Netflix's dystopian thriller, Squid Game, has concluded its run with the release of its third season. The series, which became a global phenomenon after its 2021 debut, has kept viewers on the edge of their seats with its brutal depiction of social inequality and the lengths people will go to for survival. But did the final season deliver?
A Bloody Tournament Continues
Season 3 picks up where Season 2 left off, with Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) re-entering the deadly games. This time, his goal is to dismantle the entire operation from within. Gi-hun's attempts to dissuade other players from participating in the violent contest proved largely unsuccessful in the previous season, leading to tragic consequences. This season sees Gi-hun grappling with despair, until a glimmer of hope emerges with an unexpected event.
Player 222: A Mother's Sacrifice
One of the most emotionally charged storylines of Season 3 revolves around Player 222, Kim Jun-hee, a pregnant woman forced to fight for her life and her unborn child. Jun-hee's journey is fraught with peril. She is introduced as a quiet and resilient contestant. Lured into the game by her ex-boyfriend, Player 333, she faces unimaginable challenges. During a hide-and-seek challenge, she gives birth with the help of other players. Injured and knowing she can't survive, she entrusts her baby to Gi-hun, sacrificing herself.
The Fate of the Baby
In a cruel twist, the game's organizers designate the newborn as the new Player 222. By the final game, only Gi-hun, Player 333, and the baby remain. Player 333 falls to his death before the final round can begin, leaving Gi-hun with a devastating choice: sacrifice himself or the baby. Honoring his promise to Jun-hee, Gi-hun chooses to end his own life, saving the child. Front Man takes the baby to a safe place.
Netflix Records Smashed
Squid Game 3 has already broken records, achieving 60.1 million views in its first three days. This impressive debut positions it as one of Netflix's most-watched non-English TV shows.
Did It Stick the Landing?
While the final season has garnered significant attention and broken viewership records, opinions on whether it successfully concluded the series are divided. The emotional depth of Player 222's storyline and Gi-hun's ultimate sacrifice resonated with many viewers. However, some critics argue that the plot became convoluted and lost some of the original's impact.