Netflix’s ultra-popular Squid Game is now seeing season two teased. The news comes from an interview with the series’ director, Hwang Dong-hyuk. The series, which debuted on September 17, is on track to become Netflix’s biggest series debut ever. It is currently Netflix’s most streamed show.
“Would you like to play a game with me?”
The premise for Squid Game is something akin to Fall Guys meets Battle Royale/The Hunger Games. 456 destitute people are recruited to play in a series of games. The games are simple and often based on popular children’s games like Red Light Green Light. The twist is, fail to follow the rules of the game and you’ll be eliminated (shot dead). The players are in dire straits, owing multiple or substantial debts to various organizations or people. Often, like the main character Seong Gi-hun, they have a crippling addiction to gambling which easily leads them to play the games. For each person that is eliminated, a prize pool is increased substantially. The remaining winner(s) split the pool which equals 45.6 billion won ($38.6 million).
Spoilers Ahead
With season two teased of Squid Game, it’s nearly impossible to avoid spoilers. So, for those that wish to continue reading, you’ve been warned.
While I was writing season one, I thought about the stories that could be in season two if I get to do one — one would be the story of the Frontman [an ex-cop who is now one of the masterminds behind the game]. I think the issue with police officers is not just an issue in Korea. I see it on the global news that the police force can be very late on acting on things — there are more victims or a situation gets worse because of them not acting fast enough. This was an issue that I wanted to raise. Maybe in season two I can talk about this more.”
The first season of Squid Game focuses on the financial inequality of the world and how it impacts those on the lower end of the spectrum. For anyone that has experienced financial difficulties in their life, it can be a tough watch. But, that’s what makes it so compelling. It makes the characters and their motivations all the more believable. So, to potentially see a social commentary on the state of police forces could be just as compelling.
There was a time when there was a lot of discussion about how people were reluctant to make way for ambulances on the highways — people had a lack of understanding about the role of authorities, that they exist to serve the public. Squid Game expresses hopes for these issues to be addressed and improved.”
If nothing else, Squid Game has proven that audiences are craving something different. While the colorful visuals hide nightmares, they are nightmares that make audiences think. For that reason alone, I can’t wait for season two.
