Squid Game Season 2 Review: Firing on All Cylinders

More daring and brutal than its predecessor, Squid Game Season 2 expertly expands on the story, setting the stage for its final season send-off. 

I’ll admit that I was extremely nervous when it was announced that Netflix would release two more seasons of the hit series. After premiering on Netflix in September 2021, Squid Game took the world by storm. It quickly became one of the streaming giant’s most watched shows, and it was all people could talk about. So, understandably, fans’ expectations are set exceedingly high entering season 2. As someone who considers season 1 a masterpiece, I had concerns that expanding this universe could result in story fatigue and a decline in quality. However, as soon as the credits rolled after watching Squid Game season 2’s first episode, my worries were completely put to rest.

Most of episode one takes place three years after Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) won the games. Though his desire to bring down the people behind the establishment is stronger than ever, and we still see moments of his kindness and morality shine through during the season, he’s a changed person. Gi-hun is clearly experiencing survivor’s guilt and trauma after what he witnessed as Player 456, which has led him to become more resilient and unyielding in the face of diversity.

Jun-ho (Wi ha-jun) is also dealing with trauma in a very different context. After posing undercover as a Pink Soldier on the island and discovering at the end of season 1 that his missing brother, In-ho (Lee Byung-hun), is the Front Man of said evil operation, many questions have remained unanswered for the last few years. Much like Gi-hun, Jun-ho is determined to reveal the location of these games and put a stop to them once and for all.

Although viewers have an idea of what to expect once players arrive at the island, writer and director Hwang Dong-hyuk brings a fresh wave of creativity to season 2, which has a distinct dynamic from its predecessor and a much grittier tone. Unlike the first series, we get to experience more time with certain characters before they enter the games, which adds depth to their stories and sheds light on their motives. 

There’s also a lot at stake, with two beloved characters from season 1 (Gi-hun and Jun-ho) returning to the show and being driven by the same objective. Even when you know there’s another season to follow and a concrete conclusion won’t be reached at the end of season 2, the narrative is unpredictable and captivating from start to finish, with many jaw-dropping twists and turns.

Part of what makes season 1 outstanding is its varied group of players, each with unique, unforgettable personalities. Viewers experience each contestant’s journey throughout the games and grow a fondness for them, such as fan favorite Ali from season 1. If you thought season 2 might struggle to live up to its predecessor and falter in introducing larger-than-life, memorable characters, you should put those worries behind you. There are many bold, confrontational, and unlikable personalities in season 2, which only adds to the narrative’s intensity. On the other hand, there are plenty of characters that you grow to love throughout the seven episodes, particularly player 120 Hyun-Ju (Park Sung-hoon), who is a series standout.

Like in season 1, the cast’s performances in Squid Game 2 are outstanding. Lee Jung-jae’s portrayal of Gi-hun differs from the previous season, when he was much more naïve and agreeable. It’s a breath of fresh air to observe a shift in the character’s personality, as he now holds a less refined demeanor. He’s on a mission and refuses to let anybody stand in his way.

As Front Man, Lee Byung-hun has considerably more screen time. He’s a fascinating yet infuriating villain, and his character development this season pushes the boundaries. Just when you think he cannot become any more sadistic and demented, he does. But this season’s biggest surprise is Gong Yoo, who absolutely blew me away with his depiction of The Recruit. Many of the actor’s previous roles tend to be much more grounded, nice guys. Here he’s an utter psycho in the best way, and his performance leaves a lasting impression. The return of Jun-ho in season 2 is a delight to see, given that he’s my favorite character in the show. Though he’s displayed in a more understated way during this season, he’s an integral part of this series, and his presence carries a significant impact.

For anyone concerned that Squid Game season 2 may feel repetitive in terms of games, I want to assure you that you will not be disappointed. Not only do the activities exceed expectations with thrilling, action-packed sequences that will leave your heart racing, but they’re brimming with suspense and implemented on a much grander scale. Gi-hun’s unpredictable path in the pursuit of justice in season 2 keeps the audience on edge, and the outcomes of the games are even more shocking and nefarious. As a viewer, you feel completely engrossed in the spectacle that is being presented, and the tension never wanes throughout each episode. Every minute counts and each subplot is effortlessly integrated into the storyline and has a purpose.

And now, to answer the question every dedicated fan of the South Korean series will ask: Does Squid Game season 2 live up to expectations, and was the three-year, three-month, and four-day wait worth it? I’m happy to report that the answer is an astounding yes! 

Grander and more audacious than its predecessor, Squid Game season 2 surpasses every hope and expectation viewers could have had for the series. It’s a masterclass in storytelling and character development while raising the bar for season 3’s epic finale.

Squid Game Season 2 is now available to watch globally on Netflix.