Squid Game S3 Review: Watch or Skip?
A Bloody Continuation
The final season picks up immediately after the quashed rebellion of Season 2, with 60 players remaining and protagonist Gi-hun rendered almost mute by trauma.
A Controversial New Player
A key plot twist involves a new player being forced into the game without their consent. This development stretches credibility, even for the show`s standards.
Slower Pacing, Less Satire
The season feels slower, suggesting seasons 2 and 3 could have been one tight series. The sharp satire of S1 is replaced by a relentless grind of violence.
Underwhelming Games
The three games featured in this season lack the creative spark of the originals, feeling more like an addition to a sprawling story than the central focus.
Focus on Character Drama
The season shines when it moves beyond the games, delving into the human drama and giving characters quiet, impactful moments that build emotional weight.
Stellar Supporting Performances
Supporting actors deliver powerful performances. Kang Ae-shim, as a mother in the games for her son, provides one of the series` most heartbreaking scenes.
The VIP Problem
A recurring flaw is the portrayal of the wealthy VIP spectators. Their cheesy, over-the-top presence feels jarringly out of place with the show`s serious tone.
Brutality Unleashed
Season 3 escalates the violence and emotional gut punches. The deaths are more tragic and brutal, pushing characters to face impossible moral dilemmas.
An Operatic Finale
If you can accept the wild plot twists, the final two episodes deliver a grand, operatic feel, transforming the show into more of a traditional action-thriller.
A Worthy, But Final, Watch
A strong and satisfying conclusion to the story. It surpasses Season 2 and finds its footing but leaves no doubt that the saga should end here. A must-watch.