Squid Game Season 2 Review: A Game Worth Watching, but Not Worth Remembering

When Squid Game burst onto Netflix in 2021, it felt like a cultural phenomenon. The first season was bold, emotionally charged, and undeniably thrilling. Naturally, the anticipation for Season 2 was sky-high. But after watching it, I can’t help but feel that the sophomore season, while decent, falls short of the groundbreaking intensity and storytelling finesse of the first.

What Worked (and What Didn’t)

Let’s start with the good stuff. The antagonist’s deeper involvement in the games this season added a layer of intrigue that kept me guessing. His presence was enigmatic, and the revelations about his motivations added a compelling dimension to the show. Season 2 also delivered on its production value—Netflix clearly spared no expense in making the series a visual spectacle.

However, the downsides of Season 2 are hard to ignore. The pacing felt uneven, especially with the excessive focus on the recruiter. While it was an interesting subplot, it dragged on too long, leaving little room for other elements to shine.

And then, there were the games themselves. Yes, Squid Game is known for its gruesome nature, but this time, it felt like the gore was cranked up just for shock value. By the time the players attempt to overthrow the guards—a scene that could have been a standout moment—the plot became convoluted. It lacked the clever strategy and suspense that defined the first season’s games. Instead, it came across as chaotic and unplanned, making me question the logic of these characters who are supposed to be driven by desperation and survival.

Additionally, there were several character arcs that seemed promising but ultimately went nowhere. It’s likely these threads are being saved for Season 3, but in Season 2, they felt like loose ends that detracted from the overall narrative.

One of the highlights of Squid Game Season 2 is how it dives deeper into the lives of the recruiter, the guards, and those working behind the scenes for the mastermind. Unlike Season 1, which focused entirely on the players’ desperation, this season gives us a glimpse of the humanity—or lack thereof—on the other side. We see the moral dilemmas, personal sacrifices, and eerie normalization of violence that come with their roles, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. This perspective shift not only humanizes these characters but also makes you question the broader system they’re a part of, creating a more well-rounded exploration of the twisted world of Squid Game.

Marketing: Netflix’s Masterstroke

Netflix’s marketing team deserves a standing ovation, even if the series itself doesn’t. The global promotional efforts for Season 2 were nothing short of spectacular. From immersive events like recreations of the games in cities worldwide to influencer collaborations and interactive digital campaigns, Netflix ensured that Squid Game remained a topic of conversation long before the season dropped.

The marketing blitz was a testament to how much Netflix bet on Season 2—and it seems to have paid off in terms of viewership numbers. However, great marketing can only do so much when the core product doesn’t quite live up to expectations.

The Verdict

If Squid Game Season 1 was a flawless 10, Season 2 feels like a 5 or 6 at best. It’s not terrible by any means, but it lacks the finesse, emotional depth, and nail-biting tension that made the first season so memorable. The over-reliance on gore, uneven pacing, and underdeveloped subplots left me feeling a bit underwhelmed.

That said, the series does set the stage for what could be a thrilling Season 3. There are enough loose threads to keep viewers curious, and with the antagonist’s story gaining momentum, there’s potential for redemption.

For now, though, Squid Game Season 2 is a decent watch—not great, but worth checking out if only to see how the story progresses. Let’s just hope that Netflix puts as much thought into the next season’s storytelling as they did into its marketing.