‘Squid Recreation’ Delivers a Harrowing, Heartbreaking Ultimate Installment

Squid Recreation’s first season dropped seemingly out of the sky in 2021, spanning 9 episodes and giving Netflix its largest hit so far, profitable Emmys for creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, star Lee Jung-jae, and others. Season two arrived in late 2024 with seven episodes, selecting up three years after the occasions of season one. Six months later, season three is right here; it has simply six episodes and begins instantly after the season two cliffhanger.

It’s tempting to want Netflix had simply launched all of season two and three as a single chunk—six months is sufficient time to virtually neglect sure plot factors, however not lengthy sufficient to make viewers need to do a full revisit—however you may see why the choice was made. Although its episode depend is abbreviated, Squid Recreation’s third and remaining season remains to be six-ish hours lengthy, and the quantity of agony and brutality infused into that operating time can’t be overstated.

A lot of that agony and brutality, after all, comes as a direct results of the occasions of season two, particularly as season three will get began. Participant 456, Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), is the one survivor of the rebel in addition to 388 (Kang Ha-neul)—who had a meltdown whereas retrieving extra ammunition—and 120 (Park Sung-hoon), who went after him to see what was taking so lengthy. Participant 001 (Lee Byung-hun) is presumed lifeless, although we after all know he’s merely returned to being the Entrance Man full-time.

Participant 456 is baffled as to how he’s nonetheless respiratory. He’s additionally almost paralyzed with a complicated mix of survivor’s guilt and a laser-beam willpower to make 388 pay for his failings. However the different gamers take his miraculous return surprisingly in stride. Most of them are much more targeted on the prize cash, which has elevated exponentially because of the participant brawl and subsequent rebel. These occasions have additionally given the “O” aspect a big benefit over the “X” aspect, that means the subsequent vote will favor persevering with the video games regardless of all of the latest bloodshed.

It is a non-spoiler overview, so we received’t be stepping into the particular video games launched in season three—although a variation on jump-roping was beforehand revealed—however relaxation assured they comply with the basic Squid Recreation formulation of childhood favorites expanded into elaborate set items, then blended with surprising violence. This season particularly leans into player-on-player assaults, to the purpose that they’re actively included into the competitions. The outcomes are gory and both heartbreaking or satisfying, relying on if the sufferer is likable or obnoxious.

However that is Squid Recreation; the entire level is “win or die.” Viewers already know {that a} majority of the gamers, even those who really look like good folks, is not going to make it to the tip. Once more, we received’t spoil any specifics right here—a part of the enjoyable of the present is pondering somebody’s protected, solely to be gruesomely confirmed in any other case—however sure deaths do make you want, once more, that seasons two and three had been mixed into one. It could make the funding into particular person gamers really feel extra rewarding, particularly those that die early on this season however later within the precise cycle of video games.

After all, that challenge might be remedied by watching season two instantly forward of season three—if in case you have the time. That strategy may additionally assist you to dive extra simply into the aspect plot involving No-eul (Park Gyu-young), the North Korean army vet turned pink guard. Bear in mind the sick little woman she befriended whereas working on the amusement park initially of season two? And whose father popped up within the video games as Participant 246? All of it turns into essential in her season three arc, which additionally options No-eul’s personal bloody rebel of kinds.

In the meantime, Squid Recreation’s different large aspect plot—that staff of mercenaries led by detective Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) frantically looking for the island the place the video games happen—lastly justifies on a regular basis it took up in season two. The viewers is aware of the boat captain is secretly sabotaging the mission, however the present builds up the divulge to Jun-ho and firm with some surprising twists and, very similar to the video games themselves, a ticking-clock ingredient that ratchets the stress to sky-high ranges.

Different parts that come into play in an enormous approach in season three: the masked “VIPs,” who make a return to spectate the video games and provide merciless commentary within the type of hilariously horrible English dialogue. There’s a lot of the latter this time round, it’s important to think about Squid Recreation’s creators are leaning into how cringe-inducing it’s.

The cross necklace belonging to the not-so-dearly departed Thanos finds new significance as different gamers eat the hidden stash of medicine he left behind. And it’s no secret that Participant 222 (Jo Yu-ri) was extraordinarily pregnant in season two. Netflix’s advertising for this remaining installment even included the sound of a child crying—and unsurprisingly, the scenario swirling round 222 shapes season three’s most emotional moments.

However the heart of Squid Recreation’s universe has at all times been Gi-hun, and that continues to be the case all through season three. Although there are episodes the place he barely has any dialogue, Lee’s efficiency speaks volumes: his haunted expression, significantly the look in his eyes, telegraphs the depths of his ache. He was already grappling with having witnessed so many deaths within the earlier recreation—and the cycle continues right here. The viewers nonetheless can’t assist however root for him, however in season three you additionally fear for him. His soul is clearly damaged past restore.

Gi-hun’s struggling anchors Squid Recreation season three in a deeply bleak place; there are far fewer lighthearted moments to be discovered, and that could be difficult for some viewers. However in the long run, the story does determine tips on how to punctuate this vicious remaining chapter in a memorable, very terminal approach. You’re allowed, nevertheless, to roll your eyes at what feels very very similar to a tacked-on Netflix tease for extra to return.

Squid Recreation season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.

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