Squid Game Season 3 Review: Massive Expectations, Unexpected Chaos
Netflix’s global K-drama hit Squid Game has returned with Season 3.
While the first season ignited a cultural revolution, Season 3 takes a different path—one that fans and critics didn’t quite expect.
In this expert review, we break down the plot, summarize real Reddit fan reactions, highlight international media coverage, and offer an honest evaluation of whether Season 3 lived up to its name.
Story Recap: The Game Gets Bigger, But Loses Its Heart
Season 3 moves beyond survival. Instead of focusing solely on deadly games, it explores the inner workings of the organization, its hierarchy, and the human choices behind power.
Gi-hun returns, but this time, the game has evolved.
Participants include infants, elders, and people without agency, leaving viewers to ask, “Is this a game or a psychological experiment?”
Though ambitious in concept, many felt the story failed to deliver emotional depth.
Complex themes were introduced, but they often lacked meaningful development.
Fan Reactions: Confusion, Disappointment, and Outrage
Where Did Gi-hun Go?
One of the biggest points of criticism across Reddit threads was the absence of Gi-hun’s presence.
Once the emotional anchor of the show, he now felt more like a side character.
“Squid Game without Gi-hun is just… another show.”
– @filmfreak011 (Reddit)
The Most Controversial Scene: The Baby Participant
Mid-season, the story introduced a symbolic game involving a baby.
Rather than being seen as clever social commentary, most fans found it disturbing and unnecessary.
“That wasn’t deep. That was just disturbing.”
– @kdramaunfiltered
The scene sparked backlash, especially among female viewers.
Themes of pregnancy, choice, and life were presented with heavy pro-life undertones, prompting debates across Reddit.
“It wasn’t respectful or thoughtful. It just made me feel gross.”
– @softkorealover
Character Breakdown: Myung-gi’s Identity Crisis
Myung-gi, one of the main new characters, went through wild personality shifts.
Savior in one episode, manipulator in the next, and victim in the finale—his arc left many confused and disconnected.
“He felt like a puppet, not a real character.”
– @namjoonvoice
International Critic Reviews: A Misfire in the Making?
The Verge: “The Emotion is Gone”
Tech outlet The Verge summed it up bluntly:
Yes, it looks stunning. No, it doesn’t feel the same.
“More to watch, less to feel. The human core is missing.”
Economic Times: “Shock Value Over Substance”
Economic Times criticized the show for sacrificing emotional storytelling in favor of cheap twists and forced morality.
“You’ll be shocked—but not moved.”
Decider: “Not the End, but a Beginning?”
Decider had a different take. They believe Season 3 is a platform for spin-offs or Western remakes, not a conclusion.
From the open-ended finale to Cate Blanchett’s surprise cameo, it’s clear something bigger is coming.
“This is a setup, not a send-off.”
Visuals and Sound: Still Top-Tier
Even the harshest critics agree: the visuals, music, and editing remain top-class.
- Mise-en-scène: Bold colors, dramatic lighting, symbolic staging
- Soundtrack: Chilling sound design with eerie classical and ambient pieces
- Editing: Tension-filled cuts and well-paced sequences keep the adrenaline high
“If you care more about style than story, this season is still worth your time.”
– Rotten Tomatoes
Final Verdict: Bold Experiment, Lost Identity?
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Visuals | Stunning, immersive | Some viewers found it overwhelming |
| Story | Ambitious, philosophical | Disconnected emotions, messy pacing |
| Characters | Unique side characters | Main arcs poorly handled |
| Buzz Factor | Still a global event | Fan frustration rising fast |
So, What Do You Think?
Season 3 of Squid Game isn’t perfect—but it’s undeniably bold.
It dares to grow its universe and tackle risky themes, even if not all of them land.
Whether you hated it or loved it, one thing is clear:
It sparked global conversation, and that alone proves the power of K-drama today.
Will there be a Season 4? No confirmation yet.
But that ending? It’s not a goodbye. It’s a teaser.