Squid Game, the South Korean Netflix mega-hit, is back, with an action-packed second season. Our pandemic obsession delivers once more on the same narrative complexity of its debut; intrigue and entertainment reign as the contestants still clad in blood-stained green tracksuits are put through their paces, both physically and emotionally, in the high-stakes competition that functions as a searing capitalist critique.
However, something feels off this season. Perhaps it is the constant spoofing of the original Squid Game that has depreciated the show’s value as a cultural entity. For instance, Netflix themselves created a reality TV version of the games, in the form of Squid Game: The Challenge, which was mired in controversy. This ostensibly devalues the biting critique the original series gave on the plight of those desperate enough to compete in the lethal life-or-death versions of children’s games with a chance of winning big. Are we desensitised to the show’s brutality due to its newfound omnipotence in the cultural zeitgeist?
However, something feels off this season. Perhaps it is the constant spoofing of the original Squid Game that has depreciated the show’s value as a cultural entity.
Alternatively, did Squid Game Two just not hit the mark narratively? As illustrated by this season’s tantalising cliffhanger ending, this is only one half of the story. Consequently, the season’s original promise of six games is not fulfilled, teasing its viewers and, as the Guardian states, “dragging its heels extremely painfully”, leaving this season without a satisfying conclusion. Some shows, like the much-awarded Severance, can commit to a cliffhanger ending by still delivering satisfying reveals that provide the viewers with some sense of closure. Here, the viewer is completely left in the lurch, perturbed at having to wait until later in 2025 for the answers to what awaits Gi-hun, our protagonist. Thus, Squid Game Two is a great half-season, yet a feeble excuse for a full season.
Even so, it still has its moments of excellence. The new nuances of capitalist society explored were intriguing, especially the commentary on the fall from fame, represented by the absurdly hilarious character, Thanos. Similarly, as the social critique levels up, so do the games, with the callous and heart-breaking Mingle- a personal favourite- with an incredibly intricate carousel set and a catchy jingle that becomes ever more chilling as the rounds go on.
The second season of Squid Game also tackles new narrative perspectives, choosing to foreground No-eul, one of the death-ministering soldiers in the Squid Game, giving us another glimpse behind the curtain of how the death games are conducted (even though this new viewpoint will not pay off until season three!). Similarly, the inclusion of a transgender character, Hyun-ju, is also a fascinating choice, especially since she is played by a cisgender man. Despite dividing audiences, the portrayal has been seen as dignified by some members of the trans community who are pleased by the actor, Park Sung-hoon, not wanting Hyun-ju to be a “caricature”.
Despite dividing audiences, the portrayal has been seen as dignified by some members of the trans community who are pleased by the actor, Park Sung-hoon, not wanting Hyun-ju to be a “caricature”.
So, like a delicious plate of calamari, the Squid Game is still being devoured by fans. Hopefully, going forward, the show’s integrity is maintained into the third and final season, and the show doesn’t fumble the bag for its inevitably bloody yet thought-provoking conclusion.
