? Squid Game is back. After a three-year wait, the hit show about life-or-death games is back for its second season. Fans will be happy to learn that the thrill of the competition is still there, with new, dynamic players thrown into the mix.

The games are still the highlight, with an added twist that allows players to vote on whether or not to continue after each round — increasing tensions and reshaping alliances. We’re introduced to new characters’ compelling backstories, which heightens the emotional and psychological stakes.

Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) returns following his Emmy-worthy performance in season 1. He’s back in the games again, haunted by his experience and eager to investigate the organizers.

The sub-plots weaken the impact. Potentially intriguing storylines like that of the frontman (Lee Byung-hun) — who’s torn between his duty and his personal motives — could have strengthened the plot, but instead felt underdeveloped and disconnected from the main thrust of the season.

The shock factor is also gone. We knew it was going to be hard for this season to match the impact of the original since the audience has already become familiar with the show’s blood-filled games and dystopian universe. Nevertheless, for those that enjoyed the original, you’re likely to get much more of the same the second time around.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the series on Netflix or catch the trailer on Youtube (runtime: 1:46).

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