Movies News Talk
Though I enjoy Netflix's Squid Game, I am happy that its third installment marks the end of its run and that a season 4 is not written in the books. Season 2's central games will be as thrilling and unsettling as season 1's (if not more), and its treatment of class conflicts will stay hard-hitting virtually certainly. I also know, though, that the fundamental narrative devices Squid Game season 1 set up would only be applicable for two more seasons.
Gi-hun will be returning to the titular games based on the announcement trailer for Squid Game season 2. Gi-hun's comeback would most certainly mean he will compete once more since the plot of season 1 was mostly driven by the central games. Gi-hun's intentions would be different this time, though: he would set out to close the games rather than trying to win them. This story would keep things interesting, and Gi-hun's fresh goal would also provide the show some freshness. Season 2 will contain new games, hence it will have the essential factor that made season 1 interesting.
Even if Squid Game brings in yet another fresh set of games in season 4, the central idea of survival and Gi-hun's need for retribution could seem repetitious. Beyond season 2, the show can still captivate viewers by repeating the same narrative framework in season 3. But beyond season three, I'm not sure if the format of the program would hold true without seeming excessive repetition. Even if Squid Game brings in yet another fresh set of games in season 4, the central idea of survival and Gi-hun's search for retribution could seem cliched. Squid Game would thus look to finish on a high note where it is neither boring nor weighted down by consistent narrative advancements, by merely using its primary story drives as narrative devices until season 3.
Expanding Squid Game's narrative outside of the primary death games could help it to keep fresh even after season 3. Walking viewers through a fresh set of survival games in every season would finally make the series feel too boring. Squid Game season 4 may be less about the games and more on the show's examination of class divisions and economic determinism. This change could help it in some respects since it would enable it to explore more the social criticism that gave season 1 multiple dimensions.
But considering the show's even-titled reference to one of the death games, I cannot see it completely forsaking the central component. The show's character has been so deeply rooted in the games that they would not be intriguing enough absent them. Although Squid Game's depiction of social difference is interesting, if the story veers too far from the games, it would lack enough weight to be interesting. Therefore, I can understand how season 3 would be the ideal time for the South Korean Netflix series to stop since it neither overuse the established framework nor risk eroding the basic charm.
It is difficult not to believe that some anticipation around Squid Game season 2 has already faded over the years since it is releasing over three years after the first season. When Season 1 debuted on Netflix, it was a huge hit, and its viewership figures still show no damage. Still, three years is plenty time for viewer taste to change to other shows in the competitive streaming scene. Luckily, the confirmed finale of Squid Game offers spectators fresh motivation to interact with its next projects.
The show pledges to present a well-rounded ending instead of stretching its welcome, clearly visible. The revelation of the series finishing run with season 3 ensures viewers that they will get closure and will not have to wait another five years to watch how Gi-hun's journey concludes even before season 2 releases. Simultaneously, the definite ending guarantees viewers that they may keep devoting their time to Squid Game's forthcoming seasons since its high-stakes drama will not finish suddenly.