Why the final season of Netflix’s devastating, brilliant thriller is right to frustrate fans

Following two impressive seasons with a strong impact, one might think that Squid Game has already revealed all its surprising elements.

Or:

Having made a sensational entrance and a highly commendable follow-up, it could be enticing to suppose that Squid Game had exhausted its shock value.

Or:

After an astonishing first season and a second one equally worthy of admiration, there might be a tendency to think that Squid Game has already shown all its unexpected twists.

Instead, let me rephrase that sentence for you: The third episode of the thriller’s finale surpassed expectations, offering one of the most outstanding performances in the series, with remarkable skill and impactful intensity.

The initial episode of the series serves as a tribute to what sets Squid Game apart, blending human greed spurred by capitalism with raw emotions like love and ethical values.

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By accomplishing this, it encapsulates the fundamental truth of humanity, encompassing both its sublime aspects like beauty and love, as well as its raw and unflattering aspects.

The unfortunate incidents make the storyline of the K-drama more poignant, leading to its emotional climax or finale.

In the upcoming season, fans might anticipate another dramatic turn of events, but what was demonstrated in season two is that the most surprising twists aren’t necessarily born out of violence, but rather from the characters themselves: their chilling actions, their desperation escalating to depravity – and the coldness of the game’s creator and spectators who revel in their downfall.

In season three, it continues along a similar path, delving even deeper into the emotional aspects of the narrative by exploring past experiences that reveal the weaknesses and sensitive sides of our characters.

In the heat of season three, I find myself grappling with a tough, unforeseen predicament, picking up the pieces from the crushing loss in season two.

Once more, I find myself immersed in the role of Gi-hun, a character that demands the skills of a true master like Lee Jung-jae. This season, I’m put through an emotional rollercoaster – from the pangs of guilt and the crushing weight of despair, to the fires of determination, humility, and raw pain. And with every emotion, I feel Lee Jung-jae’s unparalleled ability to make each one resonate authentically within me.

As a dedicated fan, I’d like to acknowledge that while he was exceptional, he wasn’t the only one who delivered a remarkable performance. Kudos also go to Jo Yuri as Kim Jun-hee (player 222) and Kang Ae-sim as Geum-ja (player 149). Their portrayals throughout the series left me in awe, not just admiring their acting skills, but feeling the pain of their characters too.

Leaving aside Park Gyu-young, whose portrayal of No-eul’s quiet empathy touched us profoundly, and Yang Dong-geun, who captivated us in Yong-sik’s (player 007) crucial scene.

Or

Excluding Park Gyu-young, whose performance as the compassionate and reserved No-eul moved us significantly, and Yang Dong-geun, who impressed us in a memorable way during Yong-sik’s (player 007) pivotal moment.

Or

Overlooking Park Gyu-young, whose depiction of No-eul’s understated compassion resonated deeply with us, and Yang Dong-geun, who left an indelible impression in the significant scene involving Yong-sik (player 007).

Park Sung-hoon remains adept at portraying the heartfelt emotions, unwavering devotion, and tenacity embodied by player 120, Cho Hyun-ju, whose presence on the field is undeniably powerful.

Even the morally grey characters can spark feeling in the audience.

333’s character, Lee Myung-ki played by Yim Si-wan, has raised doubts since his debut in season two. Despite these uncertainties, there’s a strong urge to support him not just for survival or victory, but for improvement, growth, and finding his path.

As a dedicated gamer, I find myself constantly balancing on this fine edge – caught between the two contrasting characters often seen in these virtual worlds. On one side, there are those who seem to have surrendered entirely to the allure of wealth within the games, losing sight of their original selves in the process. And then, there are those resolute souls, clinging fiercely to their integrity, maintaining their values even when their circumstances appear bleak.

He’s at a critical juncture, with his interactions with 222 serving as a sharp prod that highlights who he might become. This dynamic makes his journey fascinatingly intriguing.

This season wasn’t perfect without a single flaw, but Player 222’s tale, while ultimately rewarding (as satisfying as Squid Game can be), requires you to stretch your imagination. As a result, there might be moments when you question if the conclusion of her storyline justifies the divergence in the narrative.

Additionally, for our high-profile investors (who stood out significantly this season), less can indeed be more effective. Frequently, their scenes seemed excessively prolonged and tended to disrupt the flow of events. However, these instances did not substantially diminish the overall pleasure derived from watching the season.

As a devoted fan, I can’t reveal the final outcomes (for obvious reasons), but I’m confident that if there is a third season of Squid Game, it will certainly take us all by surprise.

Just as anticipated, the series has been causing distress among viewers due to numerous heart-wrenching departures, with some episodes provoking particularly intense emotions (such as episodes two and three). Yet, it seems that the way the season ultimately concludes may be more difficult for fans to accept than these individual losses.

Although numerous resolutions were provided, some aspects remain frustratingly unresolved. The surprising twist at the end of creator Hwang Dong-hyuk’s series leaves one pondering whether it was truly worth reviving the show beyond its initial season, as the first season seemed more conclusive in comparison.

Fundamentally, Squid Game holds a profoundly political message, and true to this essence, its ending maintains an authenticity, despite carrying a hint of gloom.

Squid Game is built upon a strong political narrative, and the finale stays faithful to this, even though it presents a somber tone.

The salve that lessens this harsh after-flavor is the victor of the game. As Hwang stated in an interview with Tudum: “Eventually, I came to think that, no matter how hopeless and gloomy the world might feel, maybe there’s still a glimmer of hope if we can find it within ourselves,” and this is what the ending symbolizes. It embodies both darkness and light, as well as all shades in between.

You can now stream seasons 1-3 of the popular series, “Squid Game,” on Netflix. For more updates, check out our exclusive “Squid Game” section on our homepage.

The inaugural print issue of Digital Spy’s magazine, titled “British Comedy Legends,” is available! You can purchase it from local newsagents or online for only £3.99.

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2025-06-27 18:19

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