Things Squid Game Season 1 Did Better Than Season 2

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Summary

  • Season 1 of Squid Game was more refreshing and surprising, due to its unique premise and its critique of capitalism.
  • Season 2 lacked the relatable backstories of the characters, making it less impactful compared to Season 1.
  • Netflix’s decision to split the story into two parts made Season 2 feel incomplete and less captivating than Season 1.

Following a three-year long anticipation, Netflix unveiled Season 2 of the globally celebrated and critically acclaimed dystopian thriller series, Squid Game, produced by Hwang Dong-hyuk. While some viewers expressed skepticism about this sequel, arguing that it wasn’t necessary, it turned out to be impressive, perhaps even matching or surpassing the quality of the first season in numerous aspects.

While everyone who worked on it did a fantastic job, unfortunately, certain aspects of the latest season of Squid Game didn’t quite measure up to the original, and here are some notable instances.

Warning! Spoilers Ahead!

1. Season 1 Was More Refreshing And Surprising

It Was Impossible To Catch Lightning In A Bottle Twice

In 2021, the series Squid Game quickly became famous and spread like wildfire due to its innovative and thought-provoking concept: ordinary people struggling with financial difficulties competing in a macabre game where they are mercilessly eliminated if they lose. It was a harsh criticism of capitalism, offering a fresh perspective on the battle royale genre that left viewers captivated and curious for all nine episodes.

Indeed, Season 2 of Squid Game resurrected the idea behind the title games, with the writers introducing novel game types to maintain freshness and catch viewers off guard. However, it was challenging for Season 2 to match the impact of Season 1, a fact that many spectators likely anticipated as they began watching.

2. Season 1 Spent More Time On The Real World

It Was Important To Contextualize The Harsh Reality Behind The Games

One significant element of “Squid Game” was the situations that compelled each character to join the life-threatening contests, even when they were presented with the opportunity to depart. The initial season began rather gradually as it subtly portrayed the hardships faced by every character, who appeared trapped in their dismal lives financially and seemingly had no means of escape. This storytelling technique was clever, as it made the lethal games seem like the sole exit strategy for both the characters and viewers alike.

Compared to Season 1, Season 2 takes a more straightforward approach. For around two episodes, viewers follow Seong Gi-hun’s quest to discover the Front Man and halt the games. However, he is compelled to join the games again quite suddenly afterwards. Although it’s logical why the writers made this choice – to keep impatient viewers engaged by starting the games promptly – it makes those later games seem less significant or impactful when compared to those in Season 1.

3. The Original Cast Of Characters Was Much More Relatable

Viewers Knew A Lot More About The Lives Of The S1 Contestants

One point of curiosity surrounding Squid Game‘s second season revolved around the cast of characters, given that with the exception of Seong Gi-hun, all significant characters had perished as a result of the lethal nature of the games. Yet, astonishingly, Season 2 succeeded in presenting a fresh set of captivating and endearing characters, such as Thanos, Park Yong-sik, Jang Geum-ja, Cho Hyun-ju, Lee Myung-gi, and others.

One key difference between Seasons 1 and 2 lies in the depth of character development. In Season 1, viewers were deeply immersed in the lives of not just Seong Gi-hun, but also characters like Cho Sang-woo, Kang Sae-byeok, and Ali Abdul. This extended exposure made their later demise all the more impactful. However, Season 2 seems to have neglected delving into the backstories and motivations of its contestants, leaving viewers with the impression that only Gi-hun is the main character receiving significant attention.

4. Seong Gi-hun Was More Likable Back In Season 1

He Still Is A Solid Lead, But He’s A Lot Less Sympathetic

In the lead-up to the second season, Seong Gi-hun underwent substantial personal transformation from a bumbling, careless individual with a kind heart, to a focused, somber, and wealthy millionaire who was deeply invested in halting the games.

Absolutely, it’s important to clarify that just because Gi-hun’s character evolved doesn’t mean he became a poor protagonist; his transformation is realistic and there are moments in Season 2 that demonstrate his continued compassion and desire for the wellbeing of others. However, the shift from a main character who was inherently kind and slightly quirky in Season 1 lent a more optimistic tone to the series, making Gi-hun a symbol of hope amidst the dark narrative. Unfortunately, this aspect seems to be missing in Season 2, resulting in a more somber and pessimistic atmosphere overall.

5. Hwang Jun-ho Actually Had Something To Do

The Detective’s Subplot Was One Of The Biggest Disappointments Of Season 2

Among the standout elements of the initial season of Squid Game, one notable sub-plot revolved around Hwang Jun-ho, a detective who disguised himself to enter the games and locate his missing brother. However, an unexpected twist unfolded as he uncovered that his brother was none other than the Front Man orchestrating the games. Although this part of the series didn’t capture viewer’s attention as much as the actual games and their players, it successfully contributed to the storyline by revealing the behind-the-scenes mechanics of the games and the identity of their mastermind.

In a more simplified manner, “Regrettably, Season 2 didn’t fully develop the character of Hwang Jun-ho as we expected. Following his survival from the confrontation with his brother at the end of Season 1, he had a brief encounter with Seong Gi-Hun at the start of the new season, but then found himself on a boat for most episodes, searching for the game locations and being manipulated by the Front Man. This may change in Season 3, but due to his limited involvement this time, it’s hard not to overlook that Hwang Jun-ho was meant to be one of the central characters in this narrative.

6. Season 1 Was A Complete Story

The Original Season Had A Clear Beginning And End

Initially, the creator of “Squid Game,” Hwang Dong-hyuk, penned the first season as a standalone story without plans for further installments. The final product reflects this structure, as Season 1 of “Squid Game” has a distinct start and finish, with just a few minor plot points left unresolved to potentially accommodate a second season if desired by Netflix or Dong-hyuk. Consequently, viewers can enjoy Season 1 in its entirety without needing to watch any subsequent seasons for a fulfilling and complete experience.

Netflix marketed Season 2 of “Squid Game” as a full season, but it actually feels like the initial half of the series. The second half, or what’s labeled as Season 3, is yet to come in 2025. This means that the story has been split, ending abruptly when things start getting intriguing, making it less engaging and less accessible compared to Season 1 for many viewers.

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2025-01-09 04:04