Squid Game has finally reached its gripping finale, shedding light on the destinies of its colorful cast, from the heroes to the antagonists. Central to this is Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who returns as Player 456, determined to dismantle the vicious competition that has ensnared so many.
When we first encountered Gi-hun in season one, he was a man adrift, living off his ailing mother’s support and caught in a gambling spiral that left his young daughter feeling neglected. Tragically, during his desperate pursuit of 45.6 billion won, he lost his mother and saw his daughter depart to America with his ex-wife and her new partner.
Season one culminates with Gi-hun nearly boarding a plane to reconnect with his daughter, symbolizing hope and redemption. Yet, in a shocking twist, he forgoes this reunion, vowing instead to seek revenge on those who orchestrated his suffering. This decision allows us to dive deeper into a world of ominous pink suits, twisted childhood games, and unending brutality in season two and beyond.
In season three, Gi-hun is trapped in the deadly games, leaving no time for family reconnections, even if he yearned for them. However, a powerful moment arises with Player 222, Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri), a new mother tormented by guilt for the lives lost while she sought to protect her child. Gi-hun compassionately reassures her that every participant made their own decisions, sharing his own painful reflections on fatherhood and loss.
As Squid Game approaches its climax, Gi-hun’s fateful decision leads to self-sacrifice, encapsulated in the episode titled “Humans Are…” just before he meets a tragic end. A poignant “six months later” epilogue reveals how the surviving players navigate life after the games.
The final scenes transport us to Los Angeles, where the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) pays a visit to Gi-hun’s daughter. Initially dismissive, she becomes aware of her father’s passing through the mysterious visitor. He presents her with a box containing Gi-hun’s Squid Game outfit and a bank card presumably filled with his winnings.
Just when we think the story reaches its natural conclusion, we follow the Front Man through downtown Los Angeles. Stuck in traffic, he observes a woman engaged in a game of ddakji, reminiscent of the game that drew players from Seoul’s subway stations. This moment seems to foreshadow a new chapter in the Squid Game saga.
That woman is none other than Cate Blanchett, who shares a knowing glance with the Front Man, hinting at an invitation to “Game on… again.” This raises questions about an impending U.S. adaptation of Squid Game, a project previously discussed by creators like David Fincher.
Is the appearance of such a prominent figure like Blanchett meant to signify the show’s global reach and ongoing impact? America, a land ripe with individuals willing to risk everything for a shot at wealth, certainly seems like a fitting backdrop for the Squid Game franchise.
Or could it be a deliberate choice by creator Hwang Dong-hyuk to leave the door open for a future return, despite his original intent for the show to be a standalone narrative? This surprise ending might distract from the emotional depth that preceded it, evoking mixed feelings among viewers. Did we require such a star-studded cameo in the finale, especially given the show’s roots far from Hollywood?
What did you think of that last scene? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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