Squid Game

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⭐ 8.0/10

(Originally written by Tim)

A bunch of people in crippling debt join a hunger games style competition for tons of money. While the premise doesn't feel completely unique, and the second episode where everyone willing chooses to return to the game is completely unbelievable, this show really hooks you. The acting is great, the style is unique, and you have to keep watching to know what happens next!

I do think my impression of the season is really hurt by the ending. It completely undoes the most emotional part of the season, and while I like a vague ending this one just felt silly, as if they were trying too hard to make a point or tie things together. They also introduce english speaking VIPs that take a smart show and then add in commentary that insults your intelligence. I liked the idea of the english speakers being the masked bad guys, and maybe them being dumb is part of it, but it completely changed the dynamic of the show for me.

I also had 0 connection to anyone on this show. They all have a death wish, and the violence becomes so commonplace that the shock of the first episode is as shocking as it gets. I couldn't bring myself to care for anyone, aside from maybe the main character, and that meant most of the deaths were just casualties on the way to the prize money for me.

Still, I can't deny that I was hooked. Joe was right in saying that if they released these weekly it would have completely owned culture for 2 months. Hoping they find ways to innovate for the next season.

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