Squid Game Season 2’s 7 Episodes Spark Controversy, Yet Improve Season 3 Experience

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Squid Game Season 2. After a prolonged wait of three years, viewers are left with a sense of disappointment over the brief seven-episode run of Squid Game Season 2. While this installment, which premiered on December 26, 2024, may feel incomplete, it positions Season 3 for significant improvement. The entire season was made available simultaneously on Netflix, providing audiences the chance to experience the latest adventures of Gi-hun as he reenters the harrowing tournament, which ultimately concluded on a dramatic cliffhanger.

This shortened episode count has generated frustration among the fanbase, especially considering that the first season comprised nine episodes. Many had anticipated a similar structure for the much-delayed sequel. However, there’s a strategic reason behind this decision: the brief nature of Season 2 could strengthen the narrative impact for Season 3.

Reasons for the 7-Episode Format of Squid Game Season 2

Filming Seasons 2 and 3 Back-to-Back

The decision to limit Season 2 to just seven episodes is rooted in the intention behind both seasons as a cohesive narrative. Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of the series, revealed in a Deadline interview that he conceptualized and produced Seasons 2 and 3 simultaneously. He described the conclusion of Season 2 as a significant “turning point,”making it an appropriate juncture to distinguish between the two seasons. He eloquently stated:

“I wrote seasons two and three at the same time, and we were in production for both simultaneously. When I was writing the script for the two seasons, I felt like there was a big turning point or an inflection point, and that was the end of episode seven, so I thought that it would do it justice to have a separate season after that.”

This narrative structure was necessary, as Season 2 took its time to unfold, showcasing the first three games of the tournament and Gi-hun’s rebellion within seven episodes. Including more games would likely have diluted the plot’s intensity. Furthermore, Gi-hun’s actions left the stakes higher for the upcoming Season 3, adding to the tension, despite some viewers’ frustration regarding the premature ending.

The Divisive Nature of Season 2’s Cliffhanger

Unresolved Questions as We Anticipate the Conclusion

Gi-hun with his hands behind his head in Squid Game Season 2

While the cliffhanger at the end of Season 2 seemed like a strategic stop for Gi-hun’s ongoing saga, its abruptness has left many fans feeling unsatisfied. Unlike the self-contained storyline of Season 1, Season 2 concluded without resolving pivotal plotlines, especially concerning Gi-hun’s future after his rebellion. While the Front Man spared him, the outcomes of these events remain shrouded in uncertainty.

Additionally, the underlying tension between In-ho and Gi-hun, as well as Young-il’s concealed identity, creates a cloud of unresolved plots that will eventually need addressing in Season 3. Despite the frustrations, this rich tapestry of unanswered questions also sets the stage for an even more compelling Season 3. Thankfully, audiences won’t have to wait long, as it is already confirmed for a 2025 premiere.

How Season 2 Sets Up a Stronger Season 3

Increased Momentum and Heightened Stakes for the Series Finale

The Front Man watching Gi-hun in Squid Game Season 2

Despite the initial disappointment surrounding Season 2’s brevity, the outcome of the season positions the narrative for a powerful Season 3. The immediate release of the two seasons instills a sense of urgency and excitement. The unresolved fates of characters like Jung-bae and Gi-hun’s failures propel the story forward, tightening the strain as the series nears its conclusion. Viewers are left pondering how Gi-hun will accomplish his objectives, especially after recurring defeats at the hands of the Front Man and the manipulative Game organizers.

The forthcoming season is expected to embrace a darker tone, particularly following Gi-hun’s rebellion. With fully developed new characters, the emotional investment will increase, making their potential losses even more poignant. The absence of characters such as Jung-bae and Thanos will enhance the somber atmosphere as major storylines from Season 2 converge in a finale that could elevate Squid Game beyond its previous seasons.

Source: Deadline

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