SQUID GAME- SEASONS 1 and 2 (2021-2024) – A Captivating and Groundbreaking Dystopian Thriller
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

Can you believe it? I hadn’t seen the original Squid Game series until recently! It wasn’t until Netflix started hyping up Season Two recently that I decided to dive into this worldwide phenomenon. So, I binge-watched both seasons back-to-back and here are my thoughts:
Season One (2021) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Squid Game’s debut season is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Right from the start, the show captivates with its unique premise—a deadly competition disguised as a series of children’s games, masterminded by a secret organization. The protagonist, Seong Gi-hun, played brilliantly by Lee Jung-jae, is a down-and-out gambler who sees the game as his last hope to escape crippling debt. As the stakes rise, so does the tension, making for a gripping and often heart-wrenching narrative.
The ingenious incorporation of traditional children’s games into lethal challenges keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. We are introduced to a cast of colorful, well-developed characters, each with their own backstories and motivations, adding depth to the story. The series doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of greed, desperation, and the corrupting influence of money, all while maintaining a fast-paced, thrilling plot.
Visually, Squid Game offers a refreshing take with its vibrant Korean settings, a stark contrast to typical Hollywood productions. The season wraps up with a satisfying conclusion, tying up loose ends while hinting at future developments, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what’s next.
Season Two (2024) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Season two picks up right where the first left off but struggles to recapture the original’s magic. Seong Gi-hun returns to the games, this time driven by a quest for revenge. While the second season retains some of the original’s charm, the novelty of the games starts to wear thin, and the new characters often feel like rehashed versions of those from the first season.
Despite these shortcomings, the season manages to keep things interesting with unexpected twists and variations in the games. Lee Jung-jae delivers a more confident performance, adding depth to his character’s journey. However, the plot occasionally veers into illogical territory, detracting from the overall experience.
The biggest letdown comes with the finale, which feels incomplete and abruptly cut off. Clearly setting the stage for a third installment, the ending leaves much to be desired. Nonetheless, the anticipation for the concluding season remains high among fans, who are eager for a satisfying resolution to this groundbreaking series.
Overall, Squid Game remains a standout in the realm of dystopian thrillers, solidifying Korean TV’s place on the global stage. Despite some flaws in its second season, the series continues to fascinate and entertain, keeping viewers hooked and eagerly awaiting the final chapter.