SERIES REVIEW – Squid Game has become nothing short of a mainstream sensation in recent years. But here’s the real question: how did this series become Netflix’s most-watched original, outpacing juggernauts like Stranger Things, Money Heist, and Wednesday? And no, I’m not asking because it’s Korean – I’m genuinely wondering: what made this show explode globally?

To be honest, when I finished watching the first season, I understood why so many people liked it, but I didn’t quite get the level of obsession. Desperate people, with nothing left to lose, risking their lives in bizarre, deadly playground games for a shot at a huge cash prize – it’s an inherently fascinating setup. Even if the formula’s a little worn, the premise is powerful enough to grab anyone’s attention, and here, Squid Game delivers everything you’d expect from the genre.

The show serves up a heavy dose of social commentary, a wildly diverse cast of characters (everyone will find someone to root for or despise), brutal games, shocking twists, and a punchy ending. The acting and atmosphere are strong across the board. That unique “Korean flavor” didn’t detract at all – in fact, I’d say it added something special. Still, by the end of the first season, I was left thinking: it wasn’t bad… actually, I enjoyed it… it was entertaining… but why did the entire world go absolutely crazy over it? Maybe I just saw films like Cube, Saw, or The Platform too early in my life – compared to those, Squid Game didn’t really break new ground for me.

The Surprising Strength of Season Two

But then came season two, and I have to admit, my curiosity was piqued. Everyone knew the follow-up only happened because of the show’s unexpected monster success – it was never part of the original plan. That’s usually a bad omen, but since season one didn’t feel all that fresh to me, I was honestly more interested in seeing how the story could possibly continue.

To my surprise, this season went above and beyond anything I imagined. From start to finish, it’s packed with tension, surprises, and edge-of-your-seat moments. The plot evolves logically, with each episode serving up new twists and scenes that genuinely caught me off guard. The quality never drops, and alongside the returning lead, the new and expanded supporting cast raise the stakes even higher. The games themselves are more twisted and gruesome, the new rules ramp up the unpredictability, and the chaos is bigger than ever. I found myself enjoying the ride even more than I did in season one.

Why a Third Act Doesn’t Quite Work

But when it comes to what’s called “season three,” there are a few things worth clarifying. First, it’s not a traditional third season – the story picks up immediately after the season two finale, with a seamless transition. Second, seasons two and three together make up just 13 episodes. Sure, season one only had nine, but I come from a generation when shows had twenty-four episode runs, not six or eight like so many today.

Marketing-wise, splitting the finale into two was probably a smart move to keep viewers hooked for the big send-off. The problem? The last batch of episodes just isn’t as gripping. Most of the original group has been eliminated, so the handful of remaining players compete in the leftover games from season two. I found these challenges far less engaging, and around episode four, I was really just watching to finish the thing. Compared to the chaotic, fast-paced previous season, this finale feels smaller in scope – not because the quality dropped, but because the momentum just isn’t the same. Sure, there are intense, emotional, and even surprising moments, but once I binged through, it was back to my day like nothing special had happened.

What’s Left? Where Does Squid Game Go Now?

By the end, I was genuinely curious to see how others felt about the show. Reading through comments and reviews, it seems most people agree: the third act is a letdown, and the story probably should have wrapped up after season one. Honestly – and I mean no disrespect – I’ll never understand how season one became such a phenomenon, but season two genuinely exceeded my expectations, while the third act just felt like unnecessary closure. Fans seem to agree: this concept only truly works once, and by splitting the finale in two, a lot of the magic was lost.

So what’s next? There’s no denying that Squid Game has become a global brand, and while this story arc may be finished, the twisted games are far from over. Rumors have been swirling about a Front Man spin-off for ages, but honestly, we already know everything important about that character – retreading old ground seems pointless. The American spin-off, heavily teased at the end of the third act, could have some potential, and I’ll check it out… but I won’t be counting down the days until it drops.

-Sonny Cavalera-