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The global phenomenon Squid Game returned on December 26, 2024, with its highly anticipated second season continuing the intense narrative that captivated audiences worldwide. The season has been well-received, maintaining the series' reputation for gripping storytelling and complex character dynamics. It received praise for its deeper exploration of human psychology and high-stakes drama.
Packed with intense storytelling and high-stakes drama, the new episodes delve deeper into the lives of Gi-hun, Jun-ho, and a fresh set of players vying for the grand prize of 45.6 billion won. Season 2 has been nominated for Best Television Series – Drama at the Golden Globe Awards, underscoring its critical acclaim.
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Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers for Squid Game season 2. Reader's discretion is advised.
IMDb rankings: Squid Game season 2 episodes from highest to lowest rated
Viewers have shared their verdicts on IMDb, assigning ratings to each Squid Game season 2 episode. These ratings offer insight into how audiences responded to the season, ranking episodes from best to worst based on their compelling storylines and emotional impact.
Here's how the episodes of Squid Game season 2 are ranked on IMDb, from best to worst:
1) Bread and Lottery (S2 E1)
Rating: 8.0/10 (4.8K ratings)
The first episode of Squid Game season 2, titled Bread and Lottery, introduces new characters and explores the game's darker aspects. Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) staying in South Korea and continuing his quest to find the recruiter set a compelling tone for the season, making this the highest-rated episode.
In a notable moment, the recruiter (Gong Yoo) offers some homeless people a choice between a loaf of bread and a losing lottery ticket. When no one chooses the bread, he destroys them in front of the hungry homeless people, showcasing the game's manipulative nature.
The episode ends with deadly games and reveals more about the recruiter's past. The episode has been praised for its intense storytelling and emotional impact.
2) 001 (S2 E3)
Rating: 7.9/10 (1.9K ratings)
In episode 3 of Squid Game season 2, titled 001, the deadly games begin, introducing new players who face the lethal "Red Light, Green Light" game. Panic ensues when a contestant is killed, and Gi-hun tries to end the game by invoking a vote. However, the vote results in a tie, introducing Player 001 to make the final decision.
It is revealed that Player 001 is Hwang In-ho, the Front Man and Hwang Jun-ho's brother from season 1. In-ho is manipulating the game's outcome, stopping Gi-hun from ending it. This twist adds a new layer of complexity to the story, setting the stage for escalating tension.
3) Six Legs (S2 E4)
Rating: 7.6/10 (1.5K ratings)
In episode 4 of Squid Game season 2, titled Six Legs, players compete in the Six-Legged Pentathlon, a series of five mini-games that require teamwork. As the competition intensifies, alliances form, including one between Gi-hun and the Front Man.
Meanwhile, a group of outcasts faces discrimination. The mini-games include Ddakji, Flying Stone, Gong-gi, Spinning Top, and Jegi, with several teams struggling to succeed. A subplot reveals an illegal organ-harvesting operation, adding complexity to the game's corrupt infrastructure.
4) O X (S2 E6)
Rating: 7.6/10 (1.3K ratings)
In episode 6 of Squid Game season 2, titled O X, the players face the "Mingle" game, where contestants must form groups of a specified number to enter designated rooms. Those left outside and groups that do not have the correct number of members are ruthlessly eliminated.
After the game, the voting system ensues, and the emotional stakes rise as contestants make difficult choices. With alliances tested and betrayals surfacing, the players confront their morals and survival instincts. While many wish to leave the game, many are still convinced it would be better to continue to earn more money.
The episode highlights the harsh realities of survival under extreme pressure, addressing societal issues like the exploitation of the vulnerable by the wealthy. By the end, the number of players is drastically reduced, setting the stage for the series' dramatic finale.
5) Halloween Party (S2 E2)
Rating: 7.5/10 (3.1K ratings)
In Squid Game season 2 episode 2, titled Halloween Party, Gi-hun continues his pursuit to expose the game's organizers. He teams up with former police officer Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon).
Now working as a traffic cop, Jun-ho continues searching for his brother, the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). They infiltrate a nightclub to confront the VIPs. However, Gi-hun is captured and coerced back into the game by the Front Man.
The episode also introduces No-eul (Park Gyu-young), a North Korean defector looking for her daughter. She receives an invitation to the game and joins as a guard of the game.
6) One More Game (S2 E5)
Rating: 7.2/10 (1.4K ratings)
In episode 5 of Squid Game season 2, titled One More Game, the players continue their journey through deadly children's games and also continue the voting system. The contestants are divided as many want to stay and play "one more game" to increase their money, heightening tension as continuing would mean death for more players. However, the majority wins, and they enter the game of "Mingle."
The episode maintains the series' signature blend of suspense and emotional depth, interspersed with brief breaks for voting and bonding. The strong performances and unique storytelling contribute to the episode's gripping atmosphere, keeping the viewers on edge as the competition intensifies.
7) Friend or Foe (S2 E7)
Rating: 6.9/10 (1.5K ratings)
Episode 7 of Squid Game season 2, titled Friend or Foe, is the season finale, where Seong Gi-hun leads a rebellion against the deadly games. He forms an alliance and crafts a plan to attack the game staff, aiming to dismantle the game by capturing the Front Man.
However, the rebellion resulted in a bloodbath, with many casualties among the rebels. In-ho ultimately betrays them, and many of Gi-hun's key allies are killed, including his childhood friend Jung-bae. It ends with the rebellion's failure and the continuation of the games. Key moments include intense battles, betrayals, and deep themes about human nature.
The episode also sets up a potential third season, which is expected to delve into unresolved questions and Gi-hun's ongoing mission to end the games.
The latest season introduces a larger ensemble, welcoming Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, and Park Sung-hoon to the cast, alongside familiar faces from the original.
Squid Game season 2 is available for streaming worldwide on Netflix since December 26, 2024.
