Instead of marking the return of the main characters from seasons 1 and 2,<em> Alice in Borderland</em> season 3 introduces a new roster that includes some incredibly likable players along with a few not-so-admirable ones.

Since many viewers grew to love the main characters from Alice in Borderland‘s seasons 1 and 2, they hoped all of them would return in season 3. Unfortunately, season 3 only features Arisu and Usagi as its leads while bringing together a whole new set of main players. Several main players from previous seasons, like Nijiro Murakami’s Chishiya, only briefly show up towards the end of the installment.

Surprisingly, in just six episodes of Alice in Borderland season 3, even the new players gradually grow on the viewer and become more and more memorable. While some become recognizable for their toxic traits and malicious plans, others become worthy counterparts for previous cast members because of their loyalty and courage during the games.

Key Takeaways

• New Characters: Season 3 introduces a fresh cast alongside returning leads Arisu and Usagi.
• Character Development: New players evolve throughout the season, gaining recognition for both positive and negative traits.
• Viewer Attachment: Despite initial impressions, viewers may find themselves attached to new characters by the season’s end.
• Main Players: Some beloved characters from earlier seasons make only brief appearances in this installment.

Ryuji

Played by Kento Kaku

Ryuji is introduced as one of the main leads in Alice in Borderland season 3. However, as the season progresses, his actions make him less likable with each episode. Initially, he only seems like a harmless scientist who is obsessed with near-death experiences after completing one run of the games in the Borderlands.

However, when he manipulates Usagi to accompany him to the games and uses her grief for her father to convince her to visit Borderlands, it becomes hard not to dislike him. He gets a semblance of redemption when he finally helps Usagi escape death in Alice in Borderland season 3’s ending arc.

Unfortunately, his final act of heroism is not enough to fully erase his previous morally questionable decisions. Owing to this, he arguably comes off as the worst new character in Alice in Borderland season 3.

Itsuki

Played by Joey Iwanaga

Itsuki first appears with his sister in the Runway Train game in Alice in Borderland season 3. He proves to be a strong contender, especially because of his experience as a firefighter in the real world. However, even though he seems intriguing in the beginning, his story arc never gets enough depth.

He and his sister also make the mistake of not prioritizing their survival in the Possible Future game. Instead, they get too fixated on the future the choices in the game will lead them. This mistake costs Itsuki, and he ends up dead in the final game. Since his arc remains unexplored even towards the end, even his death is not too tragic in season 3.

Yuna

Played by Akana Ikeda

Yuna is initially likable because of her willingness to be a team player and follow Usagi’s leadership during the games. However, she, too, obsesses a little too much over her choices in the Possible Futures game. Owing to this obsession, she and her brother, Itsuki, forget that their survival in the present is more important than what the future holds for them.

Her inability to detach herself from the outcome is what eventually leads to her brother’s death. Since her arc also lacks enough depth in Alice in Borderland season 3, it becomes hard to truly empathize with her loss towards the end.

Sachiko

Played by Risa Sudou

What makes Sachiko one of the better players in Alice in Borderland season 3 is her non-confrontational and friendly demeanor. However, this also becomes her biggest shortcoming when she refuses to take a stand for her friends and stays timid even in the face of danger. The show reveals some dark things about her life from the real world, which makes it hard not to empathize with her.

However, since Sachiko never takes center stage and always allows others to lead her to victory in the games, she never becomes a fan-favorite in season 3. Because of her lack of proactiveness, she never grows to become one of the better players in the Netflix Japanese live-action show.

Tetsu

Played by Koji Ohkura

Koji Ohkura’s character Tetsu struggles with his drug addiction during the games. Despite his struggles with his addiction and growing need to use it, he continually tries to prove his worth to the team by staying loyal to them and establishing his moral code.

Unfortunately, Tetsu seems doomed by his fate. The more he progresses in the Possible Futures game, the more he realizes that he is destined to live in a future where he will end up succumbing to his drug addiction. Every choice he makes tricks him into stepping closer to that tragic future.

Ultimately, Tetsu accepts his death, realizing that it would at least free him from living his destiny. The lack of a positive resolution seems unfair given how he comes off as a good man.

Nobu

Played by Kotaro Daigo

Nobu only remains an observer as he watches others solve central games. He allows his fate to be dictated by other players’ decisions. Even during Zombie Hunt, he allows other players to tell him what to do and kills a player only because he is asked to.

However, being friends with Arisu helps him grow a spine and take a stand for himself. Before Zombie Hunt ends, he dares confront Kazuya and turn him on his side. He even gets satisfying closure where he makes it out alive.

Kazuya

Played by Hiroyuki Ikeuchi

Kazuya starts out as one of the villains… He brutally kills players during Zombie Hunt without qualms about defying moral boundaries just for survival.

Kazuya eventually has one of most cathartic story arcs… After Nobu saves him during Zombie Hunt…

Rei

Played by Tina Tamashiro

Rei is arguably best new character… She carries herself with nonchalant demeanor…

The absence of Chishiya is felt throughout… However…