The return of Squid Game does it live up to expectations? On Thursday, the day after Christmas, Netflix released the long-awaited second season of the popular South Korean series, the first part of which attracted millions of viewers across the planet three years ago.
On the program? The sequel plunges us once again into the hell of this bloody and Machiavellian game where unfortunate participants confront each other, torn between greed and despair. Early fans will also find Seong Gi-hun, survivor of season 1, played by actor Lee Jung-jae, awarded an Emmy in 2022. Enough to rush headlong into these seven new episodes?
“An increasingly harsh criticism”
For Florian, a reader of 20 Minutes who responded to our call for contributions, it's a big yes. “My wife and I were impatiently awaiting season 2. We have started the first three episodes and the season keeps all its promises. It’s really a series that highlights all the flaws of society. We love it! » This very critical look that fiction takes on the entertainment society and greed also seduced Charlie, who rushed to season 2 as soon as it was put online on Thursday. “We can cry scandal, but it’s not as utopian as that. Many would do anything for money. I look forward to seeing what sadistic tests will be put in place this time,” she wrote.
No disappointment on Jean-Philippe's side either. “The first two episodes bring us back to the initial plot somewhat slowly, but this is undoubtedly to better prepare us for his return. Because it’s really in episode 3 – aptly named 001 – that the season really starts, he believes. We find there the “one two three sun” [l’un des jeux d’enfants machiavéliques de la 1re saison]with an increasingly harsh criticism of capitalism – even cryptocurrencies are included. We just can't wait to see what happens next. »
A plot that takes its time
Alain, a fan of Korean dramas, was somewhat perplexed before jumping into Squid Game. “I was wary of the enthusiasm that this series aroused when it was released in France, I was expecting something fashionable, a bit like with the wave The Money Heist or Stranger Things which I didn’t like despite the hype,” he admits. But he explains that he took a “hell slap” when he discovered the concept which is reminiscent of that of the film Battle Royale.
“The series does not hesitate to mislead viewers into the darkest sides of the human soul,” he notes, adding that “playing with the desperation of people who have nothing left to lose and the ability of resilience of some in the face of death, also fascinates in this drama. And this season 2? “The plot takes time to set up, but finding the games of life and death worthy of those of gladiators is all the more enjoyable,” says Alain.
A sequel that is running out of steam a little
On the side of our readers, there are also those who are afraid of being disappointed by this sequel which was not initially planned. “I loved the first season. We are therefore waiting for season 2 firmly. Let’s hope it lives up to the first opus,” comments Ouillette. “The first one was so good,” adds Ottocom. It was all there: questions about our individualistic world without morals and ready to do anything for money. I'm afraid the 2nd one will fall flat. »
Critics in the press are divided on the interest of this new salvo. “If you liked the first season, there is no reason why the second should disappoint you,” writes a journalist from Parisianwhich saw 4 of the 7 new episodes. The creator of the fiction, Hwang Dong-hyeok, has in fact made the respectable decision to continue to explore his very particular universe, with innovations but keeping the essentials. »
He specifies that the scenario places greater emphasis on “the failings of human nature” and that “the violence inherent in the plot regularly hits the retina”, with a particularly gory scene in the 3rd episode. “It’s impossible not to dive back into Squid Game ! », he concludes.
The journalist of Mondehe is more nuanced. If he is delighted with an artistic direction that is “always impeccable” and new games that are “rather successful”, he still regrets that “the ironic and cruel spirit which carried the first season […] has exhausted itself.” “Where the central metaphor of the first season of Squid Game revolved around the dangers of overconsumption and the seduction of the masses through reality TV, the subject is today directly political, depicting, with great seriousness, the polarization of democratic societies. »
His verdict? “For now, the second part will have accomplished only the most trivial objectives of its financier and its creator, without adding anything to the deserved glory of the first season. »
Looking forward to the end?
The great success of Netflix has not won over everyone. “Nice theme but ultra classic and not adding much to the genre,” comments a reader. Many also specify that they preferred the series Alice in Borderlandon a similar theme and available on the same streaming platform.
There are even those, like Illidan, who weren't hooked at all. “I watched season 1 out of curiosity… It’s cool but it’s not a big deal either, I don’t think I’ll do season 2.” He adds, with bitterness: “I'm sure we're good for 4-5 rotten seasons… Long series with bland episodes, with no real impact on the story, but that's good for ratings… Yet the quantity is not synonymous with quality…”
This reader can rest assured, the series will only have one additional season, the 3rd having been announced as the grand finale, reports Allociné. On the other hand, David Fincher is currently working on an English-language spin-off, so we haven't heard the last of Squid Game.
