Worthy successor or cash grab? Debating whether Squid Game 2 was actually good

Nobody, not even Netflix, could have predicted the cultural phenomenon Korean show Squid Game became in 2021. It truly took over the world – with everyone watching it, talking about it, analysing it. It was a great time for pop culture: a real organic phenomenon that had people who’d probably never watch a brutal Korean language thriller were suddenly seated. Squid Game was never conceived to have multiple seasons, but because of the immense success (and, of course, the money it subsequently made) it felt inevitable that Netflix would push for more – leaving creator Hwang Dong-Hyuk frantically writing continuation. It took him 12 years to develop the first season, and yet we’re here already with season two and three. This had many, including myself, fearing Squid Game 2 might be a rushed cash grab for Netflix rather than a worthy successor sequel season. Now we’ve got it, where does it land? Does it live up to the hype? Here’s a hefty debate from both sides on whether Squid Game 2 was a money making ploy or genuinely a good follow up.

For ease, let’s call worthy successor ‘for’ and cash grabby ‘against’.

For: It was too good to not carry the story on

The biggest pro about the fact Squid Game 2 exists is that the show and the story were too fun and interesting to not want to flesh out more. Things were unresolved: The Gi-Hun cliffhanger of season one showed his vengeance brewing and we knew the game was still in operation. It would feel a bit weird to never have a sequel knowing the whole scheme was never fully thwarted.

Against: The trailer was… questionable

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I think the issue here is that we knew Gi-Hun was coming back. He’s already won, so why the hell would he be able to get back in the game? I do think now the show has given a decent motive for that it feels like less of an issue but it didn’t help feel a bit meh when the first trailers came out.

via Netflix

For: Squid Game 2 still managed to feel fresh

Even the biggest cynics of this season existing in this debate will be hard pressed to not admit that Squid Game 2 still manages to feel exciting and fresh, even when retreading old iconic games like Red Light, Green Light. Gi-Hun knowing how to play it made for an interesting dynamic.

Against: The games weren’t as iconic as season one

The first season games still reign supreme in this debate over any in Squid Game 2. I did enjoy the six legged race one and some fun concepts, but none of them had the emotional impact of the paired up game from season one, the edge of your seat telly of the bridge jumping and the tension of the biscuit cutting.

For: The show fleshed out bits we hadn’t explored properly in the first Squid Game

Having characters showing us more in depth looks at the guards out of the pink suits and how the Squid Game operation was functioning after the last player 001 made for interesting viewing – rather than just focussing on the players.

via Netflix

Against: The characters were too try hard compared to season one

Considering all the fan favourites from Squid Game one except Gi-Hun died in the games, season two had to give us a new bunch that were interesting without trying too hard to make them obvious big characters or impersonations of those we loved in the first season. I don’t think the show succeeded here – with most of Squid Game 2 being filled with obnoxious personalities who never hit the icon status of the first season.

In conclusion

Weighing up the two sides on if the Squid Game 2 debate was a money grabbing machine or a worthy successor, I think overall am I happy this was made? Yes. It is an entertaining and worthwhile sequel that has a lot of love put into it. It doesn’t hit the heights of season one – the shock factor is gone, and the moment where the show felt like a phenomenon is fading. But it remains interesting and a compelling watch. And not many people who’ve tuned in for Squid Game 2 would be able to say they will not be seated for the final season later this year.

Squid Game is available on Netflix now. For all the latest Netflix news, drops, quizzes and memes like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook.