Published by Mason Oldridge, 10 January 2025
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Get ready for more green tracksuits and pink jumpsuits as we head back to South Korea for the return of Netflix’s most-viewed series!
The second season follows Gi-hun on his mission to confront the Front Man and stop the games once and for all, while Jun-ho and the crew search for the island.
In the first episode, Gi-hun, hiding in an abandoned motel three years on, has hired his former loan shark and his team to locate the recruiter. This episode explores the mysterious character further but maintains the mystique as he destroys the bread in front of the homeless people in a psychotic rage, forces Mr Kim and Woo-seok to play a sinister game of rock, paper, scissors and challenges Gi-hun to Russian roulette, subsequently losing. His sadistic personality is captivating and chilling to watch as the first episode alone is truly gripping!
As Gi-hun re-enters the games, he uses his prior knowledge to guide the new set of players through Red Light, Green Light, shouting verbal instructions, primarily “hold still” while covering his mouth to not be detected, in an epic scene.
There are some interesting characters introduced in the new batch. Allies form around Gi-hun. Much of the comedy arises from egotistical rapper Thanos, who takes pills that result in his erratic behaviour. However, a shock twist sees the Front Man enter the games as player 001 and pretend to support Gi-hun, his true identity unbeknown to the protagonist.
The format is changed this year as new games are introduced and players are given the chance to vote to stay or leave after each game. Seemingly a democratic process, the public voting system divides the camp into two opposing sides and is as compelling to watch as the deadly games themselves. Once again, credit is due for the contrast between the colourful set design and childlike music and the high stakes and gory results.
In the final episode, Gi-hun and his allies take cover during the overnight onslaught before overpowering the guards and beginning their massacre in a fight to reach management. It is refreshing to see the good guys succeeding but the inevitable happens as the Front Man eventually returns to his side and forces Gi-hun to watch his friend die as a consequence of his uprising. The shootout is action-packed, unpredictable and most of all thrilling!
The post-credits scene teases a giant robotic boy alongside the now-infamous girl as we eagerly await the third and final season to find out if Gi-hun can finally put a stop to the dystopian horror!
9/10