I never did watch Squid Game, Netflix’s record-breaking 2021 hit, an action/drama/mystery about players who accept a strange invitation to compete in children’s games. Only to find that they’ve entered a deadly survival game with a 45.6 billion prize at stake.
I couldn’t watch the original show because the dystopian theme and all the killing just didn’t appeal to me. I still feel the same two years later. However, the good news for me and others like me is that we can finally be part of the Squid Game experience. Especially since Squid Game – The Challenge is far from gory, yet it’s delightfully gripping.
Within the first few episodes, even though I’m not great at games, a small part of me thought that maybe I missed out by not applying as a contestant. However, as the game progressed, my tune was quick to change because, for want of a better phrase, Squid Game – The challenge is cold-blooded. What the producers have delivered is a wonderfully engaging game show. I might even argue that it is the most gripping thing I’ve seen on Netflix in 2023. The game design is clever and, the stakes keep rising in ways that thrill and surprise.
I admit that I may be enjoying the game show more than most because everything about it is new to me, as a non-watcher of the original show. Nevertheless, I remain entertained in ways that make me want to recommend the show to everyone, even though I know that many fans of the original Squid Game are disappointed that this new version isn’t fully based on the 2021 show in the ways they hoped.
For the aforementioned reasons, I have next to zero complaints about this show. I’m simply far too busy looking forward to the release of the five remaining episodes of this season. Episodes six to nine are due on November 29th, and the finale lands on Netflix on 6th December.
If I had to say one thing I don’t love about Squid Game – The Challenge, it’s the same thing I hate about all game shows; when the edit makes you wait for the answer for what feels like 15 seconds just so they can have you at the edge of your seat in the name of contrived suspense. In such moments, I waste no time hitting the button to skip at least ten seconds ahead, and I urge you to do the same if you feel similarly.
Will you be watching Squid Game The Challenge? If so, be warned that the first five episodes may just steal your entire evening if you’re not careful.
Happy Film Loving,
G
The Movie My Life 
I’m watching it this weekend. Can’t wait. 🎉Thanks for sharing. Other friends who didn’t watch the original feel similarly about this game show.
My pleasure and enjoy! 🤓
Gia, I’ll be honest, the idea doesn’t grab me. I’ll be skipping it unless I get really desperate, like I did during Covid, when I watched Tiger King (and loved it!)
That’s very understandable. However, there’s still a chance that you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised. 🤓🤞🤞
I saw the banner for it last night on netflix and was *almost* tempted to watch an episode. Maybe at some point 🙂
You had me with “delightfully gripping”. 😀
I’ve watched the original series and I’ve seen now the trailer for this reality version and it looked like they recreated most if not all the game settings from the show. I was not interested before, but after reading your glowing endorsement, I might give it a go!
In that case, I’m very curious to learn what you think of the game show. 🤓
I have not seen the Squid game either 👌
Luckily, you didn’t need to have seen it to enjoy the game show. The question is, is it the original show or the new game show that you’re most likely to watch?
Oh
Interesting take on the whole thing…
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20231127-is-squid-game-the-challenge-unethical-or-top-entertainment
Thanks for sharing. 🤓👍 I’ve bookmarked to read this article once the season is over. Just based on the title alone, I wouldn’t say it’s unethical.
The way I see it it’s about the age old psychological theme how we humans are interested in seeing other humans suffer so to ease our own suffering. That is to say if you get a bad grade at school you feel bad but then you see another kid who got two bad grades and you feel better because you are reminded it could be worse. But in this case it’s by design to entertain the rest of us and that bring us back to the Roman gladiators. Distracting the masses from political issues. It’s a larger subject on reality shows or entertainment in general.
I hear you Uri. I can’t deny my own need for escapism/distraction at times. Naturally, more so when reality is hideous. That is why Ted Lasso was such a welcome part of my 2020. A blessing, dare I say.
I can’t deny that there were some hard-to-watch moments in SGTC. And don’t just mean the honeycomb cookie and needle game because of all that saliva! I think my discomfort was more to do with seeing how emotionally wrapped up and desperate many contestants were to win, that more than the nature of the game show – because we can asume that they all chose to go through such a challenge. .
Watched the finale last night. How could I stop watching after getting hooked in the first 2 episodes. I will say I do not envy any of the players for having to live through all of that. *Almost* worth the money but the odds would be too slim for me. Thanks for talking me into watching it, Gia.
You’re very welcome, Msjadeli. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself through to the end.
I also watched the finale last night and I fully agree. No thank you to taking part in the game. That type of stress and inadequate control over my own fate is not for me. However, for anyone who wishes they were in this season, well, season two is casting right now. No surprises there!
I saw that at the end about the casting.
It would be so fun to see someone I know on it. Maybe you’ll see someone you know in season two. 🤓