Fair use from Netflix

After Netflix struck gold with its hit original series “Squid Game,” the popular streaming service brought director Hwang Dong-hyuk’s imagination to life with the newly released reality spinoff “Squid Game: The Challenge.” I had high expectations going into viewing this series, as I thoroughly enjoyed “Squid Game.” “Squid Game: The Challenge” ended up being extremely entertaining and thought-provoking, but also raised some ethical questions.

“Squid Game: The Challenge” is a reality competition which features 456 contestants competing for a grand prize of $4,560,000. The contestants are isolated from the outside world and must compete in a series of games inspired by the ones played in “Squid Game” in order to become the last player standing. The contestants must outplay other contestants in the challenges while also forming alliances and using their social skills to gain advantages over other players. From heartwarming friendships to shocking betrayals, this series was an intriguing and exhilarating watch. 

“Squid Game: The Challenge” was full of suspenseful moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself curling my toes and wincing in anticipation when the seconds of a challenge ticked down as players I had quickly grown to love were on the verge of elimination. These challenges recaptured the excitement of the games from the original series through stunning  and nearly identical set designs and suspense while adding twists to them in order to keep it fresh. 

The series also proved as an extremely thought-provoking social experiment that took a deep dive into the psychology of humans when they are isolated and competing for a significant cash prize. There were countless instances when contestants compromised their morals in order to get a step closer in achieving victory and receiving the cash prize. It was extremely fascinating to see the emotional reaction of certain players when the fate of numerous other players were put into their hands. Some thrived and rose up to the occasion while others crumbled under the pressure and left fellow contestants and themselves in the dust and eliminated.

While the show was extremely entertaining, I couldn’t ignore the ethical aspect of the show. The original “Squid Game” was a parody and criticism of reality competitions in which contestants remove themselves from reality and will stop at nothing to receive the grand prize. Just two years after Netflix produced and released that series, Netflix released another series that does exactly what the aforementioned show says exactly not to do. Contestants were put in an extremely stressful and compact environment while having no sense of time, which can mess with someone’s head. With all that being said, the contestants knew what they had signed up for and are capitalizing on their “15 minutes of fame” through social media, so they seem to be doing fine. 

“Squid Game: The Challenge” was extremely entertaining, but completely contradicts the message of the original series. I thoroughly enjoyed its first season, but I am not sure if a second season is the best idea.

“Squid Game: The Challenge”: ★★★★☆