When Squid Game first hit Netflix in 2021, it became a global obsession. Brutal childhood games, psychological suspense, and a haunting commentary on capitalism made it an instant classic. After a darker and more complex second season, fans hoped Season 3 would deliver a powerful and emotional conclusion. But now that it’s here… many of us are left wondering: Did it live up to the hype?
The Hype vs. The Reality
Marketed as the final chapter of Gi-hun’s story, Season 3 promised deeper secrets, higher stakes, and satisfying resolution. Instead, what we got felt incomplete—ambitious in concept but flat in execution.
What Didn’t Work
1. The Games Felt Repetitive
The show built its fame on thrilling, unpredictable games. In Season 3, the new games lacked tension and originality. They felt more like filler than pivotal moments. Gone was the dread of Season 1’s “Red Light, Green Light.” Now, it’s mostly fast-forward material.
2. Character Arcs Cut Short
Gi-hun returns with vengeance—but his storyline fizzles. New characters are introduced but underdeveloped. Even familiar faces like Jun-ho feel more like narrative accessories than people with purpose. Emotional payoffs are few and far between.
3. An Ending That Doesn’t Land
The finale is bold—especially the twist with the newborn baby “winner”—but it’s emotionally hollow. It doesn’t tie back meaningfully to the themes that originally grounded the show: inequality, choice, and morality under pressure.
What Did Work
Let’s not pretend Season 3 was all bad. A few elements stood out:
✅ 1. Cate Blanchett’s Surprise Cameo
Hands down, the biggest jaw-dropper. Her appearance as an American recruiter adds a layer of eerie elegance—and might tease what’s coming next.
✅ 2. Cinematography and Visuals
Season 3 may be weaker on story, but it looks amazing. From the surreal sets to the high-contrast lighting, the visual style remains strong and immersive.
✅ 3. The Soundtrack
Subtle and haunting, the score adds emotional depth where the writing sometimes falls short. It echoes the desperation and despair that made the original so powerful.
A Rushed Ending… or a New Beginning?
Some fans have pointed out that the ending feels abrupt—and perhaps it is. Just days before Season 3 dropped, Netflix announced a Squid Game multiverse, including spin-offs and international versions. Could this rushed wrap-up be intentional? A way to hand off the franchise to a wider world of interconnected stories?
If so, that would explain a lot—and make Blanchett’s cameo more than just fan service.
So, Should You Watch It?
If you’ve followed Squid Game this far, yes—watch Season 3 to see where the story ends (for now). But if you’re expecting the emotional punch and social commentary of Season 1, prepare to be underwhelmed. It closes the book but doesn’t quite finish the story.
Final Verdict:
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Watch it for closure—and maybe a glimpse into what’s next.
Seen Season 3? What did you think of the finale and the multiverse tease? Share your thoughts below.
