6 Harsh Realities Of Rewatching Squid Game More Than 2 Years Later

Squid Game took the world by storm when it debuted in 2021, setting viewership records for Netflix and becoming one of the streamer’s most-discussed series at the time — but there are some harsh realities of watching the South Korean drama more than two years later. Squid Game follows the down-on-his-luck Seong Gi-hun as he competes in a deadly tournament against 455 other players to win a life-changing amount of money. Unfortunately, only one player can walk out of the titular games, so those competing must weed out their opponents if they hope to take home the grand prize.

Squid Game‘s brutal story and themes are part of the reason the series is such a success, but its talented cast and writing are also to thank. With Squid Game season 2 coming out sometime in 2024, the Netflix show will likely be a hot topic of discussion again soon enough. And some subscribers may find themselves rewatching Squid Game for the first time since its debut, leading to some harsh realizations about the beloved hit.

6 Gi-Hun & Il-Nam’s Friendship Is So Much Sadder On A Rewatch

Friendship isn’t encouraged during Squid Game‘s titular tournament, and Gi-hun and Il-nam’s bond is tragic no matter how one spins it. However, their interactions are even sadder upon a rewatch of the Netflix series. Those who already know Squid Game season 1’s ending will be aware of the looming twist: that Il-nam is the one behind the tournament, and that he’s a wealthy man who views the violence and death within the games as entertainment. Gi-hun is left devastated after winning, and learning that his friend — someone he believed to be dead — is behind them makes his plight so much worse.

Viewers will likely be focused on the twist and Il-nam’s explanation as they watch Squid Game season 1 for the first time. However, a second viewing will force them to look at Gi-hun and Il-nam’s interactions — and the latter’s death — in an all-new light. It makes it more difficult to stomach these scenes when one knows what is coming.

5 The Identity Of The Front Man Should Have Been Obvious

The Front Man is in charge of the tournament in Squid Game, but the mask he wears prevents viewers from learning his true identity right away. Of course, upon a rewatch of Squid Game, viewers will realize that the villain’s identity should have been obvious all along. The series eventually reveals that the Front Man is Jun-ho’s brother, and the two have a confrontation before the Front Man shoots Jun-ho off a cliff. There’s no reason to include Jun-ho’s backstory about his brother unless it comes back in some major way. This Squid Game plot twist fulfills that, and it’s hard to see how anyone missed it the first time.

4 Squid Game Had No Choice But To Kill Off Some Of Its Best Talent Before Season 2

The nature of Squid Game meant that most of season 1’s characters were never going to make it to season 2, but that doesn’t make this reality any less harsh upon a rewatch of the Netflix show. The sad truth is that Squid Game season 1’s cast is full of exceptional talent, but the series couldn’t capitalize on it for more than a single outing. While Lee Jung-jae will return as Gi-hun, and a handful of other stars will be back for season 2, too many of season 1’s standouts won’t get to continue their character arcs.

Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, and Tripathi Anupam all gave stellar performances in Squid Game‘s first batch of episodes, and it’s a shame there’s no way to incorporate their characters into the show’s future. There’s little doubt that the Netflix series will introduce new players to get attached to. However, the original group of players will be missed.

3 Squid Game’s Ending Feels Less Exciting After Its 3-Year Wait For Season 2

Squid Game season 1 ends on an exciting note, with Gi-hun changing his mind about traveling to America and opting to stay in South Korea and seek revenge against those behind the central tournament. This sudden decision leaves left viewers eager for a second season, and Netflix is delivering on a follow-up — but it’s taking longer than expected. For a series that proved so successful for the streamer, it’s shocking that Squid Game season 2 isn’t out yet. And a harsh reality about rewatching season 1 is that its finale feels less thrilling now that so much time has passed.

This is to be expected after waiting three years for Squid Game season 2, but it still feels disappointing. The new episodes will need to kick off with a bang to reignite the hype surrounding the series. That shouldn’t be necessary after how popular it became, but fans have had a lot of time to forget about season 1’s exciting conclusion.

2 Squid Game Season 1 Is Going To Be Difficult To Follow

In addition to the fact that Squid Game season 2 is taking a long time to debut, it’s also going to have a hard time topping season 1. This is a harsh realization viewers will have rewatching Squid Game’s first outing, as the initial batch of episodes is masterfully put together. The show’s first season is shocking, brutal, and really doesn’t need a follow-up (even if it’s great that it’s getting one).

With this in mind, Squid Game season 2 could pale in comparison to season 1 if it isn’t handled properly. Getting viewers back into the games will require some effort on the writers’ part, and if the tournament doesn’t happen in the sophomore season, that will be disappointing. The show will need to strike the right balance if it hopes to maintain an upward trajectory in terms of reception, so hopefully, it can manage it.

1 Squid Game’s Themes Still Feel Way Too Relevant

At its core, Squid Game is a show about how far desperate people will go to survive an oppressive system — and the harshest reality of rewatching the Netflix series years later is that its themes are still incredibly relevant. The show offers a poignant take on economic hardship and how it can strip people of their humanity, a message that will resonate with many viewers in some way or another. In a way, Squid Game‘s themes are timeless. And while that allows the show to hold up years later, it also proves an incredibly sad reality.

Squid Game

In Squid Game, a mysterious invitation to join a competition is sent to people at risk who are in dire need of money. Four hundred fifty-six participants from all walks of life are locked into a secret location where they play games to win 45.6 billion won. Games are selected from traditional Korean children’s games, such as Red Light and Green Light, but the consequence of losing is death. To survive, competitors must choose their alliances carefully – but the further they go in the competition, the more likely betrayal will rear its ugly head.

Cast

Wi Ha-joon , Anupam Tripathi , Oh Yeong-su , Heo Sung-tae , Park Hae-soo , Jung Ho-yeon , Lee Jung-jae , Kim Joo-ryoung

Release Date

September 17, 2021

Seasons

1

Writers

Hwang Dong-hyuk

Directors

Hwang Dong-hyuk

Showrunner

Hwang Dong-hyuk