Overview
The reviewer found Squid Game Season 3 disappointing, mainly due to lack of payoff and unresolved plotlines, though they acknowledged a few standout moments and character arcs.
Unanswered Plotlines and Character Arcs
- Season 3 fails to deliver answers to plot threads set up in Season 2.
- The detective's storyline ultimately leads nowhere, providing no closure or meaningful outcome.
- The detective's efforts to find his brother end with minimal interaction and no significant revelations.
- Removal of the detective's subplot would not significantly alter the season's events.
Positives: Standout Moments and Character Dynamics
- The hide-and-seek tag game was highlighted as intense and well-executed, offering strong character moments.
- The dynamic between the mother and son in the tag game was emotionally powerful and consistent with prior development.
- Hyonju's death had significant emotional impact and resonated with her protective role in the rebellion.
- Nocule's arc, involving her reawakened sense of hope and protective actions, was considered satisfying.
Character Development Issues
- Several characters received unsatisfying resolutions or minimal development (e.g., Dieho, Minsu).
- Dieho's arc ends abruptly after minimal payoff despite prior buildup.
- Minsu's story is reduced to drug addiction with no meaningful impact or closure.
- Many significant deaths occur midway, leaving lesser-known characters for the final games, reducing audience investment.
Criticism of the VIP Subplot
- VIP characters are portrayed as cartoonish and unlikeable, contributing little to the story.
- Their scenes contain poor dialogue and offer no narrative resolution or insight.
Problems with Final Games and Payoff
- The jump rope game and final Squid Game lack emotional resonance due to focus on underdeveloped characters.
- Key character Mongji's shift into a villainous role felt abrupt, though somewhat foreshadowed.
- Jihun's victory by sacrificing himself, allowing the baby to win, was thematically strong but undercut by avoidable plot mechanics and lack of tension.
- Final moments involving Inho and the confrontation with Jihun were brief and underwhelming, offering little backstory or resolution.
Setup for Future Spin-Off
- The season ends with Inho in America witnessing the recruitment for an American Squid Game, teasing a potential spin-off.
Final Impressions
- Despite some effective moments and character arcs, the reviewer found Season 3 lacked satisfying conclusions and impactful storytelling, resulting in overall disappointment.