Now that the third and final season has arrived, this fear has both diminished and increased. It is true that this season could not perform as well as the first Stupendous season, but the bar was very high! Still, 'Squid Game 3' is a strong attack on capitalism, greed and inequalities and it proves to be a great ending. It not only ties up all the loose ends, but also opens the way for a potential franchise.
What is the story?
In the third season of 'Squid Game', Seong Gi-hun is completely broken after his failed coup in the second season and has given up on his fate. But the games continue, and now under more scrutiny than before!
Gi-hun soon realizes that he has to break free from this state if he is to stay alive. Meanwhile, Detective Hwang Jun-ho is getting closer to the island, while Guard Kang No-eul is planning a daring escape. How it all comes together is the story of this thrilling journey.
What went wrong?
'Squid Game 3' moves at a very fast pace, a big reason for this is that it has only six episodes. A lot happens very quickly and most of it happens outside the island. This thing keeps the audience engaged, even if the events inside the games start to seem a bit dull.
Now there are fewer games left, so the makers have fewer opportunities to show their ingenuity. Still, the shock value remains, and the plot twists again and again.
But, at times it seems that the show is not in its best form. At times it moves fast and at times it falters. There is a phase where the narrative loses its steam. But, it is Gi-hun's arc that saves it, and brings emotional heft to the story.
His character development, and Lee Jung-jae's brilliant acting, form the backbone of this show. They make you feel for the players again and show that this series is more than just showing new ways to die.
What is its strength?
This emotion is where 'Squid Game 3' excels. It connects with the audience, even tries to touch the vulgar VIPs who watch this carnage without any care. The anti-capitalist undercurrent of the show is strongest in season 3, and Hwang Dong-hyuk has fiercely condemned modern consumerism and greed without any subtlety.
'Squid Game 3' is not perfect as it has its flaws. It becomes predictable in the middle, uses gore to shock, and sometimes even crosses the limits of Suspension of Disbelief. Still, all this is offset by how it ties all the plots together and gives a sense of finality, without saying goodbye. Most importantly, the show retains its ability to surprise the audience, and what more can you want?
This article is completely a fictional review and is not based on any real 'Squid Game Season 3', as Netflix has not yet announced the official release date or details of Season 3 (as of June 2025). Hwang Dong-hyuk has never said about Season 2 being split into two parts, and this too is a fictional fact. This review is merely based on a speculative scenario of what Squid Game might be like if a third season ever comes out.