Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Squid Game Season 3. I must confess, there are numerous aspects to appreciate about the third installment of Netflix’s gripping South Korean thriller Squid Game. The dynamic narratives surrounding characters like Player 456 Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), Player 149 Jang Geum-ja (Kang Ae-shim), and Player 222 Kim Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri) are incredibly engaging as the ensemble strives to navigate survival after the tumultuous coup attempt in the Season 2 finale. The innovative games are not only intense but also gruesome, filled with tension and high stakes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. However, a significant flaw emerges in the final five episodes, a lingering issue from Season 2 that could have been rectified had the showrunners made more strategic choices. The brilliant cameo by Cate Blanchett at the very end was a masterstroke, showcasing Netflix’s investment as she portrays the enigmatic American recruiter who shares a captivating moment with the unpredictable master of ceremonies, Hwang In-ho (Lee Byung-hun). It raises a question: if they can secure an A-list star like Blanchett, why were we subjected to the uninspiring performances of the VIP actors who nearly undermined the entire season for me?
The VIP Characters Resemble AI-Generated Cartoon Figures in ‘Squid Game’ Season 3
In the inaugural season, the concept of a Kubrickian Eyes Wide Shut style elite group of affluent VIP voyeurs contributed a unique element to the narrative, offering a profound exploration of the Bong Joon-ho style irony and cruelty surrounding the class divide between the haves and the have-nots. Although I was not particularly fond of the VIP characters, their presence did not detract significantly from the overall experience. This time around, however, the inclusion of these special guests proved to be a substantial misstep that added little value to the storyline. In fact, their presence almost sabotaged what is otherwise a meticulously crafted and exceptionally performed season by the main cast. The question remains: why are they even part of the story? Several alternative approaches regarding the VIP subplot could have led to a more satisfying conclusion.
Consider this suggestion — either cast superior actors or completely eliminate the poorly portrayed “VIPs”! Especially those caricatures meant to represent Americans. Not only did they bring back these “subpar actors,” but they also increased their dialogue in Season 3. In Episode 4, I was expected to feel astonished as the identities of some of the murderous guards were revealed to be the VIPs. Rather than being surprised, I found myself questioning the purpose of the masks when the audience had already seen their faces. The dialogue and the performances were so inferior compared to the main characters that it became challenging to watch. I cannot even begin to address the American character with long hair and a beard, whose portrayal was painfully exaggerated and immensely cringeworthy. It feels as if he is an AI-generated version of what the casting team believes a nouveau riche tech or finance bro embodies.
Was ‘Squid Game’ Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk Critiquing Modern American Culture?
The performances were uniformly poor, yet the character with the English accent at least embodied a wicked, Bond-villain essence that I could appreciate. It is primarily the loud, misogynistic, vulgar, and utterly obnoxious American VIP who required significant toning down or complete removal, yet the showrunners opted to amplify their involvement rather than minimize it. Each time I found myself on the edge of my seat during a critical squid game, there would be an abrupt cut to the VIPs, disrupting my immersion as a viewer. While it might have been an intentional jab or commentary on American culture, the execution came across as poor acting delivering painfully cringe-worthy lines. Interestingly, showrunner Hwang Dong-hyuk had already removed a considerable amount of VIP scenes from Season 3.
Despite the edits, these scenes still feel like a blatant critique of the unearned entitlement and arrogance often associated with the privileged elite of the American 1%. Yet, it is perplexing to witness how he makes an effort to secure an Oscar-caliber actress like Blanchett to portray the only other American character, raising questions about his creative choices. Although I understand that the purpose of Blanchett’s cameo is to create a memorable twist, the budget allocated for such an A-list appearance could have been better spent on securing competent actors for the VIP roles if they were to remain integral to the show. While the brief appearance of Blanchett is a delightful surprise, hiring underwhelming actors for recurring roles diminishes the overall quality of the production. The talented South Korean main cast truly deserves better treatment than this.
Squid Game is currently available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
