squid game Season 2 |
82% |
64% |
By presenting compelling stories and incredible performances, squid game Season 2 also managed to make other characters like Park Sung-hoon's Hyun-ju as rootable (if not more so) as Gi-hun. Since most of the main characters survive until the end of squid game In Season 2, the fear surrounding who will die also raises anticipation for Season 3, especially when it comes to Yong-sik and his mother, Geum-ja. Even with its limited runtime, Season 2 also does enough to make Front Man seem even more menacing by introducing other secondary villains like Nam-gyu.
Squid Game Season 3 Is In A Good Position To Be The Best Show On Netflix
Season 2 paved the way for becoming the series' darkest installment
Since its inception, squid game appealed to viewers for its portrayal of the darkest aspects of humanity and its no-holds-barred approach to killing off characters. Some of the most beloved characters from season 1 didn't make it out of the games alive. The fact that most of the main squid game season 2 players survived suggests season 3 will feature many heartbreaking character deaths. This will make the last installment of the show grittier than its predecessor, which could potentially make it the best season.
squid game The second season's runtime could have easily been extended with cute story beats to make it as long as Netflix's usual show fare. However, the fact that the show's creator Hwang Dong-hyuk chose quality over quantity proves that he will make the third season just as impactful, if not more so. With squid game being one of its most profitable IPs, Netflix would like to make it last as long as other successful shows like Stranger Things, Cobra Kaiand 13 reasons why. Happily, squid game isn't overstaying its welcome, promising to end on a high note in season three.