The worldwide phenomenon Squid Game has returned to Netflix, and the first reviews for Season 2 are in. Critics agree that the new season is just as twisted and ruthless as its predecessor, with plenty of surprises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. While some reviews suggest that Season 2 feels like a setup for the concluding third season, fans of the original will find much to enjoy in this continuation of the brutal mystery series.

How Does Season 2 Compare to the First?

Critics are generally positive about the second season, noting that it expands on the ominous themes of the first. Aramide Tinubu of Variety calls it “a worthy follow-up,” while Aaron Pruner of CNET states that it’s “just as good as the show’s first outing.” Pierce Conran of the South China Morning Post praises the new episodes as being “richer and more cohesive” than the first season. However, some critics, like Daniel Fienberg of the Hollywood Reporter, feel that Season 2 lacks the fun and whimsy that kept the first season from wallowing in misery.

Will It Keep Audiences Guessing?

The new season is filled with shocking surprises and long stretches of white-knuckle tension. Pierce Conran describes it as having “an unexpected twist around every bend,” while Siddhant Adlakha of JoySauce.com mentions that the twists ultimately magnify what the show is about at its core. Aramide Tinubu highlights the “mind-blowing twists” that advance the story to what will undoubtedly be an electrifying conclusion in Season 3. However, Therese Lacson of Collider points out that some plot twists are predictable, with the show even flashing lights to prepare viewers for incoming twists.

How Are the Games This Time?

The games in Season 2 are described as surreal, perverse, and gut-twisting. Laura Martin of BBC.com notes that they are “incongruously barbaric,” generating suspense even on a second watch. Kate Sánchez of But Why Tho? A Geek Community praises the variety of games that exploit relationships and force comradery, adding that the ruthlessness has been taken to a higher level. Siddhant Adlakha mentions that the individual games range between “similar to what we’ve seen” and “variations on a theme,” but the downtime between games has changed. Andrew Webster of The Verge finds the moments of counting X’s and O’s extremely tense, adding a new layer of suspense.

Is It Still Just as Violent and Terrifying?

Season 2 continues the show’s signature brutal violence, blood, guts, and gore. Andrew Webster notes that things culminate in a “bloody massacre” that pushes the series further into horror. Debopriyaa Dutta of High on Films describes the highs as “nail-bitingly tense, often euphoric,” while Daniel Fienberg feels that there’s “lots of bloodshed, no impact.” The terror among the players, including Gi-hun, remains palpable, as Aramide Tinubu explains.

Does Season 2 Do Anything New?

Kate Sánchez highlights that Season 2 elevates the first by throwing a wrench into every element of the machine we thought we understood. Siddhant Adlakha notes that while it doesn’t depart from the original premise, it remixes known elements just enough to feel fresh. Aramide Tinubu finds the new season’s focus on how capitalism overlaps with flawed democratic processes particularly timely. Debopriyaa Dutta praises the spotlight on Gi-hun’s interiority as a changed man.

How’s the Writing?

With a leaner seven-episode run, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk explores the layers of the Squid Game universe with rich storytelling. Shannon Miller of IGN Movies commends the exploration of the system’s cruelties and inequalities. However, Debopriyaa Dutta describes the tale as deliberately disjointed, meant to ramp up anticipation for the next season. Laura Babiak of Observer feels that Season 2 is more like a “part one” than its own story. Elijah Gonzaliez of Paste Magazine acknowledges that while it struggles to get to the point, there’s still enough thematic content to make up for its shortcomings.

Does the New Season Have Something Important to Say?

Season 2 continues to offer commentary on societal issues. Daniel Fienberg notes that it becomes a commentary on how democracy forces people to vote against their interests. Elijah Gonzaliez highlights the timely focus on the overlap between capitalism and flawed democratic processes. Aramide Tinubu praises the show’s examination of capitalist exploitation and class inequities. Kate Sánchez points out that Season 2 turns the spotlight on the audience, questioning our role in the problem.

How Is the Acting This Time?

Lee Jung-jae proves his mettle in Season 2, with Therese Lacson calling his performance a delight. Daniel Fienberg feels that Lee’s haunted aspect is a fitting development of the character, while Laura Martin describes it as the role of a lifetime. Laura Babiak praises Lee Byung-hun’s impressive portrayal of the increasingly conniving Front Man. Kate Sánchez and Siddhant Adlakha highlight the surprising and meaningful addition of new characters like Hyun-ju and Thanos.

Final Thoughts

Squid Game Season 2 delivers a compelling continuation of the brutal mystery series, with twisted games, shocking surprises, and timely social commentary. While some critics feel that it serves more as a setup for Season 3, the new episodes retain the thrilling spirit of the original. With strong performances from the cast and rich storytelling, Season 2 is a must-watch for fans of the series.